Keyboard Stabilizer Bar Noise Reduction via Gel Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard devices generate unpleasant noise due to direct contact between stabilizer bar hooks and the metallic base plate, and the noise reduction efficacy is compromised with thinner membrane circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A gel layer is formed on the extension parts of the membrane circuit board, increasing the distance between the stabilizer bar hooks and the base plate, allowing the hooks to move on the gel layer instead of directly contacting the base plate, thus reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the membrane circuit board is made thinner to reduce device thickness, then the overall device becomes more compact, but the noise reduction efficacy deteriorates because the extension part cannot sufficiently separate the stabilizer bar hooks from the base plate
Solution Approach 1:
A gel layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the stabilizer bar hooks and the base plate. This gel layer fills the spacing and provides damping effects that reduce noise from hook contact, allowing the membrane circuit board to be made thinner while maintaining noise reduction efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state and material properties of the spacing medium are changed from solid (traditional spacers) to gel (viscoelastic material). This parameter change allows for better noise damping while maintaining compact dimensions, as the gel can provide both spacing and vibration absorption in a thinner profile.
2Device complexity
If stabilizer bar hooks directly contact the metallic base plate, then the structure is simpler, but unpleasant noise is generated during key operation
Solution Approach 1:
The gel layer serves as a mediator between the metal hooks and metal base plate, preventing direct metal-to-metal contact. This intermediary layer absorbs impact and reduces noise while maintaining the simple overall structure of the keyboard.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution combines different materials (gel and metal) to create a composite system where the gel layer provides noise damping properties that neither metal component alone could achieve, resulting in a multi-material construction that reduces harmful noise.
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 gel layer effectively reduces noise even with thinner membrane circuit boards, enhancing the noise-reducing efficacy of the keyboard device.
Implementation Method 1
A gel layer is formed on the extension parts of the membrane circuit board, increasing the distance between the stabilizer bar hooks and the base plate, allowing the hooks to move on the gel layer instead of directly contacting the base plate, thus reducing noise.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard device includes a base plate, a key and a membrane circuit board. The key is connected with the base plate. The membrane circuit board is arranged between the key and the base plate. The base plate includes a connecting structure. The connecting structure is protruded upwardly and penetrated through the membrane circuit board. The key includes a keycap and a stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bar is pivotally coupled to the keycap. A hook part of the stabilizer bar is penetrated through a corresponding locking hole of the connecting structure. A film layer of the membrane circuit board includes an extension part. A gel layer is formed on the extension part. While the keycap is moved upwardly or downwardly relative to the base plate, the hook part of the stabilizer bar is moved on the gel layer.