Light-Transmissible Key Structure with Segmented Conducting Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control devices with light-transmissible key structures face challenges in designing suitable key structures that effectively facilitate intuitive user operations while ensuring reliable electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
The control device incorporates a pressure-sensitive key structure comprising a circuit board, a light-transmissible keycap, an elastic element, and a conducting element, where the keycap presses down to connect the circuit patterns electrically when a specified travel distance is reached, allowing for intuitive operation and visual feedback through light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light-transmissible key structure is used, then visual feedback and user interface clarity are improved, but ensuring reliable electrical connections becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The key structure is divided into separate functional components: a light-transmissible keycap for visual feedback, an elastic element for mechanical actuation, and a conducting element for electrical connection. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together as a unified key structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The conducting element acts as an intermediary between the elastic element and the circuit board, ensuring reliable electrical connection while allowing the light-transmissible keycap to maintain its optical properties. This intermediary component bridges the mechanical and electrical functions without compromising either.
2Illumination intensity
If the keycap is made light-transmissible, then visual feedback is enhanced, but the complexity of the key structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key structure integrates multiple functions into a compact assembly: the keycap provides both visual feedback and structural support, the elastic element provides both actuation force and return mechanism, and the conducting element provides both electrical connection and positioning. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the enhanced light transmission capability.
3Reliability
If the conducting element is positioned to contact circuit patterns only after a specified travel distance, then operational reliability is improved, but the key structure design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The conducting element is pre-positioned on the elastic element at a specific location that ensures contact with the circuit patterns only after the keycap is pressed a specified distance. This preliminary positioning guarantees reliable operation by preventing premature or accidental electrical contact while simplifying the overall design compared to more complex actuation mechanisms.
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 enhances user interaction by enabling intuitive selection and operation while ensuring reliable electrical connections, improving the overall functionality and usability of control devices in applications like live streaming machines and ordering devices.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic element includes a support part, a lateral wall, a lower part and a second opening
Implementation Method 2
the conducting element is disposed on the bottom surface of the support part. When the keycap is pressed down, the keycap is moved downwardly to push the support part. After the support part is moved downwardly for a specified travel distance, the conducting element is contacted with the first circuit pattern and the second circuit pattern
Implementation Method 3
The keycap is light-transmissible. the display panel emits a light beam, and the light beam is upwardly transmitted through the first opening, the second opening and the keycap
Data Source
AI summary
A control device includes a display panel and a key structure. The key structure is located over the display panel. The key structure includes a circuit board, a keycap, an elastic element and a conducting element. The circuit board includes a circuit structure. The circuit structure includes a first circuit pattern and a second circuit pattern. The first circuit pattern and the second circuit pattern are separated from each other by a gap. The conducting element is disposed on a support part of the elastic element. When the keycap is pressed down, the keycap is moved downwardly to push the support part. After the support part is moved downwardly for a specified travel distance, the conducting element is contacted with the first circuit pattern and the second circuit pattern. Consequently, the first circuit pattern and the second circuit pattern are electrically connected with each other.