Keyboard Key Support Mechanism Simplifies Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboard devices face challenges in simplifying the connection structure between keys and key support mechanisms, leading to complex assembly and maintenance processes, increased manufacturing costs due to the need for different linkages for white and black keys, and reduced rigidity and durability.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard device design featuring a keyboard chassis with swingably engaged arms that pivotally connect to key-side connecting portions, allowing for easy assembly and maintenance by simplifying the connection structure, and ensuring stable key depression forces through aligned center lines of keys and arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If different linkages are used for white keys and black keys to align key depression operations, then key operation alignment is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single type of linkage structure that can be used for both white keys and black keys. The linkage includes a connecting rod with a universal connection mechanism that adapts to different key positions through adjustable connection points, eliminating the need for separate linkage designs for white and black keys while maintaining proper key depression alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the linkage with multiple potential connection points and adjustment mechanisms during manufacturing. This allows the linkage to be easily adapted to different key types during assembly without requiring complex custom designs, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while ensuring proper operation alignment.
2Strength
If metal plate linkages with pin holes are used to connect keys and linkages, then connection strength is improved, but assembly time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connection structure into modular components with standardized interfaces. The linkage is segmented into adjustable connection points that can be quickly positioned and secured, reducing the need for precise pin hole alignment while maintaining connection strength through distributed attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by making the linkage connection parameters adjustable rather than fixed. The connecting rod includes variable connection points that can be positioned at different locations along the rod, allowing for quick adaptation to different key configurations without requiring time-consuming precision alignment of pin holes during assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If center lines of keys and linkages are displaced in the left-right direction, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but key depression force transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing a linkage system with dynamic adjustment capabilities. The connecting rod includes movable or adjustable connection points that can be positioned to optimize force transmission alignment during assembly, allowing the system to adapt to different manufacturing tolerances while maintaining effective key depression force transmission through proper center line alignment at the operational level.
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 simplifies assembly and maintenance, improves the rigidity and durability of the keyboard device by securely receiving key depression forces, and reduces manufacturing costs by using common arm designs for both white and black keys.
Implementation Method 1
Each key support mechanism includes an arm configured to extend in the front-rear direction and swingably engaged with a pivot shaft provided on the keyboard chassis
Implementation Method 2
the depressed key operates such that it pivotally moves about a virtual pivot located rearward of a rear end of the key
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard device for a keyboard instrument includes a plurality of key support mechanisms each provided in a state engaged with a keyboard chassis and supporting an associated key from below, for causing, upon key depression, the depressed key to operate such that the key pivotally moves about a virtual pivot located rearward of a rear end of the key. Each key support mechanism includes first and second arms each extending a predetermined length in a front-rear direction and configured to be swingable. The first and second arms are pivotally and slidably connected to each other. A rear-side connecting portion of the key includes a connecting body portion and a pair of engagement protrusions, and a rear-side connecting portion of the second arm includes two connecting arm portions having a bifurcated shape and formed with connecting holes.