Keyboard Keycap Removal via Connecting Rod Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard keycaps are easily damaged when manually removed due to the required force or incorrect disengagement from scissors-type positioning structures, making cleaning and replacement difficult and potentially damaging.
Innovation Solution
A detachable key structure featuring a substrate with a membrane circuit, conduction switch, keycap, bending portion, elastic member, and a connecting rod with an operating arm and engaging portion, allowing the keycap to be easily disassembled and reassembled by moving the operating arm to disengage the engaging portion from the bending portion, with the elastic member providing upward force for keycap removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual force is applied to remove keycap from scissors-type positioning structure, then keycap can be removed for cleaning or replacement, but keycap is easily damaged due to great force or wrong way
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning structure is segmented into multiple engagement points (first and second engagement portions) that distribute the retention force, allowing controlled disengagement without concentrating stress on vulnerable keycap areas
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting rod acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's pulling action and the keycap release. It translates the pulling force into controlled movement that disengages the keycap from the positioning structure without applying damaging forces directly to the keycap
2Reliability
If special tool is used to disengage keycap from scissors-type positioning structure, then keycap can be removed without damage, but operation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning structure is designed to be self-releasing through the connecting rod mechanism. When the connecting rod is pulled, it automatically disengages the keycap from both engagement portions simultaneously, eliminating the need for special tools or complex multi-step procedures
3Ease of operation
If connecting rod is pulled to disengage engaging portion from bending portion, then keycap can be easily removed with elastic member providing upward force, but requires additional connecting rod mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod serves multiple functions: it connects the keycap to the conduction switch for operational purposes, and simultaneously acts as a release mechanism for keycap removal. This multi-functionality justifies the added mechanism by eliminating the need for separate removal tools or structures
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
Enables easy disassembly and reassembly of keycaps without the need for large forces or special tools, reducing the risk of damage and simplifying maintenance, while allowing simultaneous disassembly of multiple keycaps for convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic member provides a force against the keycap to move the keycap away from the conduction switch
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure is provided. The key structure comprises a substrate, a membrane circuit disposed on the substrate, a conduction switch disposed on the membrane circuit, a keycap, a bending portion fixed to the keycap, an elastic member disposed on the membrane circuit and abutting against the keycap, and a connecting rod disposed movably between the membrane circuit and the keycap. The connecting rod includes an operating arm and an engaging portion. The operating arm is connected to the engaging portion, and the engaging portion selectively engages with the bending portion. When the operating arm moves in a direction parallel to a surface of the keycap, the operating arm drives the engaging portion to disengage from the bending portion and the elastic member provides a force against the keycap to move the keycap away from the conduction switch.