Integrated Membrane Keyboard Switch for Ultra-Thin Backlighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional membrane switches fail to accommodate market demands for ultra-thinness and lightweight designs due to their structural limitations, particularly when incorporating light-emitting layers, which increases thickness and occupies more space.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a flexible substrate with a switch trace layer, a flexible key, and a conductor, along with a light-emitting assembly, forms a compact structure where the switch trace layer and light-emitting circuit are directly integrated on the flexible substrate, eliminating the need for separate circuit boards and light-emitting layers, and utilizing a built-in drive IC-mounted LED for independent control and reduced thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional membrane switch structure with separate circuit boards and light-emitting layers is used, then the light-emitting function can be achieved, but the overall thickness increases and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the circuit board and light-emitting layer into a single integrated structure. The switch trace layer is directly formed on the flexible substrate, and the light-emitting assembly is mounted on the same substrate, eliminating the need for separate circuit boards and isolation layers. This integration reduces the overall thickness while maintaining both switching and light-emitting functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as the base for the switch trace layer, provides structural support, and serves as the mounting platform for the light-emitting assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall thickness and structural complexity.
2Reliability
If a conventional membrane switch structure with separate circuit boards and isolation layers is used, then the switching function can be achieved, but the structural complexity increases and the thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the upper circuit board, isolation layer, and lower circuit board into a single integrated switch trace layer formed directly on the flexible substrate. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate layers and components, reducing structural complexity while maintaining the switching function through the conductive contacts and traces.
3Illumination intensity
If additional light-emitting layers are configured under the membrane switch, then the light-emitting responsive to pressing can be achieved, but the overall thickness increases and more space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light-emitting assembly directly onto the flexible substrate in the same plane as the switch trace layer, rather than adding it as a separate layer underneath. This merging approach maintains the light-emitting function while minimizing the vertical space required, thereby reducing overall thickness and space occupation.
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 approach reduces the overall thickness of the membrane switch, enhances its compactness, and meets market requirements for lightweight and ultra-thin designs while maintaining functionality and light-emitting capabilities, with improved noise absorption and moisture protection.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible key, covering the switch trace layer, and defining a press cavity with the flexible substrate
Implementation Method 2
a conductor, disposed in the press cavity, and configured to be connected to the plurality of conductive contacts in response to the flexible key being pressed
Implementation Method 3
a built-in drive IC-mounted LED is mounted on each of the sites
Implementation Method 4
the light-emitting assembly is integrated on the flexible substrate and configured to generate a light beam
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a membrane switch, a key, and a keyboard. The membrane switch includes: a flexible substrate; a switch trace layer, disposed on a front surface of the flexible substrate, and comprising a plurality of conductive contacts that not in contact with each other; a flexible key, covering the switch trace layer, a press cavity being defined between an inner wall of the flexible key and the flexible substrate; and a conductor, disposed in the press cavity, and configured to be connected to the plurality of conductive contacts in response to the flexible key being pressed, such that the switch trace layer is conducted. The membrane switch, the key, and the keyboard according to the present disclosure have a compact structure, a high integration degree, and a small thickness, and thus accommodate demands of the market on lightening and thinning.