Keycap Support Mechanism for Stable Low-Profile Keyswitches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical keyswitch structures face issues with poor movement steadiness and structural rigidity, particularly in multi-size keys and low-profile designs, due to inadequate support mechanisms that lead to skewing and reduced rigidity, affecting the stability and smooth operation of keycaps.
Innovation Solution
A keycap support mechanism featuring an outer support with a central frame and inner support pivotally connected around a rotation axis, enhancing structural rigidity by maintaining structural continuity and reducing interference, allowing for stable and smooth keycap movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple lift mechanisms are used to support multi-size keycaps, then the keycap can be supported, but each mechanism operates independently causing the keycap to skew and move unstably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent lift mechanisms into a unified support structure where the inner bracket integrates multiple support arms that work together as a single system. This merging ensures coordinated movement and eliminates the skewing problem caused by independent mechanisms operating separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism is segmented into an outer bracket and an inner bracket, with the inner bracket containing multiple support arms that are individually structured but collectively integrated. This segmentation allows each arm to be optimized while maintaining overall coordination through the unified inner bracket structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the keycap support mechanism is stretched horizontally to support multi-size keys, then larger keys can be supported, but the structural rigidity is greatly reduced causing the keycap to swing left and right
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the support structure by stacking the inner bracket on the outer bracket, creating a multi-layer configuration. This dimensional change allows the structure to span larger horizontal distances while maintaining rigidity through the vertical stacking arrangement and multiple support points.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism uses a composite structure combining outer bracket and inner bracket elements, where the inner bracket contains multiple support arms that work together. This composite design provides enhanced rigidity compared to a simple stretched frame, allowing support for multi-size keys without excessive flexibility.
3Length of stationary object
If a low profile design is adopted for the keyswitch structure, then the overall height is reduced, but the components become thinned resulting in insufficient rigidity and worsened movement stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the inner bracket is positioned inside and stacked on the outer bracket. This nesting allows the support mechanism to maintain adequate structural thickness and rigidity within a compact low-profile envelope, as the nested arrangement maximizes structural efficiency without increasing overall height.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning to a vertically stacked, multi-layer configuration, the patent achieves low profile height while compensating for reduced component thickness through the three-dimensional arrangement. The vertical stacking creates structural rigidity that compensates for the thinned components in a low-profile design.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyswitch structure includes a base plate, a keycap, and a keycap support mechanism. The keycap support mechanism is connected to and between the base plate and the keycap. The keycap is movable relative to the base plate through the keycap support mechanism. The keycap support mechanism includes an inner support and an outer support. The outer support and the inner support are pivotally connected with each other around a rotation axis. The outer support includes two outer frame portions and a central frame. The central frame is located between the two outer frame portions in a direction parallel to the rotation axis. Therein, in the case where the inner support is stacked on the outer support, the inner support is located inside the outer support and straddles the central frame.