Long Keyboard Key Support Unit Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional long keyboard keys experience noise due to metal balance rods colliding with the base plate when pressed and resonating with music, causing vibrations and noise when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A long keyboard key device design featuring a support unit with pivotally connected outer and inner frame members, embedding balance rods within the frame body to prevent contact with the base plate, and incorporating an elastomer component for smooth keycap movement and reduced noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If metal balance rods are used in conventional long keys, then the keycap can drop smoothly and maintain stability, but the balance rods collide with the base plate causing vibrations and noise when pressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the resilient component and modified balance rod structure) between the balance rod and base plate. The balance rod engages with a resilient component that absorbs impact, preventing direct metal-to-metal collision with the base plate, thereby eliminating noise and vibration while maintaining keycap stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful collision between metal balance rods and base plate into a beneficial energy absorption mechanism. The resilient component is designed to deform under impact, converting the harmful kinetic energy of collision into elastic potential energy, which is then dissipated smoothly, transforming noise and vibration into a controlled mechanical response.
2Ease of operation
If metal balance rods are made movable to allow keycap movement, then the keycap can respond to user input, but the balance rods resonate with music and hit the holding mechanism causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient component serves as a mediator between the balance rod and the holding mechanism. It allows the balance rod to move responsively with keycap input while preventing direct contact with the holding mechanism, thereby eliminating resonance-induced noise during music playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient component provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-installed in the path of the balance rod's movement. Before the balance rod can potentially collide with the holding mechanism during resonance, the resilient component is already in place to absorb and dampen any excessive movements, preventing noise generation.
3Device complexity
If conventional metal balance rods and base plate are used, then the structure is simple and strong, but the metal components collide and generate noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material principles by combining metal components (balance rod, base plate) with a resilient component (likely polymer or elastomer). This composite structure maintains the strength and simplicity of metal parts while introducing noise-absorbing properties through the resilient material, effectively reducing collision noise without significantly increasing structural complexity.
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 design significantly reduces noise during keypress and eliminates resonance-induced noise when music is played, enhancing structural strength and ensuring smooth keycap operation.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating an elastomer component for smooth keycap movement and reduced noise
Data Source
AI summary
A long keyboard key device includes a base plate, a keycap, and a support unit disposed between the base plate and the keycap and including outer and inner frame members that are pivotally connected together. The outer frame member has a frame body, two first engaging parts engaging rotatably first pivotal mounting brackets of the base plate, and a first balance rod embedded in the frame body and having a plurality of engaging sections that engage rotatably first clips of the keycap. The inner frame member has a frame plate, a plurality of second engaging parts engaging rotatably second pivotal mounting brackets of the base plate, and a plurality of third engaging parts engaging rotatably second clips of the keycap.