Long Rectangular Keyswitch Lift Structure for Stable Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of keyswitch structures leads to reduced space for components, compromising structural strength and stability, particularly in the transmission between supports and a base plate, which can result in permanent deformation and instability of movement.
Innovation Solution
A keycap lifting mechanism that utilizes the overlap of pivots between supports and a base hole in the pivot axis direction to enhance stability, incorporating structural designs such as semi-open and fully-open pivot holes, and support arms extending non-parallel to the pivot axis to improve the stability of the keyswitch structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the keyswitch structure is miniaturized to reduce size, then the compactness of the device is improved, but the structural strength and stability of the components deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot is inserted into the pivot hole of the support, and the base hook extends into the base hole, creating a nested configuration where smaller components are placed within larger ones. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization in the miniaturized keyswitch while maintaining structural integrity through interlocking geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new spatial dimension by extending the base hook into the base hole in the pivot axis direction, creating overlap in the longitudinal dimension. This dimensional extension allows the base hook to engage more deeply with the base plate through the support, enhancing stability without increasing the overall footprint of the keyswitch.
2Volume of moving object
If the keyswitch structure is miniaturized, then the compactness is improved, but the stability of transmission between support and base plate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base hook extends into the base hole in the pivot axis direction, creating overlap in the longitudinal dimension. This dimensional extension ensures that the base hook engages more deeply with the base plate through the support, enhancing transmission stability without increasing the overall footprint of the keyswitch.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration of the pivot within the pivot hole and the base hook within the base hole creates a layered engagement system. This nesting arrangement ensures reliable transmission of forces between the support and base plate while maintaining a compact structure.
3Volume of moving object
If the keyswitch structure is miniaturized, then the compactness is improved, but the stability of support for keycap deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base hook extends into the base hole in the pivot axis direction, creating overlap that provides additional engagement points. This dimensional extension enhances the support stability by distributing loads across multiple engagement surfaces, preventing permanent deformation even in the miniaturized structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested arrangement of the base hook within the base hole creates a reinforced support structure. This configuration provides multiple levels of engagement between the support and base plate, enhancing the overall stability of the keycap support in the compact keyswitch design.
Data Source
AI summary
A keycap lifting mechanism increases the stability of supporting a keycap through structure designs of supports. For example, a pivot of two supports overlaps base holes of the supports along the pivot axis. For another example, each of supports has support arms extending non-parallel to the pivot axis. The free end of each support arm is connected to a base plate. For another example, among a plurality of pivotally-connecting structures between supports, at least one includes a fully-open pivot hole, achieved by two opposite hooks, and at least one includes a semi-open pivot hole, achieved by two opposite hooks and a blind hole. A long rectangular keyswitch structure includes a keycap and any of the above mechanisms. The distance from a sliding hole of one support to an adjacent keycap long side is greater than the distance from a holder hole of another support to another adjacent keycap long side.