Keyboard Stabilizer Bar Noise Reduction via Soft Covering Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard devices generate unpleasant noise due to collisions between metallic stabilizer bar hooks and the base plate during key operation, affecting the smoothness and tactile feel.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a switch circuit board with soft covering elements and extension regions to separate the hooks from the base plate, allowing them to move within accommodation spaces without colliding with the metallic base, thus eliminating noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic stabilizer bars are used to maintain key structure stability, then structural strength is improved, but collision noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a soft covering element as an intermediary between the metallic stabilizer bar hook and the base plate. This soft material layer absorbs the impact energy during key operation, preventing direct metallic-to-metallic contact and eliminating the collision noise while preserving the structural strength of the stabilizer bar.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful collision impact into a beneficial controlled deformation of the soft covering element. The impact energy that previously caused noise is now absorbed and dissipated through the elastic deformation of the soft material, transforming a harmful effect into a beneficial noise-reduction mechanism.
2Stability of the object's composition
If stabilizer bars are designed to prevent keycap rocking, then operational stability is improved, but collision with base plate occurs causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The soft covering element serves as a mediator between the stabilizer bar hook and the base plate, allowing the stabilizer bar to maintain its stabilizing function while preventing direct contact that causes noise. The soft material deforms to accommodate the hook's movement without creating collision sounds.
3Stability of the object's composition
If hook parts are extended to engage with base plate, then key structure stability is improved, but collision noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The soft covering element is positioned between the hook part and the base plate, allowing the hook to extend and engage for stability while the soft material prevents direct metallic contact. This intermediary layer absorbs the impact and eliminates noise during key operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the contact interface by introducing a soft material layer. This alters the contact properties from rigid metallic contact to compliant soft contact, changing the impact dynamics and eliminating noise while maintaining the stabilizing function.
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 keyboard device reduces noise and maintains smooth operation and tactile feedback by preventing collisions between the hooks and the base plate, even when using metallic stabilizer bars.
Implementation Method 1
The soft covering element is disposed on the switch circuit board. An accommodation spaces is defined by the soft covering element and the switch circuit board collaboratively. The hook part is inserted into the accommodation space.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard device includes a key structure, a base plate and a switch circuit board. The switch circuit board includes a soft covering element. The key structure includes a keycap and a stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bar is connected with the keycap and the soft covering element. The soft covering element is disposed on the switch circuit board. An accommodation space is formed between the soft covering element and the switch circuit board. The stabilizer bar is inserted into the accommodation space and connected with the switch circuit board. The stabilizer bar and the base plate are made of metallic material. Since the stabilizer bar and the base plate are separated by the switch circuit board, the keyboard device is capable of reducing noise.