Keyswitch Cover Detection Eliminates Hall IC Cost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information apparatuses with cover opening/closing detection devices require expensive components like hall ICs or photosensors, increasing costs and manufacturing complexity due to the need for precise positioning and special harnesses to prevent noise, which also complicates assembly and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
The use of keyswitches with a circuit board and rubber springs for opening/closing detection, eliminating the need for special switches and harnesses by integrating the detection function into the existing keyswitch infrastructure, allowing the detection switch to be placed in empty spaces between keyswitch blocks without additional cost, and using an actuator to apply and release pressure on the rubber springs to prevent creep deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If discrete switches like hall IC or photosensor are used for cover detection, then detection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyswitch structure is designed to serve dual purposes: input operation and cover opening/closing detection. The same keyswitch housing and actuator mechanism are utilized for both functions, eliminating the need for separate discrete switches and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The detection function is merged with the keyswitch assembly by integrating the detection switch with the keyswitch housing and actuator. This combination allows the keyswitch structure to simultaneously perform input switching and cover status detection, reducing parts count and assembly complexity
2Measurement precision
If discrete switches are mounted for precise detection, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyswitch actuator is designed to serve dual purposes: receiving user input and actuating the detection switch for cover status. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate detection mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining precise detection capability through the existing keyswitch positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The detection switch is integrated into the keyswitch assembly, combining the input mechanism and detection function into a single unified structure. This merging reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall device architecture while preserving detection precision through the keyswitch's inherent mechanical positioning
3Object-affected harmful factors
If special harness is routed in cover member to prevent noise, then noise reduction is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection switch and its connecting harness are extracted from the cover member and relocated to the main body. This extraction eliminates the need to route harness through the cover member, thereby removing the noise issue while avoiding the manufacturing cost and complexity of implementing noise prevention measures in the cover member
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 solution reduces assembly costs, eliminates the need for precise positioning, and prevents noise-related issues, while maintaining the detection functionality without additional components, ensuring reliable and cost-effective operation of the information apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
each of which includes a switching portion having a circuit board, which is provided with a fixed contact, and a rubber spring, which has a traveling contact capable of contacting and separating from the fixed contact and which is capable of being elastically deformed by pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An information apparatus includes a first cover member that includes an input device capable of inputting data and may be capable of opening and closing with respect to a second cover member, and an opening/closing detection device that detects a status of the first cover member whether the first cover member is opened or closed with respect to the second cover member. The input device includes a plurality of keyswitches, each of which includes a switching portion having a circuit board, which may be provided with a fixed contact, and a rubber spring, which has a traveling contact capable of contacting and separating from the fixed contact and which is capable of being elastically deformed by pressure, and the opening/closing detection device includes at least one of the plurality of keyswitches.