Keyboard Key Structure with Segmented Span for Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional key structures face difficulties in assembly due to the risk of the supporting element being scratched or damaged during assembly, and the supporting element is prone to detachment from the metallic base plate due to inadequate spacing and interference.

Innovation Solution

The key structure design includes a supporting element with a rotating shaft and installation groove that adjusts spans to reduce assembly force requirements, preventing damage and ensuring proper interference, allowing for assembly using automatic equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the spacing interval of the fixed span is increased to prevent scratching or damaging the supporting element during assembly, then the supporting element is readily detached from the base plate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescratch or damage to supporting elementVSAvoidattachment stability of supporting element

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed span is divided into two segments: a first span during assembly and a second span during operation. The installation groove includes an assembling hole part for the first span and a pivotal hole part for the second span, allowing the span length to be segmented and changed at different stages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The span length is made dynamic rather than fixed. The installation groove allows the rotating shaft to be positioned at different locations (assembling hole part or pivotal hole part), enabling the span to adapt its length based on the operational stage (assembly or operation)

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If a strong external force is applied to press the frame into the connecting part during assembly, then the frames can be coupled with the base plate, but the supporting element is readily scratched or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoidscratch or damage to supporting element

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The span length parameter is changed between assembly and operation stages. By using a longer first span during assembly, the required assembly force is reduced, preventing damage to the supporting element while still enabling coupling with the base plate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11532445B1Key structure

Publication Date: 2022.12.20 PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD

AI summary

A key structure includes a keycap, a base plate and a supporting element. The supporting element includes a first frame and a second frame. The supporting element is connected with the keycap and the base plate. Consequently, the keycap is movable upwardly or downwardly relative to the base plate. When the first frame and a second frame are combined together, a first span and a second span are formed sequentially. The second span is smaller than the first frame.