Keyboard Touch Sensing Sheet Integration for Thin Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly process of capacitive touch sensing sheets in keyboards is time-consuming and strenuous, and integrating a light-emitting function often results in excessive thickness, hindering the thinning design of keyboards.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard design where the capacitive touch sensing sheet is directly stacked on the membrane and backlight module, with a support mechanism allowing the cap to move downward for triggering switches, and a scattering structure on the touch sensing sheet for even light emission, replacing the conventional design where the touch sensing sheet is under the cap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the capacitive touch sensing sheet is directly disposed under keycaps with assembly holes, then the keyboard has keyswitch input function and touch function, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and strenuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capacitive touch sensing sheet with the membrane structure by forming the sensing sheet on the membrane surface, eliminating the need for separate assembly holes and complex assembly processes. This integration maintains both touch sensitivity and keyswitch functionality while significantly simplifying assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the substrate for the capacitive touch sensing sheet, provides the switch mechanism for keyswitches, and enables both touch input and mechanical key input functions through a single integrated component, thereby improving assembly efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a light-emitting function is integrated into the keyboard with capacitive touch sensing sheet under keycaps, then the keyboard has light-emitting function, but the keyboard thickness becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light guide plate with the membrane structure by forming the light guide plate on the membrane, integrating light-emitting functionality into the existing thin membrane layer. This merging approach adds lighting capability without requiring separate thick components, thereby maintaining a thin overall keyboard profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the membrane as a thin film substrate that can accommodate multiple functions (touch sensing, light guiding, switch actuation) within a minimal thickness. The flexible membrane structure allows integration of light-emitting components without significantly increasing the keyboard's overall thickness.
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
This design simplifies the assembly process, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances light-emitting efficiency while maintaining a thin profile.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive touch sensing sheet has been integrated into a keyboard to make the keyboard have a keyswitch input function and a touch function
Implementation Method 2
The backlight module has a light source and a light guide plate. Light of the light source is incident into the light guide plate and is emitted toward each cap from the light guide plate
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard with light-emitting and touch functions includes a keyswitch, a backlight module having a light source and a light guide plate, a membrane, a capacitive touch sensing sheet disposed on the membrane and the light guide plate, and a board. The keyswitch includes a cap and a support mechanism movably connected to the cap. Light of the light source is incident into the light guide plate and is emitted toward the cap. The membrane has a switch and is selectively disposed on or under the backlight module. The board is disposed under the backlight module and the membrane and has first and second connection members. The first and second connection members pass through the membrane, the light guide plate and the capacitive touch sensing sheet to be movably connected to the support mechanism, so as to make the cap movable downward relative to the board for triggering the switch.