Large-Key Keyswitch Structure With Membrane Buffering for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Larger-sized keyboard keys with linking bars generate noise due to deformation and collision with underlying components when pressed off-center, affecting operation smoothness and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A keyswitch structure incorporating a multi-layered membrane switch with buffer portions and linking bars that provide cushioning to reduce noise without increasing material cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If linking bars are added to enhance structural strength of large keycaps, then structural strength is improved, but operation noise increases due to deformation and collision with underlying components
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer portion made of elastic material is introduced as an intermediary element between the linking bar and the baseplate. This buffer absorbs the impact when the linking bar deforms and contacts the underlying components, thereby reducing operation noise while maintaining the structural strength enhancement provided by the linking bar.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer portion is pre-installed at the potential collision point between the linking bar and the baseplate. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when deformation occurs during keycap operation, the impact is already cushioned by the elastic buffer material, preventing direct collision noise before it can be generated.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If buffer material is added to reduce noise from linking bar collision, then operation noise is reduced, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer portion is implemented as a thin film or layer of elastic material integrated into the membrane switch structure. This thin film provides sufficient cushioning effect to reduce operation noise while consuming minimal material, thereby avoiding significant increase in material cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer portion utilizes elastic material that is already part of the membrane switch composite structure. By leveraging the existing elastic properties of the membrane switch material, the solution achieves noise reduction without requiring additional specialized buffer materials, thus controlling material costs.
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
Effectively reduces noise by using membrane switch buffer portions to absorb the impact of linking bars, maintaining smooth operation and comfort without additional material costs.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane switch disposed between the keycap and the baseplate and configured to have a first buffer portion with two first open edges opposite to each other... when the keycap moves relative to the baseplate, the first buffer portion provides buffer to the first short side
Data Source
AI summary
A keyswitch structure includes a baseplate, a keycap disposed over the baseplate and configured to be movable relative to the baseplate, a membrane switch disposed between the keycap and the baseplate and configured to have one or more buffer portions with two open edges opposite to each other, and a first linking bar connected to the keycap and disposed between the keycap and the membrane switch. The first linking bar has a first long side and a first short side connected to each other. When the keycap moves relative to the baseplate, the one or more buffer portions provide buffer to the first short side and/or an end section of the first long side.