Keyboard Apparatus With Segmented Flexible Portions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboard structures with integrated thin plates struggle to replicate the touch feeling of an acoustic piano, as they require precise control over deformation, limiting design freedom and durability.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard apparatus featuring a connecting portion with a first flexible plate and a second flexible rod, made from different materials, allowing for attachable and detachable connection between the key and frame, enabling controlled touch feedback and improved design flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single integrated thin plate is used to connect the key to the frame, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the touch feeling cannot replicate the acoustic piano experience and design freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single integrated thin plate is divided into multiple separate flexible portions (first flexible portion, second flexible portion, etc.) that can be independently designed and connected through connectors. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for specific functions while maintaining overall structural simplicity for manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
Different flexible portions are made from different materials with varying flexibility characteristics. The first flexible portion may use a softer material for touch feedback, while the second flexible portion uses a stiffer material for structural support, creating a composite system that replicates acoustic piano touch feeling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If another thin plate is added vertically to allow movement in the direction keys are arrayed, then movement freedom is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting structure is segmented into horizontally arranged flexible portions and vertically arranged flexible portions that are serially connected through connectors. This segmentation enables independent optimization of each portion's geometry and material properties to achieve multi-directional movement freedom while keeping individual components simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The connectors are designed to allow relative movement between the horizontally arranged and vertically arranged flexible portions. This dynamic connection enables the structure to adapt to different movement requirements in different directions without requiring a rigid complex framework.
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
The solution enhances the touch feeling by allowing for adjustable stiffness and durability, providing a more realistic piano-like experience while simplifying manufacturing and maintaining high positional precision.
Implementation Method 1
a connecting portion having a first flexible portion, a second flexible portion serially connected to the first flexible portion between the key and the frame, the connecting portion turnably connecting the key to the frame by utilizing flexibility of the first flexible portion or the second flexible portion
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a keyboard apparatus includes a key, a frame, and a connecting portion having a first flexible portion, a second flexible portion serially connected to the first flexible portion between the key and the frame, and a connector for connecting the first flexible portion and the second flexible portion to each other attachably and detachably, the connecting portion turnably connecting the key to the frame by utilizing flexibility of the first flexible portion or the second flexible portion.