Mechanical Switch Structure with Scissor Unit and Hillside Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical type keyboards lack noticeable tactile feedback and have a higher total height due to their spring structure, which affects the operating tactility and stability compared to membrane type keyboards, and require replacement of the entire circuit membrane if a single key is damaged.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical switch structure incorporating a scissor unit, guiding unit with a hillside portion, and resistance module that provides elastic forces and different resistive forces during a pressing stroke, reducing the total height and enhancing tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring structure is disposed on a central axle in a mechanical type keyboard, then the keyboard provides tactile feedback and long lifespan, but the total height becomes higher and no apparent tactile sensation of bump feedback is present
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard structure is divided into modular components: keycaps, scissor units, guiding units, and circuit boards. Each key assembly can be independently replaced, and the scissor unit acts as a separate mechanical element that can be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing overall height while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The scissor unit introduces a dimensional change by using a V-shaped scissor mechanism that expands vertically when pressed, providing tactile feedback without requiring increased overall height. The mechanism transforms linear compression into lateral expansion, creating bump feedback in a compact space
2Ease of operation
If a spring structure is disposed on a central axle, then the keyboard provides tactile feedback, but the elasticity graph shows a curve line with no apparent tactile sensation of bump feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding unit incorporates a hillside portion with an undulation surface that creates a curved elastic response. This curvature in the mechanical path generates distinct tactile sensations including bump feedback, replacing the smooth curve of traditional springs with controlled undulations that provide perceptible tactile events
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance module changes the elastic parameters throughout the pressing stroke by using a second elastic unit with varying stiffness characteristics. The undulation surface of the hillside portion creates different resistance levels at different compression stages, producing apparent tactile sensations and bump feedback
3Length of stationary object
If membrane type keyboard uses elastic element with short pressing stroke, then the structure is compact, but the tactility is relatively poor with unapparent tactile feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The scissor unit and guiding unit create a dynamic mechanical system that changes stiffness during compression. The structure transitions from a soft initial contact to a firmer resistance as the scissor blades engage, providing evolving tactile feedback within a compact stroke distance
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic characteristics of the system are dynamically changed through the pressing stroke. The first elastic unit provides initial resistance, then the hillside portion engagement with the resistance module creates varying resistance levels, producing apparent tactile sensations despite short overall stroke
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
The mechanical switch structure achieves reduced height, improved stability, and noticeable tactile feedback by utilizing a scissor unit and resistance module with an undulation surface, providing multiple levels of tactile sensations and better conductive effects.
Implementation Method 1
The first elastic element has two ends respectively abutted against the guiding unit and the first accommodation, so as to provide the guiding unit with an elastic force parallel to the pressing direction
Implementation Method 2
The second elastic unit is received in the second accommodation and provides the abutting unit with an elastic force toward the guiding unit
Implementation Method 3
The abutting unit is abutted against the undulation surface of the hillside portion to provide different resistive forces during a pressing stroke of the keycap
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical switch structure includes a keycap, a base plate formed with a guiding opening, a scissor unit disposed on the base plate, and a receiving housing. The receiving housing has a first accommodation and a second accommodation. A guiding unit is received in the first accommodation along a pressing direction of the keycap, and is formed with a hillside portion. A first elastic element provides the guiding unit with an elastic force. A resistance module has an abutting unit which is abutted against the hillside portion of the guiding unit, and a second elastic unit to provide the abutting unit with an elastic force toward the guiding unit. The hillside portion is undulate-shaped and faces the guiding unit. The abutting unit is abutted against the hillside portion so as to provide different resistances during a pressing stroke of the keycap.