Keyboard Stopper Structure for Accurate Aftertouch Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard devices struggle to accurately detect aftertouch due to issues with stoppers being either too rigid, preventing significant displacement of the hammer, or too soft, leading to unintentional detection of normal performance as aftertouch.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard device with a key-pressing stopper comprising a first cushion layer and a rigid layer laminated on the surface, regulating key swinging and enabling accurate detection of aftertouch through a sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the key-pressing stopper is made rigid, then the full stroke feel is improved, but the aftertouch detection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The key-pressing stopper is divided into two distinct layers: a first cushion layer and a second cushion layer with different rigidity. The first cushion layer (softer) contacts the key during normal performance to provide full stroke feel, while the second cushion layer (harder) is contacted only during aftertouch, enabling precise detection without compromising normal performance feel.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the stopper structure are assigned different rigidity properties. The first cushion layer has lower rigidity for normal key press absorption, while the second cushion layer has higher rigidity for aftertouch detection. This local differentiation allows the stopper to serve dual functions with optimal performance for each.
2Measurement precision
If the key-pressing stopper is made soft, then the aftertouch detection precision is improved, but the full stroke feel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is segmented into two layers with distinct rigidity characteristics. The first cushion layer provides the necessary softness for full stroke feel during normal performance, while the second cushion layer provides the hardness needed for precise aftertouch detection when the key is pressed further.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper uses a composite structure combining two cushion layers with different material properties (rigidity). This composite design allows the stopper to exhibit both soft characteristics (for full stroke feel) and hard characteristics (for aftertouch detection precision) within a single component.
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 allows for precise detection of aftertouch by balancing the rigidity of the key-pressing stopper, ensuring accurate differentiation between normal performance and aftertouch.
Implementation Method 1
The key-pressing stopper includes: a first cushion layer; and a rigid layer. The rigid layer is laminated on a surface layer side with respect to the first cushion layer and is more rigid than the first cushion layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard device and a method for detecting key-pressing information thereof are provided. The keyboard device includes a key configured to displace between a static position before key-pressing and a terminal position of key-pressing; and a sensor configured to output an output value increased or decreased in accordance with a position of the key. The keyboard device is configured to detect acceleration/deceleration of the key in a key-pressing direction from the output value of the sensor, and correct the output value of the sensor indicating the terminal position based on the position of the key where the deceleration occurs.