Low-Travel Illuminated Key Structure With Reduced Z-Stackup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional keyboards occupy significant space and impede illumination due to mechanical and electrical components, leading to undesirable z-stackup and inefficient use of housing space.
Innovation Solution
A key assembly with a support structure featuring a compliant hinge and overmolded wings that guide key cap movement, combined with a light guide panel to illuminate symbols, allowing low-travel keystrokes with a desired tactile response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional mechanical and electrical components are used in keyboard keys, then tactile response is achieved, but illumination is impeded and z-stackup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides tactile feedback through the compliant hinge mechanism, guides key cap movement through molded wings, and enables illumination by incorporating light guides and light extraction features. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate mechanical and lighting assemblies, reducing z-stackup while maintaining both tactile response and symbol illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a mechanical hinge for key actuation, a guide for key cap movement, a mounting structure for the key cap, and an illumination conduit through integrated light guides. This multi-functionality allows the same component to satisfy both tactile feedback requirements and lighting requirements without increasing overall complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional keyboard components are used, then tactile response is provided, but housing space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The key cap nests over the support structure, which in turn nests over the switch housing. The light guides are embedded within the support structure, and the tactile dome is positioned within the switch housing cavity. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, minimizing the overall footprint while preserving tactile feedback through the compliant hinge mechanism.
3Length of moving object
If low-travel keystrokes are implemented, then compact design is achieved, but tactile response may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant hinge is designed with specific material properties and geometric configurations that allow it to provide adequate tactile feedback within a reduced travel distance. The hinge's elasticity and curvature are optimized to deliver perceptible tactile response while limiting key cap displacement to a compact range, thus achieving both low-travel keystrokes and satisfactory tactile operation.
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 solution enables compact keyboard designs with efficient illumination of symbols during low-travel keystrokes, enhancing user experience and reducing mechanical interference.
Implementation Method 1
The support structure includes a compliant hinge. The support structure further includes a first wing molded over a first end of the compliant hinge and comprising a first protrusion. The support structure further includes a second wing molded over a second end of the compliant hinge and comprising a second protrusion.
Implementation Method 2
The key further includes a light guide defining at least one light extraction feature and configured to propagate light toward the illuminable symbol.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to a low profile key for a keyboard having an overmolded support structure. In one aspect, an embodiment includes a key cap having an illuminable symbol. A support structure having a pair of overmolded wings may pivotally couple to the key cap. A switch housing may surround the support structure and connect each of the first and second wings. A tactile dome may be at least partially positioned within the switch housing and configured to bias the key cap upward. A sensing membrane may be positioned along an underside surface of the tactile dome and configured to trigger a switch event in response to a collapsing of the tactile dome caused by a depression of the key cap. A feature plate may be positioned below the sensing membrane. A light guide panel may define at least one light extraction feature that may be configured to propagate light toward the key cap and cause illumination of the illuminable symbol.