Keyboard Key Structure for Accurate Pressure Sensing in Slim Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard devices cannot accurately detect the magnitude of pressure applied to key structures, limiting their application to slim-type electronic devices due to reliance on elastic elements for pressure sensing, which require significant displacement to trigger pressure sensing structures.
Innovation Solution
The keyboard device incorporates a key structure with a skirt part on the keycap that presses a pressure sensing structure on a membrane switch board, utilizing an elastic plate with triggering parts and raised platforms to deform and trigger the pressure sensing structure at a reduced displacement, enabling accurate pressure sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only the elastic element is used as the force point to sense pressure, then the structure is simple, but the pressure sensing accuracy is poor and the displacement required is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the force transmission path by introducing a separate triggering part on the elastic plate that is distinct from the elastic element itself. The elastic element's deformation is converted into localized triggering part movement, which then directly contacts the pressure sensing structure. This segmentation allows the elastic element to provide the necessary force while the triggering part provides the precise contact point, improving pressure sensing accuracy without requiring large overall displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The triggering part acts as an intermediary between the elastic element and the pressure sensing structure. Instead of the elastic element directly sensing pressure over a large displacement, the triggering part mediates the interaction by concentrating the elastic element's movement into a focused contact point that directly engages with the pressure sensing structure, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing the required displacement.
2Length of moving object
If the elastic element is used as the force point, then the structure is simple, but the displacement required to touch the pressure sensing structure is large, making it unsuitable for slim-type devices
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the force transmission function between the elastic element and the triggering part, the patent enables a two-stage deformation mechanism. The elastic element provides the primary restoring force, while the triggering part translates this into localized, controlled contact with the pressure sensing structure. This reduces the overall displacement requirement, making the keyboard device suitable for slim-type electronic devices with limited thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the system by introducing the triggering part with specific geometric features (protrusions or extensions) that concentrate the deformation force. This parameter change allows the system to achieve effective pressure sensing with reduced displacement, enabling adaptation to slim-type devices where space is constrained.
3Measurement precision
If the conventional key structure is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the pressure magnitude cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the elastic element's deformation function with a dedicated triggering part that directly interfaces with the pressure sensing structure. This combination integrates force generation and pressure transmission into a unified mechanism, enabling pressure magnitude detection while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes. The triggering part is formed as an integral feature of the elastic plate, avoiding the need for separate complex assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic plate serves multiple functions: it provides the elastic restoring force through the elastic element, transmits this force through the triggering part, and enables pressure magnitude detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving advanced pressure sensing capabilities.
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 allows for quick and accurate pressure sensing, enabling the keyboard device to be applied to slim-type electronic devices while improving pressure detection precision.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic plate is subjected to deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure includes a base plate, a keycap, a membrane circuit board and an elastic plate. The keycap is located over the base plate. The keycap includes a top wall and a skirt part. The membrane circuit board is arranged between the keycap and the base plate. The membrane circuit board includes a pressure sensing structure. The elastic plate is arranged between the keycap and the membrane circuit board. The elastic plate includes a triggering part. The triggering part is extended toward the membrane circuit board and aligned with the pressure sensing structure. While the keycap is moved downwardly toward the elastic plate, the skirt part of the keycap is correspondingly moved to press the elastic plate. Consequently, the triggering part is moved downwardly to press the pressure sensing structure.