Mechanical Keyboard Switch with Swappable Feedback Leaf Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical keyboard switches can only provide one type of feedback at a time, requiring replacement of the entire switch to change feedback characteristics, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode mechanical keyboard switch assembly that includes a removable contact leaf spring, adjustable between positions to provide linear, tactile, and clicky feedback modes by altering the distance and angle of engagement with the stem, allowing users to customize feedback without replacing the switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional mechanical keyboard switch is used, then the switch structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the switch can only provide one type of feedback at a time, requiring replacement of the entire switch to change feedback characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is divided into separate functional components: a stem assembly and a contact leaf spring assembly. The contact leaf spring can be removed and replaced independently from the stem, allowing users to change feedback characteristics without replacing the entire switch. This segmentation enables multiple feedback modes (linear, tactile, clicky) using a single switch body.
Solution Approach 2:
The stem assembly is designed to be compatible with multiple types of contact leaf springs, making it a universal base that can support different feedback modes. The standardized stem structure with crosspoint contact technology can work with various leaf spring configurations, allowing one switch body to provide multiple feedback characteristics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different switches are used to provide different feedback characteristics, then the feedback options are comprehensive, but the time and cost required to replace switches is increased
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the contact leaf spring from the stem assembly, users can quickly swap only the leaf spring component rather than the entire switch. This reduces replacement time significantly while still providing access to multiple feedback modes through different leaf spring configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows users to remove (discard) the contact leaf spring from its seated position and replace it with a different configuration. The stem assembly and other components are recovered and reused, reducing waste and lowering the effective cost of changing feedback modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different switches are used to provide different feedback characteristics, then the feedback options are comprehensive, but the cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The expensive stem assembly with gold crosspoint contacts is separated from the cheaper contact leaf spring. Users only need to invest in multiple leaf springs rather than multiple complete switches, significantly reducing the material cost of achieving multi-mode functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal stem assembly can accommodate multiple types of contact leaf springs, making the investment in the stem body reusable across different feedback modes. This eliminates the need to purchase separate complete switches for each feedback type, reducing overall component cost.
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
Enables users to trial and customize different feedback modes within the same switch package, enhancing user experience by providing multiple feedback options without the need for multiple switches, improving adaptability for various applications and preferences.
Implementation Method 1
the contact leaf spring having a contact portion located in a travel path of the stem for engaging with the stem during the keystroke to produce audible and/or tactile feedback
Implementation Method 2
The stem 102 is supported by a coil spring 104 which is biased upwardly (acting against the stem 102) to hold the key cap in its resting or initial position
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-mode mechanical key switch assembly has a housing and a stem supported in a base of the housing, the stem constrained to move, when depressed during keystroke, from a resting state and toward the base of the housing. The assembly has a removable contact leaf spring seated in the housing and having a contact portion located in a travel path of the stem for engaging with the stem during the keystroke to provide audible and/or tactile feedback. The contact leaf spring is movable between a first seated position and a second seated position to change the characteristics of the feedback. Removal of the contact leaf spring from the housing enables the stem to travel its maximum keystroke distance without auditory or tactile feedback.