Keyswitch Blocking Structure Prevents Shaft Wear
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scissors-like linkage structures in keyswitch devices are prone to wear, leading to wobbling and malfunctioning, especially at corners, and result in uneven keycap heights.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a blocking structure on the base plate that abuts against a part of the connection member of the scissors-like linkage mechanism when the keycap is at its highest position, preventing wobbling by retaining the connection member even if the shaft is worn.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional scissors-like linkage structure is assembled to the hooks on the base plate, then the keycap can be pressed with force distribution, but the shaft of the linkage structure is easily worn by the hooks, resulting in wobbling and malfunctioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blocking structure as an intermediary component between the shaft and the hook. This blocking structure abuts against the shaft to prevent direct contact and wear between the shaft and hook, while still allowing the linkage mechanism to function properly. The blocking structure acts as a mediator that protects the shaft from wear caused by the hook.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking structure is positioned in advance to prevent shaft wear before it occurs. By having the blocking structure abut against the shaft beforehand, the design prevents direct contact between the shaft and hook during operation, thereby preventing wear before it can damage the linkage mechanism.
2Reliability
If the shaft of the connection member is worn, then the keyswitch device wobbles and malfunctions, but adding protective structures increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking structure serves as a simple intermediary component that prevents shaft wear without significantly increasing device complexity. It is a straightforward structural element that can be integrated into the existing linkage mechanism, providing protection while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking structure is designed as a separate, independent component that can be easily integrated into the linkage mechanism. This segmentation allows the protective function to be added without redesigning the entire structure, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the shaft is worn, then keycap heights become different, but increasing precision mechanisms increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking structure is positioned in advance to prevent shaft wear that would lead to inconsistent keycap heights. By preventing wear before it occurs, the design maintains keycap height consistency without requiring complex precision mechanisms or adjustment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking structure acts as a simple intermediary that maintains keycap height consistency by preventing shaft wear. It provides a straightforward solution to the precision problem without introducing complex manufacturing requirements.
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 blocking structure ensures precise keycap positioning and prevents wobbling, maintaining the keycap at the correct height without additional stroke when not pressed, thereby enhancing the stability and functionality of the keyswitch device and keyboard.
Implementation Method 1
The shaft is rotatably engaged with the hook
Implementation Method 2
The shaft is rotatably engaged with the hook
Implementation Method 3
the blocking structure and a part of the connection member abut against each other
Data Source
AI summary
A keyswitch device includes a base plate, a hook, a scissors-like linkage mechanism, a keycap, and a blocking structure. The hook is located on the base plate. The scissors-like linkage mechanism is located on the base plate and includes a connection member. The connection member includes a shaft rotatably engaged with the hook. The keycap is engaged with the scissors-like linkage mechanism and configured to move relative to the base plate with the guidance of the scissors-like linkage mechanism. The blocking structure is located on the base plate. When the keycap is located at a highest position relative to the base plate, the blocking structure and a part of the connection member abut against each other.