Modular Mechanical Keyboard Switches with Removable PCB Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanical keyboards require soldering switches to the PCB, making it difficult for users to replace or install new switches without technical expertise, leading to the need for a new keyboard.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical keyboard design with removable switches that feature pin holes, a central hole, an LED, and snap-on clips, allowing users to easily remove and replace switches by hand, with a compressible switch mechanism that secures into the PCB.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If switches are soldered to the PCB, then the connection is strong and reliable, but the switches cannot be easily replaced or removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch connection reliabilityVSAvoidswitch replaceability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The switch assembly is segmented from the PCB connection, allowing the switch to be removed and replaced independently while maintaining a reliable electrical connection through dedicated contact points and retaining structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switch is extracted from the permanent soldered connection and made removable through a dedicated mounting mechanism that allows easy installation and removal while maintaining reliable electrical contact during use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If switches are soldered to the PCB, then the keyboard structure is simple, but users need technical skills to replace switches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyboard structure simplicityVSAvoidswitch replacement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The switch assembly is segmented into a removable component that can be independently handled by users without requiring soldering tools or technical expertise, while the overall keyboard structure remains simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switch replacement mechanism is designed to be user-friendly and self-service oriented, allowing users to install and remove switches without needing professional technical skills or special tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If switches are permanently attached, then the keyboard has consistent structure, but the keyboard cannot be customized or extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyboard structural consistencyVSAvoidswitch customization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The switch assembly is segmented to allow individual switches to be replaced with different types, enabling customization while maintaining consistent structural integration with the keyboard body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switch mounting mechanism is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate different switch types and configurations, allowing the keyboard to be customized while maintaining structural consistency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10714280B1Mechanical keyboard with modular removable switches support

Publication Date: 2020.07.14 GLORIOUS LLC

AI summary

A mechanical keyboard includes printed circuit boards (PCBs), each having a pin holder; and a hole; mechanical switches to removably engage with the printed circuit boards, each of the mechanical switches having a body; a pin extending from the body to engage with the pin holder; a pillar extending from the body to engage with the hole; and a compressible switch extending upward from the body and associated with the pillar; a plurality of keys to engage with the compressible switch of the mechanical switches; the plurality of mechanical switches are to be removed from the PCBs by hand.