Mechanical Keyswitch Structure for Improved Tactile Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional membrane switches in keyboards are prone to damage, require costly replacement, and provide inadequate tactile feedback, leading to unsatisfactory user experience, especially for gamers.
Innovation Solution
A keyswitch structure incorporating a mechanical switch with a baseplate and circuit board design that includes a switch opening and through hole for the mechanical switch, along with a supporting unit and electronic components, enhancing tactile feedback and repairability while reducing key height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If membrane switches are used in conventional keyboards, then the keyboard structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the switches are readily damaged and difficult to repair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the keyboard into modular keyswitch units, each with its own mechanical switch, circuit board portion, and baseplate section. This segmentation allows individual keys to be replaced independently rather than replacing the entire membrane switch assembly, improving repairability while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through modular assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the membrane switch system with a mechanical switch system featuring physical components including a keycap, switch mechanism, circuit board contact, and baseplate. This mechanical substitution provides tangible tactile feedback and enhanced durability compared to the flexible membrane system, while the modular design maintains ease of manufacture through standardized mechanical assemblies.
2Device complexity
If membrane switches are used, then the keyboard structure is compact, but tactile feedback is reduced and click of keystroke is not clear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a dynamic mechanical switch mechanism with a keycap that can physically depress and return to its original position. This dynamic movement provides clear tactile feedback and audible click during keystroke, contrasting with the static membrane press system. The mechanical components are designed to move precisely within compact dimensions, maintaining space efficiency while enhancing user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical switch mechanism generates vibration and audible click upon actuation, providing sensory feedback to the user. This mechanical vibration occurs when the keycap depresses the switch contact, creating a distinct tactile and acoustic signal that confirms key activation, thereby improving ease of operation without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
3Ease of repair
If individual mechanical switches are used for each key, then repairability of individual keys is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the keyboard into discrete keyswitch modules, each comprising a keycap, mechanical switch, circuit board section, and baseplate portion. This segmentation enables individual key repairability as each module can be independently accessed and replaced. The modular structure manages complexity through standardization, where repeated identical modules simplify assembly and maintenance procedures despite the increased number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal mechanical switch components and standardized mounting structures across all keys. The circuit board uses consistent contact patterns and the baseplate features uniform openings and support structures. This universality allows any key to be replaced with any other key component, simplifying repair operations and inventory management while managing overall device complexity through component standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyswitch structure includes a baseplate having a switch opening, a keycap movably disposed above the baseplate, a circuit board disposed on the baseplate, the circuit board having a through hole, and a mechanical switch disposed below the keycap, the mechanical switch extending through the through hole to be partially received in the switch opening and electrically coupled to the circuit board, wherein when the keycap moves toward the baseplate, the keycap triggers the mechanical switch.