Keyboard Key Support Structure Reducing Deformation Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard devices require a complex structure with multiple flexible members to support keys, which can lead to deformation issues due to aging, affecting the appearance and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A simplified key support structure using a first member pivotal about a first axis with a degree of freedom in rolling and yawing directions, supported by a second and third member at contact points where normal vectors intersect, allowing for movement restriction and deformation absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple flexible members are used to support keys, then the key support structure becomes more complex, but the appearance and functionality are compromised due to deformation issues from aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple flexible members into a single integrated first member that provides both rotational support and lateral restriction functions. This consolidation reduces the number of components while maintaining the reliability needed to prevent key deformation from aging, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it allows rotational movement about the first axis while also restricting lateral movement in the first direction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing structural complexity while ensuring reliable key support.
2Device complexity
If a simple key support structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to restrict key deformation and allow necessary movement is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The first member is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to rotate about the first axis while restricting lateral movement. This dynamic design enables a simple structure to reliably control key movement in different directions, maintaining reliability without increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first member has different functional characteristics at different locations: it is configured to allow rotation about the first axis at the pivot point while restricting lateral movement along its length. This localized functional differentiation enables a simple structure to provide reliable directional control of key movement.
3Shape
If flexible members are used to absorb key deformation, then the appearance is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and prone to deformation from aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the deformation absorption function with the structural support function in a single first member. This eliminates the need for separate flexible members that would complicate the structure, while still maintaining good appearance by preventing key deformation through the integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
A key support structure of a keyboard device includes a first member and a second member that supports the first member. The first member is pivotal about a first axis that extends in a first direction and movable with a degree of freedom of movement in a rolling direction, which is a direction of rotation around a second axis extending in a second direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first direction. the second member restricts a movement of the first member in the first direction, while pivotally supporting the first member about the first axis.