Keyboard Keycap Elastic Arm Retention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard keycaps are prone to easily falling off due to the connection pin being removable with minimal force, posing a problem for keyboards used in display products or public settings where keycap stability is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A key structure featuring a keycap with a fixing portion and an elastic arm, combined with a connecting member having a connection pin and extension portion, where the extension portion passes through the elastic arm and is positioned between the keycap's bottom surface and a limiting surface, preventing the keycap from falling off when pulled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional pivot hole and connection pin structure is used, then the keycap can be easily removed with minimal force, but this causes the keycap to fall off easily and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arm dynamically changes the connection state between keycap and connecting member. During normal use, the connection pin is securely held; during keycap actuation, the elastic arm flexes to allow controlled movement; and during removal attempts, the elastic arm engages the limiting surface to prevent accidental detachment. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the connection hole for initial insertion, the elastic arm with limiting surface for secure positioning, and the extension portion for engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the connection hole enables easy insertion, while the elastic arm and limiting surface provide reliable retention.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the connection pin is limited within the pivot hole by a smaller opening, then the keycap should be secure, but the connection pin can still be removed with minimal upward force
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the limiting function into the elastic arm structure itself rather than relying solely on the pivot hole geometry. The elastic arm integrates both the connection function (through the connection hole) and the limiting function (through the limiting surface), creating a unified structure that provides both stability and controlled force characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arm acts as an intermediary element between the connection pin and the keycap body. It mediates the interaction by providing a compliant connection that can absorb forces and prevent direct transmission of removal forces to the connection pin, thereby increasing the force required for removal while maintaining connection stability.
3Reliability
If the elastic arm structure with limiting surface is added, then the keycap is secured in place, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arm serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the keycap, acts as a spring for actuation feedback, and functions as a limiting mechanism for connection pin retention. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in structure complexity while achieving reliable keycap retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arm is implemented as a flexible, thin-walled structure that can be integrated into the keycap body. This flexible structure provides the necessary limiting surface while maintaining a compact and simple overall form factor, minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 described key structure effectively secures the keycap in place, preventing it from being easily removed, while allowing smooth up and down movement without sticking, enhancing the durability and usability of keyboards.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic arm has an open end and a limiting surface. The open end communicates with the first opening, and the limiting surface is toward the bottom surface of the keycap... the extension portion passes through the elastic arm and is disposed between the bottom surface of the keycap and the limiting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure includes a keycap and a connecting member. The keycap has a bottom surface and includes a fixing portion and an elastic arm. The fixing portion is disposed on the bottom surface, and the fixing portion has a connection hole and a first opening communicating with each other. At least one end of the elastic arm connects to a side surface of the fixing portion, and the elastic arm is adjacent to the first opening. The elastic arm has an open end communicating with the opening and a limiting surface toward the bottom surface. The connecting member includes a connection pin, one end of which connects to the connection hole and the other end of which has an extension portion. The connection pin is disposed in the connection hole, and the extension portion is disposed between the bottom surface and the limiting surface.