Movable Cover Keyboard Module for Thin Ultrabooks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrabook keyboards with reduced thicknesses compromise key press stroke, leading to discomfort and increased typing errors due to smaller key travel distances, which can cause key cap abrasion when the device is closed.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard module design featuring a movable cover and elastic components that adjust the distance between key caps and the bottom plate, allowing for sufficient key travel when pressed and preventing abrasion by reducing contact between the key cap and the device's body during closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the thickness of the electronic device is reduced, then the device becomes thinner and lighter, but the key press stroke becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard module employs a dynamic structure where the cover can move between a first position (key caps closer to bottom plate) and a second position (key caps farther from bottom plate). This dynamic adjustment allows the key press stroke to be sufficient when the cover is in the second position, while maintaining a thin profile when closed in the first position.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the vertical dimension by introducing a movable cover that shifts the key caps along the thickness direction. This allows the key travel distance to be optimized without increasing the overall device thickness, effectively solving the contradiction by operating in another spatial dimension.
2Length of moving object
If the key cap is positioned closer to the bottom plate to reduce device thickness, then the device becomes thinner, but the key cap may contact the device body and cause abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The movable cover dynamically adjusts the position of key caps relative to the bottom plate. When the device is closed, the cover positions the key caps closer to the bottom plate, maintaining thin profile. When in use, the cover moves to position key caps farther away, preventing contact with the device body and avoiding abrasion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover performs a preliminary action by pre-positioning the key caps at an optimal distance from the bottom plate before the device is closed or opened. This preliminary positioning prevents the key caps from contacting the device body during normal operation, thereby preventing abrasion before it can occur.
3Ease of operation
If the key press stroke is increased for comfortable typing, then typing comfort improves, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard module uses a dynamic cover mechanism that adjusts the key cap position based on operational needs. During typing, the cover is in the second position providing sufficient key stroke for comfort. When closed, the cover moves to the first position, maintaining a thin device profile. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between typing comfort and device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention solves the thickness-stroke contradiction by utilizing vertical movement of the cover along the thickness dimension. This allows the key travel distance to be extended without proportionally increasing the overall device thickness, as the additional stroke is achieved through the cover's vertical displacement rather than increasing the base structure thickness.
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 design provides a comfortable and smooth typing experience with sufficient key travel while preventing abrasion, maintaining the thin and lightweight form factor of the device.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic component... drive the key cap and the cover to reset, so that the key cap and the bottom plate have a larger distance therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard module adapted to be used in an electronic device. The electronic device has a casing. The casing has a containing opening. The keyboard module contained in the containing opening includes a bottom plate, an elastic component, a cover and a key cap disposed on the elastic component. The bottom plate disposed within the casing has a circuit. The elastic component is disposed on the bottom plate or the circuit. The cover movably disposed in the containing opening is located above the bottom plate. The cover has an opening aligned to the elastic component. A portion of the key cap protrudes from the opening. Another portion of the key cap interferes with the opening, such that the key cap resists elasticity of the elastic component and moves to shorten a distance between the key cap and the bottom plate when the cover moves toward the bottom plate.