Mylar Film Protrusion Keycap for Slim Keyboard Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard devices for notebook computers face challenges in achieving a slim structure while maintaining good operation feeling and ensuring dustproof and waterproof functions, as they require mechanical space for rubber domes or scissor structures, which can lead to dust and water ingress.
Innovation Solution
The keyboard device employs a membrane switch and a protrusion keycap structure made of mylar film with cushion components, replacing traditional keycap and elevating mechanisms, to achieve a seamless and reduced height design that prevents external contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rubber dome or scissor structure is used as the actuating mechanism, then the keycap can be recovered after being pressed, but the keyboard device height increases and mechanical space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the rubber dome or scissor structure from the keyboard assembly, replacing it with a membrane switch that integrates the actuating mechanism directly into the keycap structure itself. This removal of the separate elevating mechanism reduces the keyboard device height while maintaining the keycap recovery function through the membrane switch's inherent elasticity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the keycap structure with the membrane switch, where the keycap itself becomes part of the actuating mechanism. The keycap is designed with an integrated membrane switch that combines the keycap body and the actuating element, eliminating the need for a separate rubber dome or scissor structure and reducing overall height.
2Ease of operation
If a rubber dome or scissor structure is used, then the keycap can be recovered, but gaps must be reserved which allow dust or water to enter the keyboard device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the keycap structure with the membrane switch to create a seamless, integrated design. The membrane switch is embedded within the keycap structure, eliminating gaps between components. This integration ensures that dust or water cannot penetrate into the internal structure, as there are no openings or spaces between separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a membrane switch made of flexible material that forms a continuous, gapless barrier between the keycap and the internal structure. This flexible film structure maintains sealing integrity while allowing the keycap to be pressed and recovered, preventing dust and water ingress.
3Length of stationary object
If the keyboard device height is reduced for a slim design, then the appearance is improved, but the operation feeling may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the keycap structure with the membrane switch to create a compact, integrated design that reduces overall height. The integration allows the keycap to maintain its full pressing travel distance within a shorter overall structure, preserving the operation feeling despite the reduced keyboard device height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the membrane switch and keycap integration to optimize the pressing feel. By adjusting the membrane thickness, material properties, and structural configuration, the patent maintains adequate key travel and tactile feedback within a slim profile, ensuring good operation feeling despite reduced height.
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 enhances dustproof and waterproof capabilities while reducing the keyboard's height, improving typing feel by allowing for a more compact and efficient design suitable for slim notebook computers.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating component is disposed on a side of the membrane switch far away from the sheet and for pressing the membrane switch to actuate the membrane switch
Implementation Method 2
The keyboard device further includes a first cushion component disposed in a containing space formed between the protruding portion and the actuating component
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a keyboard device. The keyboard device includes a sheet, a membrane switch, an actuating component, and a protrusion keycap structure. The membrane switch is disposed on a side of the sheet. The actuating component is disposed on a side of the membrane switch far away from the sheet and is for pressing the membrane switch to actuate the membrane switch. The protrusion keycap structure is disposed on a side of the actuating component far away from the membrane switch and is for driving the actuating component to actuate the membrane switch upon being pressed. The protrusion keycap structure includes a mylar film.