Keyboard Switch Shaft Structure for Custom Pressing Feel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical feel keyboards require different switch modules to achieve varying pressing feels, leading to high costs and an inability to meet individual user preferences.
Innovation Solution
A shaft design with a sliding protrusion and elastic parts that allow for adjustable resistance and sound feedback, enabling different pressing feels by replacing elastic parts with varying specifications, which can be integrated into a keyboard structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different switch modules are replaced to achieve different pressing feels, then the pressing feel requirements of different users can be met, but the cost increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch module is segmented into independent functional components: the shaft body (providing structural support and guiding), the elastic part (providing restoring force), and the pressing feel adjustment mechanism. This segmentation allows users to replace only the elastic part to change pressing feels, rather than replacing the entire switch module, thereby reducing cost and complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft body is designed as a universal component that can work with different types of elastic parts to achieve various pressing feels. The shaft cavity, groove, and partition board structure is standardized to accommodate multiple elastic part specifications, making the shaft body multi-functional and reusable across different configurations, thus reducing the need for multiple specialized switch modules.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different switch modules are replaced to achieve different pressing feels, then the pressing feel requirements of different users can be met, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the switch module into a reusable shaft body and replaceable elastic parts, the manufacturing cost is reduced. The expensive shaft body with its precision-machined cavity, groove, and partition board is manufactured once and reused. Only the relatively inexpensive elastic parts need to be produced in multiple specifications, significantly lowering overall production costs compared to manufacturing multiple complete switch modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Different pressing feels are achieved by changing the parameters of the elastic part (such as elasticity coefficient, thickness, or material properties) rather than changing the entire switch module. This parameter change approach allows for cost-effective customization, as elastic parts with different parameters can be manufactured more economically than complete switch modules.
3Device complexity
If a fixed switch module is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to meet different user pressing feel requirements is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The switch module transitions from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The shaft body includes a groove and partition board that allow elastic parts with different specifications to be installed and removed. This dynamic design enables the pressing feel to be adjusted according to user preferences while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
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 shaft design allows for customizable pressing resistance and sound feedback, enabling users to experience different mechanical feels without the need for multiple switch modules, thus reducing costs and enhancing user satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic part mounted in the groove, the first elastic part having a fixed end detachably connected with the shaft casing and an abutting end capable of abutting against the first inclined surface at the channel
Data Source
AI summary
A shaft and a keyboard are provided. The shaft includes a shaft casing having a shaft cavity running theretrough, a shaft core and a first elastic part. A downward surface of the shaft casing is provided with a groove, a partition board is provided between the groove and the shaft cavity, and the partition board is provided with a channel in a direction of the shaft cavity. The shaft core slidably penetrates through the shaft cavity, a sliding protrusion corresponding to the channel in position is provided on a side surface of the shaft core, and the sliding protrusion has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface which are arranged back to back; the first elastic part is mounted in the groove, and has a fixed end detachably connected with the shaft casing and an abutting end capable of abutting against the first inclined surface at the channel.