Keyboard Membrane Switch Electrostatic Protection via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard electrostatic protection mechanisms are inadequate, particularly for keyboards with light keys, as the membrane under each key can prevent discharge of instantaneous high current, leading to potential damage to electronic elements.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard structure with a base, keys, and an electronic element, where each key includes a cap, a limiting structure, an elastic member, and a membrane switch, and features a hole or metal structure in the membrane switch to create an electrostatic protection zone, allowing instantaneous high currents to be directed to the ground instead of the electronic element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a membrane switch is used under each key, then the keyboard structure is compact and waterproof, but the membrane prevents discharge of instantaneous high current, causing electrostatic protection to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane switch is segmented by creating a hole in it, dividing the continuous membrane into regions separated by the hole. This allows the electrostatic protection zone to pass through the membrane at the hole location, enabling current discharge while maintaining the membrane's waterproof and compact structure in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane switch has different properties in different locations: it remains intact and waterproof in most areas, but has a hole at the electrostatic protection zone location to allow current discharge. This local modification provides electrostatic protection without compromising the overall membrane structure.
2Reliability
If conductive members are configured to guide electrostatic discharges to ground, then electrostatic protection is provided, but the protection mechanism cannot completely cover the entire keyboard, particularly around electronic elements
Solution Approach 1:
The solution extracts the limitation of using only conductive members by introducing a hole in the membrane switch that directly exposes the electrostatic protection zone. This eliminates the need for complex conductive member configurations under each key, providing simpler and more complete coverage around electronic elements.
3Reliability
If extra conducting wires are added to leak away instantaneous high current, then electrostatic protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solution removes the need for extra conducting wires by creating a hole in the membrane switch that allows direct access to the electrostatic protection zone. This provides current leakage path without adding complex wire configurations, simplifying the overall device structure.
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
Enhances electrostatic protection by ensuring that high currents are safely dissipated, preventing damage to electronic components within the keyboard, while maintaining a waterproof and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
electrostatic discharges (ESD)... guide electrostatic discharges accumulated on the casing surface to the ground end... leak away an instantaneous high current
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard structure including a base, at least one key and an electronic element is provided. The key is disposed on the base and sequentially includes a cap, a limiting structure, an elastic member and a membrane switch from top to down, wherein the elastic member is disposed on the membrane switch, the cap is disposed on the elastic member, and the limiting structure connects the cap and the base, such that the cap is configured to move relative to the base in a vertical direction. The electronic element is disposed on the membrane switch and is surrounded by an electrostatic protection zone, wherein the membrane switch has a hole corresponding to the electrostatic protection zone.