Modular Keyboard Key With Interchangeable Cap And Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current keyboards for access control devices lack customization options for key stroke and shape, requiring re-creation for each unique request, and blue LED backlighting increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular actuation key system comprising a sub-key and a covering cap, allowing for customizable key design and backlighting, with interchangeable membranes for varying tactile effects, enabling personalized keyboards with identical core elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard keyboards with fixed characteristics are offered, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but customization capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is divided into modular components: a common base structure and interchangeable key elements. Each key consists of a sub-key unit and a covering cap that can be separated and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the same base to support multiple key layouts and configurations, enabling customization without manufacturing entirely different keyboards for each application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If personalized keyboards are made according to customer requests, then customization capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-key unit is designed as a universal component that can be used across different keyboard configurations. The same sub-key structure with stem and base can accommodate various covering caps with different shapes, sizes, and characteristics. This multi-functionality allows a single manufacturing process to produce components suitable for multiple keyboard types, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite customization options.
3Illumination intensity
If blue LEDs are used for backlighting, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The covering cap incorporates localized light-diffusing elements or translucent sections that enhance the visual effect of the backlight. By optimizing the optical properties of specific areas of the covering cap rather than requiring expensive blue LEDs throughout, the design achieves superior aesthetic appearance with cost-effective red or standard LEDs, providing local quality enhancement where it matters most for visual impact.
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
Enables complete design freedom and cost-effectiveness in creating customized keyboards with various key shapes and backlighting options, while maintaining a consistent core structure, enhancing user satisfaction and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
some current models offer to provide a light-emitting diode (LED) for each key
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention concerns an operation key for keyboards forming a human-machine interface of the type which comprises at least one printed circuit, one membrane, wherein said key acts on the printed circuit at least by the intermediary of the membrane. The invention consists in that it is composed of a first portion referred to as key body (3) and a second portion composed of a cap which can be placed onto said key body (3), wherein said key body (3) can be arranged in a reception compartment for a reception plate (40) which can be positioned above the membrane, wherein said compartment is provided with an opening by means of which said key body (3) can be at least partially engaged in order to press on said membrane, such that a pressure on said key body (3) generates a pressure of the membrane on the printed circuit, wherein the path of the key body is limited by the plate (40). Application to human-machine interface keyboards.