Keyboard Switch Spacer for Adjustable Key Stroke
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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, which can alter the vertical stroke of a key by interposing the spacer between the plate and key top, allowing for customizable key stroke lengths and reduced noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is segmented into modular components, with the spacer being a separate removable element that can be added or removed from individual key switches. This allows the keyboard structure to be divided into base components and optional modification components, enabling adaptability without permanently complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard stroke length is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. By allowing users to install or remove spacers based on different usage scenarios (gaming vs. normal typing), the keyboard can dynamically adapt its characteristics without requiring a completely different device configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple keyboards are used for different purposes, then key stroke customization is achieved, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The customization capability is extracted as a separate removable spacer component rather than being integrated into the keyboard body. Users can take out the spacer when not needed and install it only when specific customization is required, avoiding the need to carry or manage multiple keyboards while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A single keyboard design serves multiple functions by accommodating both short-stroke gaming mode (with spacer) and normal typing mode (without spacer). The universal keyboard structure can adapt to different usage requirements through the optional spacer, eliminating the need for users to switch between specialized keyboards.
3Length of moving object
If spacer is removably mounted on keyboard, then key stroke length becomes adjustable, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key switch assembly is segmented into distinct components (key cap, spacer, switch body) that can be independently handled. The spacer is designed as a separate element with simple geometry that fits into a dedicated space, making the segmentation straightforward and not overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer acts as an intermediary element between the key cap and switch body, filling a predefined space and providing a simple mechanical solution for stroke length adjustment. This intermediary approach avoids complex mechanisms while achieving the desired functionality through a simple intermediate component.
Data Source
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AI summary
A keyboard switch (3) includes a key top (5) movable vertically on receiving a depressing force, a plunger (7) engaged with a lower portion of the key top and movable vertically with the key top, a cup rubber (9) disposed under the plunger and supporting the plunger from below, a housing (11) arranged on an outer peripheral side of the plunger and cup rubber, a plate (13) supported on the housing and extending laterally, and a spacer (15) interposed between the plate and key top. The spacer is removably mounted onto the keyboard.