Keyboard Key Structure Segmented Elastic Element Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional keyboard devices with rubber-dome elastic elements face challenges in reducing overall volume and achieving satisfactory tactile feedback due to the bulky nature of these elements, limiting the development of slim-type keyboards with unsatisfactory travel distance and tactile feel.

Innovation Solution

The keyboard device incorporates an elastic element with a resilience piece and supporting ribs, allowing for increased travel distance and buffering effect, enhancing tactile feedback by providing an empty travel distance and improved keycap movement mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rubber-dome elastic element is used, then the key structure has sufficient travel distance and tactile feel, but the overall volume of the key structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile feelVSAvoidoverall volume of key structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic element is segmented into a resilience piece and multiple supporting ribs. The supporting ribs are arranged between the resilience piece and the keycap, creating a structured configuration that provides tactile feedback while reducing overall volume compared to a solid rubber dome.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resilience piece functions as a flexible element that deforms under keycap pressure to provide tactile feedback. This thin-film approach replaces the bulky rubber dome while maintaining the necessary elastic properties for satisfactory tactile feel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Volume of stationary object

If a metal-dome elastic element is used to reduce volume, then the overall volume of the key structure is reduced, but the travel distance becomes very short

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall volume of key structureVSAvoidtravel distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the elastic element into a resilience piece and supporting ribs, the design creates a configuration where the keycap can travel a sufficient distance before contacting the resilience piece, then continue traveling as the supporting ribs deform, providing adequate total travel distance in a compact form.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting ribs act as an intermediary structure between the keycap and the resilience piece. They provide a progressive deformation mechanism that extends the travel distance beyond what a direct metal-dome contact would allow, while maintaining compact overall dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of stationary object

If a metal-dome elastic element is used to reduce volume, then the keyboard can be made slim, but the tactile feel becomes unsatisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall volume of key structureVSAvoidtactile feel

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting ribs are designed to deform dynamically under keycap pressure, providing a progressive tactile response. This dynamic deformation mechanism creates satisfactory tactile feedback while maintaining a slim overall profile, unlike static metal-dome structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The enhanced key structure with supporting ribs and resilience piece design increases travel distance and provides a satisfactory tactile feel, addressing the limitations of conventional technologies in terms of volume reduction and tactile feedback.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic element includes a resilience piece and plural supporting ribs. The plural supporting ribs are arranged between the resilience piece and the keycap. The plural supporting ribs are protruded in a direction toward the keycap and contacted with the pressing post of the keycap.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11646167B1Keyboard device and key structure thereof

Publication Date: 2023.05.09 PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD

AI summary

A keyboard device includes plural key structures. Each key structure includes a base plate, a keycap, a membrane circuit board, a connecting member and an elastic element. The keycap includes a pressing post. The membrane circuit board is arranged between the base plate and the keycap. The connecting member is penetrated through the membrane circuit board and connected between the keycap and the base plate. The keycap is movable upwardly or downwardly relative to the membrane circuit board. The elastic element is arranged between the keycap and the membrane circuit board. The elastic element includes a resilience piece and plural supporting ribs. The plural supporting ribs are arranged between the resilience piece and the keycap. The plural supporting ribs are contacted with the pressing post of the keycap. Consequently, there is a gap between the pressing post and the resilience piece.