Magnetic Permeable Plate Keyswitch for Thin Profile Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional keyswitches face challenges in thinning design due to the scissor mechanical design, and positioning magnetic members on a baseplate made of low intensity or non-magnetic materials is difficult, leading to a time-consuming assembly process.

Innovation Solution

A keyswitch design that incorporates a magnetic permeable plate and a magnet inserted laterally into a receiving space formed by a support rib and bending arm on the baseplate, utilizing a magnetic attraction force for cap movement, with an elastic member to secure the magnet in place, allowing for easier assembly and reduced space occupation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a scissor mechanical design is used to provide elastic force for cap return, then the cap can return to released 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 scissor mechanical design with a magnetic field-based return mechanism. A magnetic member is disposed on the support structure and another on the baseplate, generating magnetic attraction force to pull the cap back to the released position, eliminating the need for complex mechanical scissor structures and reducing overall height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of force generation from mechanical elastic force to magnetic attraction force. By utilizing magnetic field interaction between magnetic members, the system achieves cap return functionality without requiring the physical space needed for mechanical spring or scissor mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If magnetic members are disposed on a baseplate made of low intensity or non-magnetic material, then the baseplate can be made with diverse materials, but positioning the magnetic members becomes difficult and assembly becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebaseplate material selectionVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic permeable plate as an intermediary component between the magnetic member and the baseplate. This plate is disposed on the baseplate and works cooperatively with the magnetic member to generate magnetic attraction force, enabling stable positioning of magnetic members even when the baseplate is made of non-magnetic or low-intensity magnetic materials, thus simplifying the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of stationary object

If magnetic members are used to provide returning force instead of scissor mechanical design, then the overall height is reduced, but positioning the magnetic members on the baseplate becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall height of keyswitchVSAvoidpositioning magnetic members

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic permeable plate serves as a mediator that facilitates the positioning and functioning of magnetic members. By placing this plate on the baseplate, the system achieves both height reduction and easy positioning of magnetic members, as the plate enhances magnetic field interaction without requiring the baseplate itself to be highly magnetic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enhances the convenience of keyboard assembly and manufacturing by stabilizing the magnet on the baseplate, even with non-magnetic materials, and provides a reliable magnetic attraction force for cap movement, improving the overall keyswitch functionality and reducing assembly complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic attraction force between the first magnet and the magnetic permeable plate keeps the cap at the released position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUSRE47957E1Keyswitch, keyboard and keyswitch manufacturing method thereof

Publication Date: 2020.04.21 DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

A keyswitch includes a cap, a support structure, a first magnet, and a baseplate having a bending arm protruding from the baseplate and a support rib extending horizontally to form a receiving space with the bending arm. The support structure includes a first support member pivoted to the baseplate and against the cap and a magnetic permeable plate extending from the first support member and being above the receiving space. The first magnet is inserted into the receiving space to be supported by the support rib and be pressed by the bending arm. When the cap is pressed to make the magnetic permeable plate away from the first magnet as the first support member rotates, the cap moves to a pressed position. When the cap is released, a magnetic attraction force between the magnetic permeable plate and the first magnet drives the magnetic permeable plate to approach the first magnet.