Keyswitch Device Component Reduction via Hooked Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboards have a high number of components, leading to increased manufacturing costs, and there is a need for a design that reduces the overall component count while maintaining functionality.
Innovation Solution
A keyswitch device comprising a circuit board, a fixing bracket with hooks, a micro switch, and a connecting assembly that supports the keycap and generates pressing signals, replacing the conventional membrane circuit and restoring member, and omitting the adhesive layer by using hooks to secure the fixing bracket to the circuit board, with additional grounding and anti-static properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional keyboard components (membrane circuit board, restoring member, connecting assembly) are used, then the keyboard maintains original functionality, but the overall amount of components increases and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the membrane circuit board and restoring member functions into an integrated keyswitch assembly. The connecting assembly is integrated with the keycap and keyswitch, eliminating the need for separate connecting components. This consolidation reduces the overall component count while maintaining all original keyboard functions including signal generation and key restoration.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyswitch assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the restoring member (providing mechanical return force), the membrane circuit board (providing electrical connections and signal generation), and part of the connecting assembly (providing mechanical linkage). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional adhesive layer is used to fix circuit board to fixing bracket, then assembly is simplified, but manufacturing precision and stability deteriorate due to potential floating or skewing
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing bracket is segmented with multiple positioning holes distributed at different locations. These positioning holes work in conjunction with corresponding holes in the circuit board to provide multiple discrete positioning points. This segmentation approach ensures that the circuit board is precisely located relative to the fixing bracket without requiring adhesive, preventing floating or skewing while maintaining assembly simplicity.
3Manufacturing precision
If hooks are used to secure fixing bracket to circuit board, then manufacturing precision improves by preventing floating or skewing, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hooks on the fixing bracket serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical attachment between the fixing bracket and circuit board, and they serve as positioning elements that prevent floating or skewing of the micro switch. By making the hooks multi-functional, the patent achieves improved positioning stability without adding separate positioning components, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyswitch device includes a circuit board, a fixing bracket, a micro switch, a keycap, and a connecting assembly. The circuit board has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The fixing bracket includes a main body and a first hook. The main body abuts against the first surface. The first hook is connected to the main body and fixed to the circuit board. The micro switch passes through the main body, and is disposed on the circuit board and configured to generate a pressing signal to the circuit board while being pressed. The keycap is supported on the micro switch and configured to press the micro switch toward the circuit board. The connecting assembly is connected between the fixing bracket and the keycap and configured to guide the keycap to move upward and downward relative to the circuit board.