Keyboard Structure with Rear Stopper to Prevent Hinge Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic keyboard structures face challenges in minimizing the depth size and preventing plastic deformation of hinges, which can lead to deteriorated key performance due to excessive force application and potential hinge deformation.
Innovation Solution
The keyboard structure incorporates a stopper mechanism integrated into the key frame, which acts as a guide and restricts rearward displacements of key main bodies, allowing the hinges to deform forwardly during key depression, thereby minimizing rearward displacements and preventing plastic deformation without complicating the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If hinges are extended vertically downward from key rear ends, then the longitudinal dimension of keys is shortened and depth size is reduced, but the hinges become susceptible to plastic deformation when excessive force is applied from front to rear
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper mechanism is positioned to preemptively counteract excessive rearward force on the key main body before it can transmit harmful loads to the hinge. When the key main body moves rearward beyond the stopped position, the stopper engages to prevent further displacement, thereby protecting the hinge from plastic deformation while allowing the compact vertical hinge configuration to be maintained
2Strength
If hinges are made longer to prevent plastic deformation, then hinge strength increases, but the key main bodies become prone to rolling motion which deteriorates key performance
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than changing the length parameter of the hinge, the invention changes the operational parameters by introducing the stopper mechanism that limits rearward displacement. This allows the hinge to maintain its optimal shorter length for preventing rolling motion while the stopper ensures the hinge is not subjected to excessive forces that would cause plastic deformation
3Reliability
If stopper contact portions are positioned close to the stopper to minimize rearward displacement, then hinge protection is improved, but key depression operation may be hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper contact portions are positioned to create a dynamic balance: during normal key depression, the keys can move forward freely without restriction, but when excessive rearward force is applied, the stopper engages to limit further displacement. This dynamic positioning allows the stopper contact portions to be close to the stopper for hinge protection while not interfering with normal key operation
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 effectively reduces the depth dimension of the keyboard instrument and prevents hinge plastic deformation, enhancing key performance by maintaining proper key depression loci and ensuring smooth operation.
Implementation Method 1
the hinges are extended parallel to the vertical direction and adapted to be deformed in the front-to-rear direction... the hinges are elastically deformed in a vertical direction, lateral direction and diagonal direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A keyboard structure capable of suppressing a depth dimension of a keyboard instrument and rearward displacements of key main bodies to thereby prevent plastic deformation of hinges. White (27) and black (28) key main bodies are each disposed for pivotal motion around a common base end (20), serving as a key fulcrum, in a key depression/release direction via a hinge (24,25,26) extended therefrom vertically downward. A rear stopper (42) is provided in an intermediate portion of a key frame (10), and a contact portion of a stopper contact member (25a,30a) is in light contact with a front surface of the rear stopper when a key main body is in a key depression initial position. In a key-nondepressed state, when a force exerting toward the rear is applied to a key main body, the rear stopper applies the contact portion with a force exerting toward the front against the force applied to the key main body, thus suppressing a rearward displacement of the key main body.