Electronic Keyboard Pressure Sensing for Force-Based Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic keyboards only generate signals when keys are pressed, limiting user interaction and convenience.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating pressure sensors between the keyboard substrate and the circuit board, allowing for the detection and generation of pressure signals corresponding to the force applied by the user, enabling more nuanced input options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pressure sensors are added between the keyboard substrate and circuit board, then user interaction capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interaction capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensor is integrated within the existing keyboard structure by positioning it between the keyboard substrate and circuit board, effectively nesting the new sensing component within the existing assembly without requiring a completely new structural design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure sensor serves multiple functions: it detects key press events, measures pressing force magnitude, and enables varied pressure inputs for different commands, making the keyboard more versatile while using a single added component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If pressure sensors are integrated into the keyboard structure, then input precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensor is positioned at specific locations between the keyboard substrate and circuit board where key presses occur, providing localized precise measurement of pressing force at the exact points where input is needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure sensor is pre-integrated into the keyboard assembly during manufacturing, with the sensor positioned in advance between the substrate and circuit board before final assembly, simplifying the manufacturing process by preparing the sensing structure beforehand

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution enhances user experience by allowing for varied pressure inputs, simulating real-world interactions, and facilitating more complex control over electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

at least one pressure sensor is arranged between a lower portion of the cavity and the circuit board... each pressure sensor is provided with a pressing layer arranged on one side of the circuit board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4094142B1Electronic keyboard
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 PERATECH HOLDCO LTD
  • EP4094142B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4094142B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4094142B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic keyboard (102) comprises a plurality of keys (201) and a housing (501) comprising a cavity (203). The cavity accommodates a circuit board (503), a pressing layer (502) and at least one pressure sensor (504) arranged therein. Each pressure sensor is provided between a lower portion (505) of the cavity and the circuit board, the pressing layer is moveably connected to each of the keys and the circuit board is provided between the pressing layer and the lower portion. Each pressure sensor is connected to the circuit board, and a force-receiving surface (406) of each pressure sensor aligns with a projection area (506) of the corresponding one of the keys.