Keyboard Shell Platform Cavity Water Ingress Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional input devices, such as keyboards, are bulky and vulnerable to water ingress, which can damage internal electronic components due to their complex design and susceptibility to contaminants.
Innovation Solution
A deep-draw shell input device with a wedge-shaped platform that positions a circuit board in a cavity beneath the keys, shielding it from liquids and debris, and includes an antenna aperture for wireless signal transmission, providing structural support and protection against water ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional keyboard design with multiple components is used, then functional requirements are met, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the enclosure structure: the enclosure serves as both the protective housing and the liquid barrier, the platform provides both structural support and circuit board mounting, and the cavity serves as both structural reinforcement and liquid diversion channel. This integration reduces component count while maintaining protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection, acts as a liquid barrier, supports internal components, and includes integrated features like the platform and cavity for circuit board protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components.
2Reliability
If circuit board is positioned near key openings for electrical connection, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but susceptibility to water damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is positioned in the vertical dimension away from the key openings at the top, placed within a cavity at the bottom of the enclosure. This spatial separation in the vertical dimension allows electrical connectivity while protecting against liquid ingress from the top.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform acts as an intermediary structure that supports the circuit board and positions it within the cavity, away from liquid exposure zones. The platform with its cavity creates a protected intermediate space between the key openings and the circuit board.
3Ease of manufacture
If enclosure structure is simplified, then manufacturing ease improves, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is segmented into functional zones: the main enclosure body, the platform structure, and the cavity space. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity through their integrated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure appears to use composite construction combining different materials or structural layers to achieve both strength and manufacturing efficiency. The integration of the platform and cavity into the enclosure structure creates a composite assembly that provides enhanced strength without requiring additional separate components.
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 results in a more compact, robust, and water-resistant input device that protects internal components while enabling wireless communication, enhancing both structural integrity and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The deep-draw shell may have an aperture formed in a rear or side wall. The aperture may be configured to facilitate the transmission of wireless signals or data
Implementation Method 2
The platform and/or the positioning of the circuit board within the cavity may keep the circuit board away from liquid that may pool near the bottom of the input device
Implementation Method 3
The aperture may be configured to facilitate the transmission of wireless signals or data and may be tuned for a particular transmission frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard device includes a shell having a set of aperture formed into a top surface. A group of keys are disposed in the set of apertures. A platform is disposed under the group of keys and substantially fills an interior of the shell. The platform has a cavity formed in a lower surface of the platform. A circuit board, which is operable to control the keyboard is disposed within the cavity. The platform is configured to prevent ingress of liquid and debris that may enter the set of apertures. In some cases, the shell may have a rear aperture formed into a side wall, which may be configured as an antenna that is tuned to transmit a wireless signals at a transmission frequency.