Keyswitch Magnetic Returning Device for Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyswitches face challenges in miniaturization, where reduced cap height leads to decreased service life and resilient force, and longer keyswitches experience reduced pull-out force, causing the cap to fall off easily due to space constraints and link connection designs.
Innovation Solution
A keyswitch design featuring a lifting mechanism with first and second support plates and a returning device, including a magnetic attraction mechanism and scissor support structure, to enhance tactile feedback and prevent cap fall-off by providing a stable and efficient pull-out force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the height of the rubber dome is decreased to achieve keyboard miniaturization, then the cap height is reduced, but the service life and resilient force of the keyswitch decay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rubber dome mechanical structure with a magnetic field-based returning device. The magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic component on the cap and the second magnetic component on the base plate provides the returning force, eliminating the need for a tall rubber dome while maintaining resilient force and service life.
2Volume of moving object
If the height of the cap is decreased to achieve miniaturization, then the overall size is reduced, but it becomes difficult to maintain horizontal movement and provide tactile feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional link connection mechanical system with a magnetic field-based returning device. This substitution maintains the cap's ability to move horizontally while providing distinct tactile feedback through magnetic attraction, without requiring additional space for link mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the link connection design is used to maintain horizontal movement, then tactile feedback is provided, but the pull-out force of the cap is reduced causing the cap to fall off easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the link connection mechanical system with a magnetic field-based support and returning mechanism. The magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic component on the cap and the second magnetic component on the base plate provides both tactile feedback and sufficient pull-out force to prevent the cap from falling off.
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 design effectively reduces cap fall-off risk and maintains tactile feedback while ensuring the cap returns to its original position, enhancing the overall performance and durability of the keyswitch.
Implementation Method 1
The returning device includes a first magnetic component and a second magnetic component. The first magnetic component is fixed to the first support plate and the second magnetic component is fixed to the base plate
Data Source
AI summary
A keyswitch includes a base plate, a cap having a longitudinal axis, a returning device, a support mechanism, and a lifting mechanism including first and second support plates. The first support plate has first and second edges parallel to the longitudinal axis for respectively abutting against the base plate and the cap. The second support plate has third and fourth edges parallel to the longitudinal axis for respectively abutting against the base plate and the cap. The base plate is disposed through openings of the first and second support plates to make the first and second support plates movably connected to the base plate. The returning device drives the cap to a non-pressed position with rotation of the first and second support plates. The support mechanism has first and second support members pivoted to each other to be movably connected to the cap and the base plate.