Keyboard Key Switching for Silent Clicks With Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing silent input devices that eliminate click sounds often compromise on user feedback, failing to provide sufficient tactile and auditory cues, which can be problematic in quiet environments where sound feedback is desired without disturbing others.
Innovation Solution
An input device with adjustable tactile feedback and sound modes, featuring a switching unit and an adjusting mechanism that allow for mode switching between mute-on and mute-off modes, enabling the device to provide different tactile and sound feedbacks based on user preference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the input device is designed to eliminate click sounds for silent operation, then the operating sound is reduced, but the user feedback is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different tactile feedback modes (mute-on and mute-off) allowing the device to adapt its characteristics based on operational requirements. The adjusting mechanism dynamically modifies the interference ratio of the sound-generating structure to the operation path, enabling transition between silent and feedback-providing states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the key structure by adjusting the interference ratio of the sound-generating structure. By modifying this parameter, the device can switch between generating click sounds and providing tactile feedback without sounds, thus resolving the contradiction between silent operation and user feedback.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the sound-generating structure is removed or disabled for silent operation, then the click sound is eliminated, but the tactile feedback is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the feedback mechanism into two independent components: a sound-generating structure and a tactile structure. This segmentation allows the sound-generating structure to be selectively engaged or disengaged from the operation path while the tactile structure continues to provide feedback, thus maintaining ease of operation during silent mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting mechanism acts as an intermediary that controls the engagement between the sound-generating structure and the operation path. By positioning this intermediary component, the device can selectively allow or block the sound-generating structure from interfering with the operation path, thereby controlling sound generation while preserving tactile feedback capabilities.
3Loss of information
If the tactile structure interferes with the operation path to provide tactile feedback, then the user feedback is sufficient, but the operating sound increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the feedback provision function into two distinct structures: one for tactile feedback and another for sound generation. The tactile structure interferes with the operation path to provide tactile feedback, while the sound-generating structure is selectively positioned to either interfere (produce sound) or not interfere (silent mode) with the operation path.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting mechanism dynamically repositions the sound-generating structure relative to the operation path based on the selected mode. In mute-on mode, the sound-generating structure is positioned to not interfere with the operation path, eliminating click sounds while the tactile structure continues to provide feedback. In mute-off mode, the sound-generating structure is positioned to interfere with the operation path, producing click sounds.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the adjusting mechanism is added to enable mode switching, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it positions the sound-generating structure relative to the operation path, controls the engagement of the sound-generating structure, and enables mode switching between mute-on and mute-off states. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A mute-able input device with keystroke tactile feedback includes: a plurality of keys, each including a tactile structure and a sound-generating structure for respectively generating operational tactile feedback and operating sounds; a plurality of adjusting mechanisms, each including an adjusting portion corresponding to one of the keys; at least one switching unit including an operating portion and a switch member, the operating portion connecting the switch member and the adjusting mechanism, the switch member generating a switching signal involving a mode switching between different tactile modes or different sound modes for one or more keys. When the operating portion moves in response to a force, the switch member is triggered to achieve the mode switching; meanwhile, the adjusting portion moves to interfere with at least one of the tactile structure or the sound-generating structure along with the movement of the operating portion.