Low-Travel Illuminated Key Mechanism With Reduced Z-Stackup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional keyboards occupy significant space and have mechanical and electrical components that impede illumination, leading to undesirable z-stackup and limited interior space in computing systems.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a key assembly with a support structure featuring a compliant hinge and wings that guide the key cap movement, a tactile switch, and a light guide to illuminate symbols on the key cap, allowing for low-travel keystrokes with a desired tactile response while minimizing z-stackup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical keyboard components are used, then tactile feedback is achieved, but z-stackup increases and interior space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support structure and switch housing into a single integrated component. The support structure forms the walls of the switch housing, eliminating the need for separate mechanical components and reducing z-stackup while maintaining tactile feedback through the integrated dome switch mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The dome switch is nested within the switch housing, which is formed by the support structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, minimizing the overall z-profile while preserving tactile response
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional keyboard layouts are used, then input functionality is provided, but available interior space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional planar keyboard layout to a three-dimensional arrangement where keys are positioned at different vertical levels. The support structure creates varying heights for different key regions, allowing compact horizontal spacing while maintaining full input functionality through vertical dimension utilization
3Ease of operation
If mechanical components are used, then key actuation is achieved, but illumination is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple wings that can be independently positioned. These wings create pathways and openings that allow light to pass through to the keycap while still providing the necessary mechanical support for key actuation. The segmented design separates the illumination function from the mechanical support function
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary element between the light source and the keycap. It includes light-transmissive regions that mediate the passage of light while maintaining structural integrity for mechanical actuation, resolving the conflict between illumination and mechanical function
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 solution enables compact keyboards with efficient illumination and tactile feedback, optimizing space usage and user experience by reducing the z-profile of the key assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The support structure includes a compliant hinge
Implementation Method 2
a light guide positioned below the switch housing and configured to illuminate a symbol on the key cap
Implementation Method 3
a light guide positioned below the switch housing and configured to illuminate a symbol on the key cap
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.