Magnetic 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 assembly, longer pressing stroke, and poor sensitivity, especially when the downward force is insufficient to activate bi-layer circuits.
Innovation Solution
A key structure featuring a bridge assembly with a first and second hinge part, an attractable element, and a magnet, which reduces the overall height by allowing the key cap to be stored, and enhances sensitivity through a magnetic force that activates the hinge parts between releasing and pressing statuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a scissor structure with an elastic member is used to restore the key cap, then the key cap can return to its pre-pressing position, but the pressing stroke becomes longer and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional elastic member mechanism with a magnetic field-based restoration system. The magnet assembly generates magnetic attraction force to pull the key cap back to its original position, eliminating the need for complex scissor structures and elastic members, thereby shortening the pressing stroke and simplifying assembly
2Ease of operation
If the downward force is transmitted through an elastic member to bi-layer circuits, then key activation is possible, but sensitivity becomes poor when downward force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical force transmission system with a magnetic field interaction system. The magnet assembly creates a magnetic field that directly interacts with the bi-layer circuits, providing sufficient activation force without requiring complex mechanical force transmission, thereby improving sensitivity and response accuracy
3Stability of the object's composition
If the key structure maintains a fixed height, then structural stability is ensured, but the overall height cannot be reduced for portable computer storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static key structure into a dynamic system where the magnet assembly can move between different positions. During operation, the magnet maintains a position that ensures structural stability, while during storage, the entire key structure can be collapsed to reduce height, achieving both stability and compactness
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, making it suitable for ultra-thinning designs in portable computers, while maintaining stability and reducing noise.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet is correspondingly located under the attractable element
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure includes a key cap, a supporting board, 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. The first hinge part has a first pivot coupling portion. The second hinge part has a second pivot coupling portion. The first and second supporting parts are coupled to two ends of the first and second pivot coupling portions, respectively, wherein the first and the second supporting parts are disposed on the supporting board, a material of the first supporting part is different from a material of the supporting board, and a material of the second supporting part is different from the material of the supporting board. The attractable element is disposed on the second hinge part. The magnet is correspondingly located under the attractable element.