Linkage Mechanism for Press Keys with Pre-Assembled Hinge Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional press keys have low assembly efficiencies and high damage rates due to non-pre-assemblable linkage mechanisms with weak structural strengths, and complex structures that increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A linkage mechanism comprising a left wing, a right wing, and a hinge unit with specific pin and hole configurations allows for pre-assembly and enhanced structural strength, featuring rotatable and slidable connections between the wings and a hinge unit with lifting and pressing portions to facilitate smooth movement of the keycap between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the linkage mechanism uses gear hinges formed by tooth pieces engaging each other, then the keycap can be moved between lifted and descended positions, but the structural strength is not great resulting in high damage rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gear hinge function with a support rod structure by integrating the tooth pieces onto the support rod. This merging creates a unified component that provides both the gear engagement for keycap movement and the structural support needed for durability, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The support rod is pre-configured with tooth pieces at specific positions before assembly. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the gear hinge mechanism is already structurally reinforced when installed, preventing damage during operation while maintaining smooth keycap movement.
2Device complexity
If the linkage mechanism uses simple abutment connections between tooth pieces, then the structure is simpler, but the assembly efficiency is low because the mechanism cannot be pre-assembled
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the support rod and tooth pieces into a single integrated component, the patent enables the linkage mechanism to be pre-assembled as a complete unit. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural simplicity while dramatically improving assembly efficiency through pre-assembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism is pre-assembled with all components including tooth pieces and support rods configured in their final positions before installation. This preliminary assembly action eliminates time-consuming on-site assembly steps while keeping the overall structure simple and modular.
3Ease of operation
If the bottom board has multiple receiving units with inner and outer sliding grooves, then the linkage mechanism can be connected to the keycap, but the structure becomes complicated increasing manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex receiving units with multiple sliding grooves from the bottom board and relocates them to the linkage mechanism itself. This extraction simplifies the bottom board structure, reducing manufacturing costs, while the linkage mechanism retains all necessary connection capabilities for proper operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the complex structural features from the bottom board (one dimension) to the linkage mechanism (another dimension/component level). This dimensional shift allows the bottom board to remain simple and cost-effective while the linkage mechanism incorporates the necessary complexity for functional connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A linkage mechanism includes a left wing having two left arms, two left supporting rods that are respectively formed on the left arms, and two left sliding rods that are respectively formed on the left arms, a right wing having two right arms, two right supporting rods that are respectively formed on the right arms, and two right connecting rods that are respectively formed on the right arms, and a hinge unit having two left hinge pins, two right hinge pins, two left hinge holes and two right holes. Each left hinge hole is formed in a respective left arm and is engaged with a respective right hinge pin. Each right hinge hole is formed in a respective right arm and is engaged with a respective left hinge pin.