Membrane Keyboard Overlay for Touchscreen Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable information handling systems face challenges in integrating a keyboard due to the vertical height required for rubber dome mechanisms, leading to difficulties in typing on capacitive touchscreens that lack physical feedback, resulting in slower and less accurate input for users.
Innovation Solution
A system where keyboard keys move between withdrawn and extended positions via an elastic member coupled to a lattice, allowing keys to translate downward presses into inputs on a touchscreen display, with magnets maintaining contact and an elastomeric membrane for convenient mechanical keyboard operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rubber dome mechanisms are used for keyboard biasing, then consistent physical feedback is achieved, but vertical height increases making portable integration difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin elastomeric membrane with integrated keys instead of bulky rubber dome mechanisms. The membrane is biased against the touchscreen by a flexible magnetic biasing mechanism, providing physical feedback while maintaining a thin profile suitable for portable devices. This resolves the contradiction by replacing the traditional thick rubber dome structure with a flexible film-based solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rubber dome biasing system with a magnetic biasing mechanism. Magnets embedded in the membrane substrate interact with a ferromagnetic layer on the touchscreen to provide the biasing force, eliminating the need for thick mechanical rubber domes while maintaining key feedback and reducing overall height.
2Length of stationary object
If capacitive touchscreen is used for input, then device thickness is reduced, but typing accuracy and speed decrease due to lack of physical feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both capacitive touchscreens and mechanical keyboards by integrating physical keys into a touchscreen overlay. The elastomeric membrane with keys is positioned over the touchscreen, allowing users to get tactile feedback from key presses while the touchscreen underneath maintains thinness and enables tablet mode operation. This combination resolves the contradiction between thickness and typing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the keyboard overlay can be selectively positioned over the touchscreen or removed entirely. The magnetic biasing mechanism allows the membrane to flex and conform to the touchscreen surface, providing physical feedback when needed while maintaining the flexibility to switch between input modes, thereby improving typing productivity without permanently increasing device thickness.
3Measurement precision
If peripheral keyboard is carried separately, then typing accuracy is maintained, but convenience decreases due to additional carrying burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional component that serves both as a protective cover for the touchscreen and as a functional keyboard overlay. The elastomeric membrane with keys can be positioned over the touchscreen when typing is needed and removed or folded back when not needed, eliminating the need to carry a separate peripheral keyboard while maintaining typing accuracy.
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 solution enables efficient and accurate keyed inputs on a touchscreen by providing physical feedback and reducing the vertical height of the information handling system, allowing users to easily switch between touchscreen and keyboard input modes.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic elements integrated in the lattice attract to a ferromagnetic material disposed under the display to maintain the lattice in contact against the touchscreen display
Implementation Method 2
The elastomeric membrane has a length of greater than the distance between each key and lattice supporting structure so that the elastomeric membrane forms a bend
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard translates key inputs to a touchscreen display disposed under the keyboard with the keys biased away from the touchscreen display by an elastic material that engages with the touchscreen display. The elastic material couples the keys to a lattice held within a frame and having a height of less than the frame. The keys extend to an input position if the lattice presses against the touchscreen display, such as by being held in place with magnetic attraction. The keys retract to within the lattice if the lattice is raised relative to the touchscreen display, the elastic material biasing the lattice upward away from the touchscreen display.