Magnetic Bridge Key Structure for Ultra-Thin Portable Computers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional key structures are not suitable for ultra-thinning designs in portable computers due to their difficulty in reducing overall height, poor sensitivity due to insufficient downward force, and inability to store when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A key structure featuring a bridge assembly with a magnet and an attractable element that allows the key structure to switch between a releasing and storing status, reducing overall height by sliding components, and ensuring sensitivity through magnetic force and actuation portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional scissor structure with elastic member is used, then the key cap can be restored to pre-pressing position, but the pressing stroke is longer and the structure is harder to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge assembly is divided into a first hinge part and a second hinge part that are coupled together, creating a segmented structure that reduces the pressing stroke while maintaining the restoration function. This segmentation allows for a more compact design compared to the conventional scissor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a conventional scissor structure that expands outward, the bridge assembly uses hinge parts that rotate inward toward the center axis. This inverted approach shortens the pressing stroke and simplifies the assembly process.
2Ease of operation
If the downward force is insufficient in conventional key structures, then the key structure is easier to press, but the bi-layer circuits cannot come into contact and sensitivity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic force parameter is introduced to replace or supplement the elastic recovery force. By adjusting the magnetic force strength and the attractable element's position, the system achieves both easy key pressing and reliable circuit contact, resolving the trade-off between ease of operation and sensitivity.
3Ease of operation
If the key structure maintains its operational height, then the key cap can be pressed effectively, but the overall height cannot be reduced for ultra-thinning design
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge assembly can dynamically change its configuration between an expanded state (for key pressing) and a collapsed state (for storage). The hinge parts allow the structure to flex and compress, enabling the keyboard to be thin when not in use while maintaining full pressing capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge assembly nests into a compact form by rotating the hinge parts inward, allowing the key structure to be stored in a space-efficient manner. This nesting capability enables ultra-thinning design while preserving the key pressing function.
4Length of stationary object
If the key structure is designed for thinning, then the overall height is reduced, but the key structure cannot be stored when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge assembly transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one that can change its shape and volume. The hinge parts enable the structure to collapse into a compact form for storage, providing adaptability between the thin profile mode and the stored mode.
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 key structure achieves a shorter pressing stroke, increased sensitivity, and reduced overall height, enabling the key structure to be stored effectively when the portable computer is closed, enhancing the slim design of portable computers.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet provides a magnetic force and is movable between the underneath of the first and second attractive positions. When the magnet is under the first attractive position, the first end of the attractable element is attracted by the magnetic force and moved to the first attractive position.
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure includes a key cap, a bridge assembly, a first supporting part, a second supporting part, an attractable element and a magnet. The bridge assembly includes first and second hinge parts. One end of the first hinge part has a first link bar, and the other end has a first pivot coupling portion and a first shaft having a first connecting portion. One end of the second hinge part has a second link bar, and the other end has a second pivot coupling portion and a second shaft having a second connecting portion coupled to the first connecting portion. When the magnet under a first attractive position, the first end of the attractable element is attracted to the first attractive position. When the magnet under a second attractive position, the second end of the attractable element is attracted to the second attractive position.