Keyboard Linkage Assembly Vertical Snap-Fit Pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard assembly requires individual assembly of linkage assemblies, making the process labor-intensive and time-consuming due to the need for precise alignment and sideward insertion of male and female elements.
Innovation Solution
The keyboard design incorporates intersecting link levers with additional pivot mechanisms, including flexible male and female elements that allow for elastic deformation and snap-fitting, enabling easier assembly by overlaying and vertical insertion, and utilizing hook-shaft engagement mechanisms for secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sideward insertion method is used to assemble male and female elements, then secure connection is achieved, but assembly process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional insertion direction from horizontal (sideward) to vertical. The male element protrudes vertically upward from the second link lever, and the female element receives it vertically downward through the first link lever, enabling gravity-assisted assembly and significantly improving assembly efficiency while maintaining secure connection through the same snap-fit mechanism
2Reliability
If precise alignment is required for male and female elements, then secure connection is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-alignment through the inherent geometric relationship between the male element protruding from the second link lever and the female element in the first link lever. The vertical arrangement and inherent tolerances allow the components to self-align during assembly without requiring precise external alignment, reducing assembly complexity while ensuring reliable connection
3Ease of manufacture
If frame spreading is required to insert link levers, then linkage assembly is achieved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the insertion sequence by first inserting the male element vertically into the female element to form the pivot connection between link levers, and then inserting the assembled link levers into the keyboard base. This eliminates the need to spread the frame of the first link lever beforehand, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining ease of manufacture through the simple vertical snap-fit mechanism
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
This design simplifies the assembly process by allowing link levers to be interconnected pivotally with ease, reducing assembly time and complexity, and enabling row-by-row mounting of linkage assemblies and keycaps on the keyboard base.
Implementation Method 1
the male element is elastically deformed to be pressed into the female element via the first opening, the male element is restored to its original form to be limited in the female element
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard includes a keyboard base, a membrane circuit substrate, and a press key set having a plurality of press keys. Each of the press keys includes: a keycap, a linkage assembly including intersecting first and second link levers, and a first pivot mechanism to interconnect pivotally the first and second link levers, and an elastic element. The first pivot mechanism includes: a female element having a first opening formed in one of upper and lower surfaces of the first link lever; and a flexible male element outwardly protruding from a lateral surface of the second link lever. The male and female elements are configured such that after the male element is elastically deformed to be pressed into the female element via the first opening, the male element is restored to its original form to be limited in the female element.