Magnet Keys for Thin Computing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboards in thin computing devices face manufacturing and reliability issues due to the use of rubber domes, which occupy significant space and limit key travel and feel.
Innovation Solution
The use of magnets and flanges with a circuit board and webbing to detect key presses, eliminating the need for rubber domes and reducing the required space, while maintaining a similar spring-like action through magnetic repulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rubber domes are used in conventional keyboards, then key press detection is achieved, but the volume occupied by keys increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rubber dome system with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnets are positioned beneath the keycap, and a Hall effect sensor detects changes in the magnetic field when the key is pressed, eliminating the need for physical rubber domes and their associated space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from physical contact (mechanical) to magnetic field strength changes. By measuring the change in magnetic field intensity when a key is depressed, the system achieves key press detection without requiring the physical deformation mechanisms of rubber domes.
2Reliability
If rubber domes are used in conventional keyboards, then key press detection is achieved, but manufacturing precision and reliability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rubber dome system with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnets are positioned beneath the keycap, and a Hall effect sensor detects changes in the magnetic field when the key is pressed, eliminating the need for physical rubber domes and their associated space requirements.
3Force
If rubber domes are used in conventional keyboards, then spring force is generated, but space underneath keycaps is excessively occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rubber dome system with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnets are positioned beneath the keycap, and a Hall effect sensor detects changes in the magnetic field when the key is pressed, eliminating the need for physical rubber domes and their associated space requirements.
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 reduces the volume occupied by keys, enhances reliability, and allows for thinner device designs without compromising the tactile feedback and press detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet mounted to the keycap... opposing poles of the magnetic plate and the magnet are oriented towards one another, and the magnetic plate and the magnet attract one another
Implementation Method 2
webbing adjacent to the set of flanges. The webbing is configured to prevent the keycap from being removed from the device
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to keyboards for computing devices. For example, rather than using a dome, the keycap may include one or more magnets. In one example, a second magnet may be placed adjacent to a switch or magnetic sensor on a circuit board. The magnets may be arranged so that they repel one another in order to force the keycap away from the switch. Webbing between the keycaps may be used to keep the keycaps from falling off of the device. To keep the keycap from moving laterally, the keycap may include two or more flanges held in place by rails. Other arrangements of magnets or magnetic plates may also be used. If a magnetic sensor is used, it may be calibrated to adjust the sensitivity of the keys, for example, how far a user must press the keycap in order to have the pressing register.