Keyboard Switch Guide Core Limiting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Keyboard switches face issues with unbalanced press force, leading to failed conduction when force is too small or potential damage when force is too large, and difficulty in smooth press-conduction due to mispositioning of the guide core, affecting stability and usability, especially in thin-film keyboards.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard switch design incorporating an upper guide core limiting mechanism with a middle guide core, middle guide core spring, lower guide core elastomer, and torsion spring, which balances press force and provides accurate positioning, ensuring consistent conduction without damaging thin-film keyboards, through a layered spring mechanism and elastomer configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the press force is increased to ensure conduction, then the conduction reliability is improved, but the thin-film keyboard may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-stage spring mechanism (first guide core spring, second guide core spring, third guide core spring) that progressively engages during the pressing process. These springs act as cushioning elements that absorb and distribute the press force, ensuring that sufficient force is available for reliable conduction while preventing excessive force from damaging the thin-film keyboard. The staged engagement of springs provides gradual resistance buildup rather than abrupt force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of multiple springs with different characteristics to dynamically adjust the press force parameters during operation. The first, second, and third guide core springs have different spring rates and engagement points, allowing the system to change its mechanical response characteristics based on the pressing depth and speed, thereby optimizing both conduction reliability and protection against damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the press force is decreased to protect the thin-film keyboard, then the damage risk is reduced, but the conduction may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-configured multi-stage spring system provides a progressive force response that ensures adequate press force is available when needed for conduction while maintaining protection levels. The springs are designed to engage at different compression stages, providing increasing resistance that matches the requirements of both keyboard protection and reliable signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism creates a dynamic press force profile rather than a static one. As the guide core compresses the springs during pressing, the resistance force increases progressively, allowing the system to adapt to varying pressing conditions. This dynamic response ensures that normal pressing operations achieve reliable conduction while abnormal excessive forces are progressively resisted by the spring system.
3Device complexity
If the guide core structure is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but the press-conduction course positioning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The guide core is divided into multiple segmented components: the first guide core, second guide core, and third guide core, each interacting with corresponding springs. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions while collectively achieving accurate positioning. The modular structure maintains precision without requiring a single complex guide core design.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanisms act as intermediary elements between the guide core and the pressing force. These springs provide a controlled mechanical interface that facilitates smooth movement and accurate positioning of the guide core during the press-conduction process, reducing direct mechanical constraints while maintaining precision.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the guide core positioning is improved for smooth operation, then the press stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-stage spring system divides the positioning and force management functions across multiple components. Each spring (first, second, third guide core springs) handles specific portions of the press-conduction process, distributing the complexity across modular elements rather than concentrating it in a single complex mechanism, thereby achieving stable operation with manageable structural complexity.
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 achieves balanced press force, improved stability, and accurate conduction, preventing damage to thin-film keyboards, enhancing usability and extending the lifespan of the keyboard switch while providing a good sound effect and light permeability.
Implementation Method 1
the lower guide core elastomer is mounted on the outer sides of the base column and the lower guide column; the middle guide core spring is mounted on the outer side of the lower guide portion; the upper guide core spring is mounted on the outer side of the guide pin
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a keyboard switch including a base, a cover covering the base to form a cavity, an upper guide core disposed in the cavity and an upper guide core limiting mechanism including a lower guide core elastomer, a lower guide core, a middle guide core spring and a middle guide core sequentially disposed on the base. The upper guide core and the middle guide core are connected through an upper guide core spring. The keyboard switch of the invention provides accuracy of the press-conduction displacement, accurate positioning of the conduction course, and adjustability of the press force, such that the press force becomes more balanced, and the keyboard switch is conducted when the guide core is pressed downwards. Thus, the overall press stability of the keyboard switch is improved.