Ultra-Thin Keyboard Switch Sound Generation via Nested Torsional Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultra-thin keyboard switches face a technical challenge in producing a press sound due to space limitations, which affects user experience by lacking both touch feeling and acoustic feedback, unlike larger switches.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard switch design incorporating a press assembly with a press block, guiding inclined surface, and torsional spring, where the spring's potential energy is released to generate sound upon pressing, utilizing a base and cap structure to optimize space usage and enhance tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the keyboard switch is made ultra-thin to minimize size, then the volume of the keyboard switch is reduced, but the ability to produce press sound is lost due to insufficient inner space
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic piece is nested within the pressing component structure, with its ends positioned between the upper and lower surfaces of the pressing component. This nesting arrangement allows the sound-generating mechanism to be integrated into the limited space of the ultra-thin keyboard switch, enabling press sound production without increasing overall volume.
2Volume of moving object
If the inner space of the keyboard switch is limited to maintain ultra-thin profile, then the volume is minimized, but the touch feeling is insufficient due to lack of resilience
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic piece is strategically positioned at specific locations within the pressing component (between the upper and lower surfaces) to provide localized resilience. This allows the ultra-thin keyboard switch to maintain good touch feeling in the pressing area while keeping the overall inner space minimal for the ultra-thin profile.
3Volume of moving object
If a thin keyboard switch uses metal flake as movable contact flake to reduce size, then the volume is reduced, but the touch feeling deteriorates due to insufficient resilience
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing component is constructed as a composite structure incorporating an elastic piece within it, combining the conductivity of metal flake with the resilience of elastic material. This composite design enables the thin keyboard switch to maintain both small size and good touch feeling by integrating multiple material properties into a single compact 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 design enables a minimal-size keyboard switch to produce a press sound and improve touch feeling, addressing the long-standing issue of space limitations and enhancing user experience by effectively utilizing internal space to combine sound and tactile feedback.
Implementation Method 1
an end portion of the elastic piece is located directly below the press block and directly above the guiding inclined surface
Implementation Method 2
a spring is located between a bottom portion of the press assembly and the base
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A press sound producing keyboard switch includes a base (1), a guiding inclined surface (11) and an elastic piece (6) provided on the base (1), and a cap (2) covering the base (1) to define an accommodating cavity. A press assembly, a spring (4) and a conduction assembly (5) are disposed in the accommodating cavity. A press block (31) is provided on the press assembly. Wherein the press block (31) is in a triangular shape, an end portion of the elastic piece (6) is located below the press block (31) and above the guiding inclined surface (11), and the press block (31) is located at a side of the guiding inclined surface (11).