Keycap Exhaust Recess for Stem Stress Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical key structures suffer from stress accumulation in the insertion groove, leading to potential cracking and loss of the tightly-fitted connection between the stem and the keycap over time.
Innovation Solution
The keycap design incorporates an insertion groove with an exhaust recess that allows air to be evacuated when the stem is fitted, reducing internal stress and minimizing damage by creating a gap between the recess and the stem.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stem is tightly fitted into the insertion groove to maintain connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but stress accumulation causes cracking and reduces durability
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion groove is segmented into multiple sections: a first insertion groove for the stem and a second insertion groove forming an exhaust passage. This segmentation allows the structure to simultaneously maintain tight fitting for connection reliability while providing a separate pathway for stress relief through air exhaustion, thereby improving durability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the insertion groove is designed for tight fitting, then connection stability is improved, but air trapped inside causes stress accumulation and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
An exhaust passage is introduced as an intermediary structure within the insertion groove. This passage acts as a mediator that allows trapped air to escape during the tight fitting process, thereby eliminating stress accumulation while preserving the stable connection between stem and keycap.
3Strength
If the stem and insertion groove are tightly connected, then the mechanical connection is strengthened, but the risk of cracking increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust passage is pre-designed into the insertion groove structure before assembly. This preliminary action ensures that air can escape during the tightening process, preventing stress accumulation that would otherwise lead to cracking, thereby maintaining both connection strength and resistance to cracking over time.
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 minimizes the risk of damage to the insertion groove by releasing internal stress through air exhaustion, maintaining a secure connection between the stem and keycap even after prolonged use.
Implementation Method 1
the air in the insertion groove is exhausted
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure is provided. The key structure includes a switch and a keycap. The switch includes a stem. The keycap is located over the switch. The keycap includes a pressing surface, an inner bottom surface and a protrusion post. The pressing surface and the inner bottom surface are opposed to each other. The protrusion post is protruded downwardly from the inner bottom surface. The protrusion post includes an insertion groove and at least one exhaust recess. When the stem is tightly fitted into the insertion groove, a gap is formed between the at least one exhaust recess and the stem.