Keyframe Module With Lateral Tabs For Compact Input Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboards face challenges in achieving a compact, portable design while maintaining good tactile feedback, as scissor keys provide excellent feel but are bulky, and dome keys are small but lack feedback consistency across the keycap surface.
Innovation Solution
A keyframe module design featuring a keycap with lateral tabs that press into openings in a plate, combined with a compressible dome structure and membrane, allowing for a low-profile, ergonomic input device that registers key presses consistently across the keycap surface without the need for a hinge or actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If scissor keys are used, then tactile feedback is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keycap is segmented into multiple functional parts: a top surface for actuation, lateral tabs extending from the bottom for plate engagement, and a protrusion for dome structure actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving compact dimensions while maintaining tactile feedback through the coordinated action of these segmented elements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional scissor mechanism to a three-dimensional structure utilizing lateral tabs that extend from the keycap bottom and engage with plate openings. This dimensional change allows the mechanism to achieve the necessary mechanical action in a compact vertical profile, reducing device size while preserving tactile feedback
2Volume of moving object
If dome keys are used, then device size is reduced, but tactile feedback consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the keycap serve different functions with optimized properties: the top surface provides a large actuation area for ergonomic finger contact, the lateral tabs provide precise mechanical engagement points with the plate, and the protrusion provides focused actuation of the dome structure. This local quality optimization ensures consistent tactile feedback across the entire keycap surface while maintaining compact device dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral tabs and plate openings act as intermediary mechanical elements that mediate between the user's finger pressure on the keycap top surface and the dome structure actuation. This intermediary mechanism distributes and transmits force uniformly, ensuring consistent tactile feedback regardless of where on the keycap surface the user presses, while keeping the overall device size compact
3Reliability
If hinge or actuator mechanisms are used, then key press registration is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keycap structure is designed to be self-sufficient, with its own integrated tabs and protrusion features that directly engage with the plate and dome structure. This self-service design eliminates the need for separate hinge or actuator components, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable key press registration through the inherent mechanical interaction of the keycap's own structural features
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions into the keycap structure itself: the keycap top surface serves as the actuation interface, the lateral tabs serve as both structural support and mechanical engagement elements with the plate, and the protrusion serves as the dome actuator. By combining these functions into a single integrated keycap component rather than using separate hinge or actuator mechanisms, device complexity is reduced while maintaining reliable key press registration
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 design results in a more portable and ergonomic input device that allows for consistent key press registration with equal force required across the keycap surface, enhancing user comfort and reducing fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible dome structure disposed underneath the protrusion of the keycap, where the protrusion depresses the compressible dome structure in response to a depression of the keycap
Data Source
AI summary
System and methods for providing a keyframe module for a input device are disclosed. In an embodiment, the input device includes a keyframe having a key opening, and a key disposed within the key opening. The key includes a keycap having a bottom surface, a plurality of tabs that extend laterally from the bottom surface of the keycap, and a protrusion extending from the bottom surface of the keycap. A compressible dome structure is disposed underneath the protrusion, and a plate is coupled to the keyframe and disposed underneath the compressible dome structure. A plurality of openings is disposed within the plate, where a location of the plurality of openings corresponds to a location of the plurality of tabs such that one or more of the plurality of tabs pass through one or more of the plurality of openings in response to the depression of the key.