Magnetic Keyswitch Structure for Thin Notebook Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional notebook computer keyboards do not have keycaps that can move downward for storage, leading to potential damage from the display screen and occupying excessive space, and elastic members used for restoration force can suffer permanent deformation when forced to move downward.
Innovation Solution
A keyswitch structure utilizing magnetic parts to provide a restoration force, allowing the keycap to move downward without external pressing, using a base plate, scissors support, linking support, and movable part with magnetic attraction forces to facilitate vertical movement and storage, eliminating the need for elastic members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic members are used to provide restoration force to the keycap, then the keycap can return to its original position, but the elastic member will be permanently deformed when the keycap is forced downward for storage, affecting its elasticity and lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the elastic member (mechanical system) with a magnetic field system. The magnetic part on the movable part interacts with the magnetic portion on the linking support to provide restoration force, eliminating the need for elastic members that would be permanently deformed by forced downward movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state from mechanical elastic force to magnetic attraction force. By utilizing magnetic field strength as the restoration mechanism, the system allows the keycap to be freely moved downward for storage without affecting the restoration capability, as magnetic fields are not subject to permanent deformation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the keycap is forced to move downward for storage, then the display screen is protected from damaging the keycap, but the elastic member suffers permanent deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the elastic member with a magnetic field-based restoration mechanism. This allows the keycap to be moved downward for storage without applying continuous compression force to a mechanical element, thereby protecting both the keycap from the display screen and eliminating the elastic member's permanent deformation issue.
3Device complexity
If the keyboard is designed with fixed keycap height, then the structure is simple, but the keyboard occupies more space and limits thinner development of the notebook computer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable part that can shift horizontally to adjust the distance between the magnetic part and the magnetic portion. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the keycap height to be variable - maintaining a standard height during use and reducing to a thinner profile when the movable part shifts, enabling space savings without excessive structural complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the distance between magnetic parts is increased, then the keycap can move downward for storage, but the magnetic attraction force decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic positioning system where the movable part can adjust its horizontal position. When the movable part is at the first position, the magnetic part is close to the magnetic portion, providing strong magnetic attraction force for normal keycap operation. When the movable part shifts to the second position, the distance increases, allowing the keycap to move downward for storage while the magnetic force naturally decreases to an appropriate level for the stored position.
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
Enables keycap movement for storage without external force and prevents permanent deformation of restoration force components, reducing keyboard height and space occupation while maintaining keyswitch functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic portion and the magnetic part producing a magnetic attraction force therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A keyswitch structure includes a base plate, a keycap, a scissors support connecting the keycap and the base plate, a linking support rotatably disposed on the base plate, a movable part movably disposed relative to the base plate, and a magnetic part on the movable part. The linking support includes a magnetic portion and a driving portion. The magnetic part and the magnetic portion produce a magnetic attraction force therebetween. When the movable part is located at a first position, the magnetic part is located under the magnetic portion, and the magnetic attraction force drives the keycap through the linking support to move away relative to the base plate. When the movable part moves from the first position to a second position, the magnetic part moves away relative to the magnetic portion, so that the magnetic attraction force decreases so as to make the keycap move toward the base plate.