Keyboard Trigger Device with Composite Rubber Metal Dome
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thin film keyboards lack the high rebound force and two-stage tactile feel provided by mechanical keyboards, making them less suitable for applications requiring precise input, such as gaming.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a rubber dome and a metal dome within a trigger device, which provides distinct tactile feels and rebound forces during pressing and releasing processes, enhancing the keyboard's feedback mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a thin film keyboard is used to achieve miniaturization, then the device size is reduced, but the rebound force and tactile feel are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines rubber material and metal material in a composite dome structure. The rubber dome provides initial deformation and first tactile feedback, while the metal dome integrated within it provides additional structural support and second-stage rebound force, achieving high rebound force in a compact form factor suitable for miniaturized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The metal dome is nested within the rubber dome structure. The rubber dome forms the outer layer while the metal dome is integrated inside it, creating a multi-layer nested configuration that maximizes rebound force generation within limited space, resolving the contradiction between small size and sufficient rebound force
2Volume of moving object
If a thin film keyboard is used to achieve miniaturization, then the device size is reduced, but the tactile feel is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The triggering process is segmented into two distinct stages: first tactile feedback from rubber dome deformation and second tactile feedback from metal dome engagement. This segmentation provides users with clear, multi-stage tactile cues that enhance operational feedback and accuracy in miniaturized keyboard layouts
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of rubber and metal materials creates distinct tactile characteristics at different compression stages. The rubber provides soft initial feedback while the metal provides firm second-stage feedback, delivering rich tactile information to enhance ease of operation in compact devices
3Device complexity
If only rubber dome is used, then the structure is simple, but the rebound force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates rubber and metal materials in a composite dome structure where the rubber dome provides initial deformation capability and the embedded metal dome provides enhanced rebound force. This composite approach achieves high rebound force while maintaining relatively simple overall structure through integrated manufacturing
4Force
If mechanical keyboard is used to provide high rebound force, then the rebound force is sufficient, but the device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The metal dome is nested within the rubber dome, creating a compact integrated structure that generates high rebound force through the combined elastic properties of both materials. This nested configuration achieves mechanical keyboard-like rebound force in a much smaller form factor suitable for portable devices
Solution Approach 2:
The composite rubber-metal dome structure leverages the elastic properties of both materials to generate high rebound force. The rubber provides initial elastic deformation while the metal dome provides structural support and additional rebound, achieving high force output in a compact configuration
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 keyboard device achieves high rebound force and two stages of tactile feel, improving typing accuracy and maneuverability, particularly beneficial for gaming applications.
Implementation Method 1
the rubber dome includes a protrusive part and is arranged to provide a first tactile feel during a first pressing process while the external force is exerted and provide a first rebound force during a first relieving process after the external force has been removed
Implementation Method 2
The metal dome is integrated with the rubber dorm and arranged to provide a second tactile feel during a second pressing process while the external force is exerted and provide a second rebound force during a second relieving process after the external force has been removed
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard device includes a substrate, a thin film switch circuit, and a trigger device having a rubber dome and a metal dome. The trigger device is configured to trigger the thin film switch circuit in response to an external force. The rubber dome is arranged to provide a first tactile feel during a first pressing process while the external force is exerted and provide a first rebound force during a first relieving process after the external force has been removed. The metal dome is arranged to provide a second tactile feel during a second pressing process while the external force is exerted and provide a second rebound force during a second relieving process after the external force has been removed.