Keyswitch Structure with Flexible Film Buffer for Noise Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic keys generate noise due to the collision of magnetic elements during the return of the keycap to its non-pressed position, which affects the user's operation experience.
Innovation Solution
A keyswitch structure with a buffer space and a flexible switch film that deforms to absorb the impact of the magnetic member's return, reducing noise by allowing the magnetic elements to contact the flexible portion before colliding with each other, thus minimizing the noise generated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic elements are used as restoring force for keycap return, then the keycap can return to non-pressed position automatically, but noise is generated due to collision between magnetic elements
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible portion is introduced as an intermediary element between the magnetic member and magnetic unit. When the keycap returns to its non-pressed position, the flexible portion deforms to absorb the impact, preventing direct collision between the magnetic elements while still allowing the magnetic attraction force to drive the return motion
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible portion is pre-positioned between the magnetic member and magnetic unit to provide cushioning before the magnetic elements can collide. This beforehand cushioning mechanism ensures that when the magnetic attraction pulls the keycap back, the flexible portion deforms first to absorb the impact energy
2Force
If magnetic elements are positioned close to each other for strong magnetic attraction, then the restoring force is sufficient, but the collision impact becomes more significant
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible portion serves as a mediator that allows the magnetic elements to remain positioned close together for strong attraction force while preventing direct impact. The flexible material transmits the magnetic force while absorbing the collision energy through deformation
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 keyswitch structure effectively reduces noise by providing a buffering effect during the magnetic element interaction, enhancing the user's operation experience by minimizing the noise associated with keycap return.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic attraction force between the magnetic unit and the magnetic member enables the magnetic member to move toward the magnetic unit
Implementation Method 2
the tail end firstly contacts the flexible portion and pushes the flexible portion to deform toward the buffer space
Data Source
AI summary
A keyswitch structure includes a keycap, a baseplate having a buffer space, a support movably disposed between the baseplate and the keycap, a magnetic member having a front section coupling the support, a middle section and a tail end, a magnetic unit disposed below the magnetic member, a switch film having a flexible portion extending over the buffer space. When the keycap is pressed, the support enables the magnetic member to move away from the magnetic unit, so the tail end is away from the flexible portion. When the keycap is released, a magnetic attraction force between the magnetic member and the magnetic unit enables the magnetic member to move toward the magnetic unit, so the tail end firstly contacts and pushes the flexible portion to deform toward the buffer space, and then the middle section contacts the magnetic unit to drive the support to support the keycap upward.