Magnetic Keyswitch Structure for Retractable Keycaps
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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.
Innovation Solution
A keyswitch structure utilizing a magnetic attraction force to move the keycap downward for storage, eliminating the need for external pressing and preventing elastic member deformation by using a magnetic part, a linking support, and a lift mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the keycap is designed to remain at a fixed height, then the keyboard structure is simple, but the display screen may impact and damage the keycaps when closed, and the keyboard occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The keycap is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to switch between an upper position (protruding) and a lower position (retracted). The lift mechanism enables the keycap to dynamically adjust its height, protecting it from damage by the display screen when the notebook is closed while maintaining a simple overall keyboard structure.
2Reliability
If the keycap is designed to move downward for storage, then the display screen damage risk is reduced, but the keyboard occupies more space and limits thinner development
Solution Approach 1:
The keycap nesting mechanism allows the keycap to be stored within the keyboard body by moving it to a lower position. When not in use, the keycap can be retracted into the keyboard structure, reducing the overall profile and enabling thinner notebook design while still providing protection when needed.
3Ease of operation
If an elastic member (e.g., rubber dome) is used for providing restoration force, then the keycap can return to its original position, but the elastic member will be permanently deformed when the keycap is forced downward, affecting its elasticity and lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional elastic member (rubber dome) with a magnetic field-based restoration mechanism. The magnetic part on the base plate interacts with the magnetic portion on the linking support to provide restoration force, eliminating the need for elastic members that would suffer permanent deformation and reducing lifespan issues.
4Ease of operation
If the keycap moves downward without external pressing force, then the operation is easier, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The keycap movement mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through magnetic attraction. When the movable part moves horizontally to position the magnetic portion over the magnetic part, the magnetic attraction automatically pulls the keycap downward without requiring external pressing force, making operation easier while keeping the mechanism relatively simple.
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 downward without external force and maintains the elasticity of restoration components, reducing the risk of damage and space occupation.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic portion and the magnetic part produce a magnetic attraction force therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A keyswitch structure includes a base plate, a keycap, a lift mechanism connecting the keycap and the base plate, a movable part movably disposed relative to the base plate, a linking support, and a magnetic part on the base plate. The linking support has a pivotal connection portion, 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 pivotal connection portion is rotatably disposed on a protruding portion of the movable part, and the magnetic attraction force drives the keycap through the linking support to move away relative to the keycap. When the movable part moves from the first position to a second position, the protruding portion moves away, so that the pivotal connection portion falls down and the keycap moves toward the base plate.