Magnetic Attraction Key Switch for Compact Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyswitches face challenges in miniaturization due to the decay of resilient force and tactile feedback as the height of the rubber dome decreases, and the design of multiple-width keyswitches is difficult to achieve due to space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A keyswitch structure utilizing magnetic attraction force in cooperation with a lever mechanism, eliminating the need for a rubber dome and link bars, allowing for compact design and stable tactile feedback by rotating supports with sharp edges to facilitate keycap movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the height of the rubber dome is decreased to reduce keycap height, then the keycap height is reduced, but the service life and resilient force character decay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rubber dome mechanical structure with a magnetic field-based system. A magnetic member is disposed on the base and interacts with a magnetic portion on the support, creating magnetic attraction force that provides resilient function without requiring a rubber dome. This substitution eliminates the need for a tall rubber dome while maintaining service life and resilient force characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and interaction mechanism from mechanical contact (rubber dome deformation) to magnetic field interaction. By adjusting magnetic field strength and the position of the magnetic member, the resilient force characteristics can be optimized to provide distinct tactile feedback while allowing for reduced keycap height.
2Ease of operation
If multiple links are disposed under the keycap to enable horizontal movement and tactile feedback, then distinct force feedback is achieved, but space constraint prevents accomplishment when keycap height must decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional multiple links mechanical structure with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic attraction force between the magnetic member on the base and the magnetic portion on the support provides the necessary force feedback. When the keycap is pressed, the support rotates about the sharp edge, causing the magnetic portion to move away from the magnetic member, reducing magnetic attraction force and facilitating keycap movement. This eliminates the need for multiple links while maintaining tactile feedback within a compact height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a multi-link horizontal movement mechanism to a rotational movement mechanism about a sharp edge. The support rotates in a vertical plane, allowing the magnetic portion to move closer or farther from the magnetic member, thereby controlling magnetic attraction force. This dimensional change enables tactile feedback with reduced keycap height.
3Length of moving object
If the stroke of the keycap is decreased for miniaturization, then keyboard miniaturization is achieved, but the height of the rubber dome must be lowered which causes service life decay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rubber dome mechanical structure with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic member and magnetic portion create magnetic attraction force that provides resilient function without the need for a rubber dome. This substitution allows for reduced keycap stroke while maintaining service life, as the magnetic components do not suffer from the same degradation issues as rubber materials.
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 magnetic attraction force enables stable and precise keycap movement, reducing height and providing distinct tactile feedback, suitable for both standard and multiple-width keyswitches without deforming or bending supports.
Implementation Method 1
The first magnetic member and the first magnetic portion produce a magnetic attraction force therebetween. Thereby, when the keycap is pressed by an external force, the first support rotates about the sharp edge relative to the base, so that the first magnetic portion moves away from the first magnetic member and the keycap approaches the base.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyswitch structure includes a base, a keycap, a lift mechanism, and a magnetic member. The keycap is capable of moving up and down relative to the base through the lift mechanism. The lift mechanism includes a support that has a side edge portion, abutting against the base through a sharp edge, and a magnetic portion at the side edge portion. The magnetic portion extends outward from the side edge portion. The support is movably connected to the keycap through another side edge portion of the support. The magnetic member is disposed on the base corresponding to the magnetic portion. The magnetic portion and the magnetic member produce a magnetic attraction force therebetween. When an external force applied to the keycap is eliminated, the magnetic attraction force drives the support to rotate about the sharp edge relative to the base, so that the keycap moves away from the base.