Keyboard Sucker Fixation for Flush Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional keyboard modules in electronic devices, such as notebook computers, often experience dimensional mismatches during assembly, leading to a bulging appearance and a floating sensation when keys are pressed due to the use of latching elements, which affects the overall quality and smoothness of the device.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a sucker mechanism that attaches the keyboard module to the casing using a combination of coupling parts, including a hollow body for suction and an adhesive or latching system, allowing for a flush assembly and eliminating the floating sensation by ensuring a tight and smooth attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If latching elements are used to fix the keyboard module to the receptacle, then the keyboard module can be securely attached, but dimensional mismatches cause bulging and floating sensation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidassembly smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical latching element system with a suction-based fixation system. The sucker creates a vacuum seal between the keyboard module and the receptacle, eliminating the need for mechanical latches that cause bulging. This substitution resolves the contradiction by achieving secure attachment without dimensional mismatches affecting smoothness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fixation mechanism from mechanical contact (latching elements) to vacuum-based adhesion (suction). By controlling the pressure differential parameter within the sucker, the system achieves reliable attachment while accommodating dimensional variations, thereby maintaining assembly smoothness and preventing floating sensation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If latching elements are used to join the keyboard module and receptacle, then the components are tightly joined, but the keyboard module bulges above the receptacle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoining strengthVSAvoidsurface planarity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical latching system is replaced with a vacuum suction system that distributes attachment force evenly across the contact surface. This eliminates the concentrated stress points created by latching elements, preventing local bulging while maintaining strong joining strength and achieving a flush, planar surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible sealing membrane or film within the sucker that can accommodate minor dimensional variations between the keyboard module and receptacle. This flexible element maintains a tight seal and uniform pressure distribution, preventing bulging while ensuring strong attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional latching fixation is used, then the keyboard module can be assembled, but dimensional mismatches affect the smoothness of the mounted module

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly capabilityVSAvoidmounted module smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The suction-based fixation system allows for greater tolerance in dimensional mismatches by adjusting the vacuum pressure parameter. This enables easy assembly even with variations in part dimensions, while maintaining smoothness of the mounted module by distributing forces evenly across the contact area rather than concentrating them at latching points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Replacing mechanical latches with a vacuum suction system eliminates the sensitivity to dimensional mismatches that plagues conventional assembly. The suction system can accommodate variations in part dimensions while maintaining a flush, smooth appearance, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution achieves better planarity and smoothness in the assembly of the keyboard module, preventing the floating sensation when keys are pressed, and enhances the overall quality of the electronic device by ensuring a secure and even attachment.

Implementation Method 1

the sucker is used for sucking the keyboard module onto the casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS7382605B2Electronic device with sucker-fixed keyboard

Publication Date: 2008.06.03 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC

AI summary

An electronic device having a keyboard fixed through a set of suckers and most suitably applied to the host body of an electronic product is provided. The electronic device includes a casing, a keyboard module and at least a sucker. The keyboard module has at least a key and the sucker is used for attaching the keyboard module to the casing. Furthermore, the sucker includes a first coupling part and a second coupling part. The first coupling part is used for sucking up the keyboard module and the second coupling part is used for fixing the sucker to the casing so that the electronic device and the host body can be assembled together smoothly.