Magnetic Return Keyswitch for Thin Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyswitches face challenges in thin design due to the space required by scissor mechanical designs and suffer from elastic fatigue of rubber-based elastic members, leading to reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A keyswitch design utilizing magnetic attraction forces between a support member and a board to return a cap to its original position, eliminating the need for scissor mechanisms and elastic members, with a support device comprising magnetic portions and elastic cantilever arms to trigger a switch and facilitate automatic return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a scissor mechanical design is 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
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the scissor mechanical design with a magnetic field-based support device. The support device includes a magnetic portion on the board and a corresponding magnetic portion on the cap that attract each other to provide the returning force, eliminating the need for mechanical scissor structures and reducing the overall height of the keyswitch.
2Ease of operation
If an elastic member made of rubber material is used to drive the cap return, then the cap can return to its original position, but elastic fatigue occurs after long use shortening the keyswitch life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes rubber-based elastic members with a magnetic field-based support device. The magnetic attraction between the magnetic portion on the board and the magnetic portion on the cap provides a non-contact returning force that does not suffer from elastic fatigue, thereby extending the keyswitch lifespan while maintaining the cap return function.
3Length of stationary object
If magnetic attraction force is used to drive the cap return, then the keyswitch achieves thin design and extended lifespan, but the triggering sensitivity must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes triggering sensitivity by adjusting magnetic field parameters including the strength and distribution of the magnetic portion, the distance between magnetic portions, and the geometric configuration of the support device. These parameter adjustments enable precise control over the magnetic attraction force to ensure reliable switch triggering while maintaining a compact design.
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 space requirements, enhances durability by avoiding elastic fatigue, and improves triggering sensitivity, making it suitable for thin designs and extending keyswitch lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion keeps the cap at a non-pressed position
Implementation Method 2
When the external force is released, the magnetic force drives the second magnetic portion to approach the first magnetic portion, so as to make the cap move back to the non-pressed position with the support device
Data Source
AI summary
A keyswitch includes a board having a first magnetic portion and a pivot portion, a cap, a switch, and a support device including a first support member having first and second bodies connected to each other via an elastic connection arm. The first body has first and second end portions connected to the cap and the pivot portion respectively. The second body has a second magnetic portion and a triggering portion. A U-shaped slot is formed around the triggering portion to make the triggering portion form an elastic cantilever arm extending from the second body. When the cap is pressed to make the second magnetic portion away from the first magnetic portion at a specific distance, the triggering portion triggers the switch. When the cap is released, a magnetic force between the first and second magnetic portions drives the second magnetic portion to approach the first magnetic portion.