Magnetic Keyswitch Restoring Force Eliminates Scissor Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional keyswitches face challenges with increased height due to scissor mechanical designs and elastic fatigue of rubber materials, which hinder thinning designs and reduce keyswitch lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A keyswitch design utilizing magnetic attraction forces between a support member and a board, with a support device comprising first and second support members and magnetic portions, allowing the cap to return to its original position without a scissor mechanism or elastic member, enhancing tactile feeling and pressing sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a scissor support device and elastic member are used to provide elastic force for the cap, then the cap can return to its original position, but the overall height of the keyswitch increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap return functionVSAvoidoverall height of keyswitch

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical scissor support device and elastic member with a magnetic support device that uses magnetic attraction force between a first magnetic portion and a second magnetic portion to provide the restoring force for the cap, thereby eliminating the need for complex mechanical structures and reducing the overall height of the keyswitch

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the support mechanism from mechanical (scissor device with elastic member) to magnetic (magnetic portions), fundamentally altering the parameter of how restoring force is generated and enabling a more compact design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a scissor mechanical design is adopted, then the cap can be supported, but more space is required which increases the overall height

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap support functionVSAvoidspace required by support device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the bulky mechanical scissor support device with a compact magnetic support device consisting of magnetic portions and support members, dramatically reducing the volume required for the support mechanism while maintaining the cap support function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If an elastic member made of rubber material is used, then the cap can be driven to return to non-pressed position, but elastic fatigue occurs after long use which shortens keyswitch life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap return functionVSAvoidkeyswitch lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the elastic member (rubber material) with a magnetic support device that uses magnetic attraction force, eliminating the elastic member that is subject to elastic fatigue and thereby extending the lifespan and improving the reliability of the keyswitch

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent eliminates the use of rubber elastic members that have limited service life due to elastic fatigue, replacing them with durable magnetic components that do not suffer from the same degradation issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

This design reduces overall keyswitch height, improves tactile feedback, and extends keyswitch lifespan by eliminating the need for a scissor mechanism and elastic materials, while maintaining stable and reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic attraction force between the second magnetic portion and the first magnetic portion keeps the cap at a non-pressed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9715975B2Keyswitch using magnetic force to restore cap position

Publication Date: 2017.07.25 DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

A keyswitch includes a board, a cap, and a support device disposed between the board and the cap. A first abutting side of a first support member of the support device has a first hole formed toward a first bending arm of the board. The first bending arm is disposed through the first hole for pressing the first abutting side to abut against the board. The first abutting side has a second magnetic portion formed toward the second support member. A support portion extends from a second abutting side of the second support member toward the first support member for supporting the second magnetic portion. When the cap is pressed to make the second magnetic portion separate from a first magnetic portion of the board with rotation of the first and second support members relative to the first and second abutting sides, the cap moves to a pressed position.