Magnetic Keyboard Switch Reduces Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard structures, particularly in notebook computers, face challenges in reducing thickness due to the vertical height occupied by scissors-like supporting structures, which hinder the overall thinning of the device.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard design incorporating a keyswitch device with a first and second supporting member connected between the keycap and bottom plate, utilizing magnetic attraction portions to guide the keycap's movement and return it to its original position, replacing conventional rubber domes and eliminating the need for a balance bar, thus reducing the keyswitch stroke and overall keyboard thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional scissors-like supporting structure is used, then the keycap can be guided to move vertically, but the vertical height occupied increases the overall keyboard thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical scissors-like supporting structure with a magnetic field-based supporting mechanism. The first and second supporting members generate magnetic fields that interact to guide the keycap's vertical movement without requiring the complex mechanical linkages of traditional scissors structures, thereby reducing the overall keyboard thickness while maintaining operational guidance functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and interaction mechanism from mechanical contact and friction-based support to magnetic field interaction. By utilizing magnetic attraction and repulsion forces between the supporting members and the keycap, the system achieves vertical movement guidance with a reduced structural footprint, directly addressing the thickness issue.
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional rubber domes and balance bars are used, then the keyswitch stroke can be maintained, but the keyboard thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the conventional rubber dome and balance bar components from the keyswitch structure. By removing these traditional elements that occupy vertical space, the design achieves a thinner keyboard profile while using magnetic supporting members to provide the necessary support and stroke duration functionality through magnetic field interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical rubber dome compression and balance bar leverage systems with a magnetic field-based support mechanism. The magnetic interaction between the supporting members maintains the keyswitch stroke duration without requiring the physical presence of rubber domes or balance bars, thereby reducing keyboard thickness.
3Length of stationary object
If the supporting structure is simplified to reduce thickness, then the keyboard becomes thinner, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs supporting members with composite structural characteristics, combining magnetic materials with mechanically strong substrates. This allows the supporting members to provide both the necessary magnetic field generation for thin-profile operation and sufficient structural strength to support the keycap and withstand repeated pressing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic magnetic field interaction between the supporting members and the keycap. The magnetic fields can dynamically adjust to provide support force distribution that maintains structural integrity during keycap movement, compensating for the reduced physical structure thickness through active magnetic field management.
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 mechanism effectively reduces the keycap stroke, allowing for a thinner keyboard while maintaining structural strength, even without a balance bar, thus aligning with the demand for lighter and thinner electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The second supporting member is connected between the bottom plate and the keycap and includes a second magnetic attraction portion configured to attract the first magnetic attraction portion
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard includes a bottom plate and keyswitch devices. Each keyswitch device includes a keycap, a first supporting member, and a second supporting member. The keycap is over the bottom plate. The first and second supporting members are connected between the bottom plate and the keycap and respectively include first and second magnetic attraction portions. The second magnetic attraction portion is configured to attract the first magnetic attraction portion. The first and second magnetic attraction portions respectively have first and second abutting surfaces. When the first abutting surface abuts against the second abutting surface, the keycap is at a highest position relative to the bottom plate. When the keycap moves toward the bottom plate from the highest position, the first abutting surface is at least partially separated from the second abutting surface.