Keyswitch Hook Structure for Compact Elastic Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing keyswitch design with an elastic member between the cap and the board increases the overall height, making it disadvantageous for thinning designs and requiring additional space, which affects the compactness and efficiency of keyboard input devices.
Innovation Solution
A keyswitch design utilizing a hook structure on a support member that abuts against obliquely formed bending members on a board to provide elastic forces for returning the cap to its original position, eliminating the need for an elastic member between the cap and the board, and allowing for a more compact form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastic member is disposed between the cap and the board to provide elastic force, then the cap can return to its original position, but the overall height of the keyswitch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the elastic force provision function into the support device structure itself. The support device includes first and second support members with hook structures that engage with bending members, eliminating the need for a separate elastic member. This integration reduces the overall height while maintaining the cap return functionality through the elastic deformation of the bending members.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the elastic member from the traditional keyswitch structure and replaces it with an alternative mechanism. The support device with hook structures engaging oblique bending members provides the necessary elastic force without requiring a dedicated elastic component, thereby reducing height while preserving functionality.
2Reliability
If an elastic member is disposed between the cap and the board, then elastic force can be provided, but additional space is required which affects compactness
Solution Approach 1:
The support device merges multiple functions: structural support, cap positioning, and elastic force provision. The hook structures on the support members engage with the oblique bending members to provide elastic force, eliminating the need for separate elastic components and reducing overall space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes oblique bending members with specific angular orientations (first angle and second angle relative to the X-axis) to generate elastic force through lateral deformation rather than vertical compression. This dimensional approach to elastic deformation reduces the vertical space required while maintaining functional effectiveness.
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 design reduces the overall height of the keyswitch, enhances the thinning design, and extends the lifespan by eliminating the need for an additional elastic member, while maintaining the automatic cap return functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the first hook structure slides on the first abutting surface to increase an amount of elastic deformation of at least one of the first hook structure and the at least one first bending member, and the second hook structure slides on the second abutting surface to increase an amount of elastic deformation of at least one of the second hook structure and the at least one second bending member
Implementation Method 2
When the external force is released, the at least one of the first hook structure and the at least one first bending member provides a first elastic force to drive the first support member to slide, and the at least one of the second hook structure and the at least one second bending member provides a second elastic force to drive the second support member to slide to make the cap move back to the non-pressed position
Data Source
AI summary
A keyswitch includes a board, a cap, and a support device. The board has first and second bending members and a main body extending along X and Y axes perpendicular to each other. An included angle between a first abutting surface of the first bending member and the X-axis and an included angle between a second abutting surface of the second bending member and the X-axis are greater than 0°. The support device includes first and second support members having first and second hook structures respectively. When the cap is pressed, the first and second hook structures slide on the first and second abutting surfaces respectively to deform the first and second hook structures. When the cap is released, the deformed first and second hook structures drive the first and second support members to slide relatively for making the cap return to a non-pressed position.