Keyboard Switch Spacer for Adjustable Key Stroke

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users are inconvenienced by needing to switch between different keyboards for various purposes, such as quick key strokes during gaming or normal typing, as existing keyboards do not allow for adjustable key strokes on a single device.

Innovation Solution

A keyboard switch design that includes a key top, plunger, cup rubber, housing, plate, and a removably mounted spacer, allowing for adjustable key stroke length by interposing the spacer between the plate and key top, which can be customized for specific keys or groups of keys.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single keyboard is used for both gaming and normal typing, then device simplicity is maintained, but key stroke length cannot be adjusted for different purposes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey stroke adjustmentVSAvoidkeyboard structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard is segmented into modular components, with the spacer being a separate removable element that can be independently added or removed from the key switch assembly, allowing configuration changes without replacing the entire keyboard

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The keyboard configuration is made dynamic through the removable spacer that can be easily installed and removed by users, allowing the key stroke length to be adjusted between short (gaming) and long (normal typing) modes without permanent modification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple keyboards are used for different purposes, then key stroke customization is achieved, but user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey stroke lengthVSAvoidkeyboard switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The essential customization function is extracted into a simple removable spacer component that can be easily taken out and put in by users, separating the customization capability from the main keyboard body and making it user-accessible

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The key stroke length parameter is changed by adding or removing the spacer, allowing users to switch between different key stroke lengths (short for gaming, long for normal typing) through a simple physical modification rather than switching devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If key stroke is shortened for quick input, then input speed increases, but key travel distance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput speedVSAvoidkey stroke

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer acts as an intermediary element between the key top and the plate, providing a controllable barrier that limits key travel distance. By adjusting the spacer thickness or presence, users can control the key stroke length to optimize input speed for different applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10325734B1Keyboard switch

Publication Date: 2019.06.18 TOPRE

AI summary

A keyboard switch includes a key top movable vertically on receiving a depressing force, a plunger engaged with a lower portion of the key top and movable vertically with the key top, a cup rubber disposed under the plunger and supporting the plunger from below, a housing arranged on an outer peripheral side of the plunger and cup rubber, a plate supported on the housing and extending laterally, and a spacer interposed between the plate and key top. The spacer is removably mounted onto the keyboard.