Keyboard Module With Integrated Microphone for Thin Notebooks
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Solution Overview
Problem
As portable electronic devices trend toward thinner and lighter designs, there is a challenge in accommodating microphones within the limited space, particularly in devices like notebook computers with narrow bezels, which hinders the voice conversation function.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard module is designed with a circuit assembly that includes key assemblies and a microphone, where both tapping signals from the key assemblies and sound signals from the microphone are transmitted through a signal output interface, allowing the microphone to be integrated as a built-in component, eliminating the need for additional microphone configurations and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the portable electronic device is designed with a thinner and lighter appearance, then the aesthetic effect and portability are improved, but the space available for configuring microphones is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the microphone with the keyboard assembly to form an integrated structure. The microphone is positioned within the keyboard assembly's housing, sharing the same spatial envelope as the keyboard components. This merging eliminates the need for separate microphone mounting space in the device body, thereby enabling thinner device design while maintaining voice conversation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides keyboard input capability and simultaneously houses the microphone for voice conversation. This multi-functionality allows the keyboard assembly to act as both an input device and a voice capture unit, reducing the overall space requirements for voice functionality in thin devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate microphone is configured in the device body, then the voice conversation function is achieved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microphone is integrated into the keyboard assembly structure, sharing the same housing and spatial envelope. The keyboard assembly's housing serves as the microphone's mounting structure, eliminating the need for separate microphone mounting brackets, fasteners, and adjustment mechanisms. This integration simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining voice conversation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard assembly is designed to perform dual functions: keyboard input and voice capture. By making the keyboard assembly a multi-functional component that houses both the keyboard switches and the microphone, the patent reduces device complexity by eliminating separate voice capture subsystems and their associated mounting structures
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a keyboard module and a keyboard device. The keyboard module includes a circuit assembly, a plurality of key assemblies, and at least one microphone. The circuit assembly has a signal output interface. The key assemblies are configured on the circuit assembly, and each key assembly is adapted to be pressed to drive the circuit assembly to generate a tapping signal. The microphone is electrically connected to the circuit assembly. The tapping signal and a sound signal generated by the microphone are respectively transmitted out of the keyboard module through the signal output interface.