Optically Transmissive Key Switch Mechanism for Dynamic Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional keyboards lack dynamic user interfaces and provide inadequate tactile feedback, making them less intuitive and less suitable for rapid user inputs, especially in applications like gaming, where immediate and accurate feedback is crucial.

Innovation Solution

A key switch mechanism comprising a key cap with an optically transmissive portion, a circuit module, and a linkage mechanism that includes a positioning board and main links, which provides tactile feedback and allows for rapid consecutive actuations by guiding the key cap along a travel axis, minimizing tilt and maximizing light transmission through the optically transmissive region.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional keyboards use static key caps, then manufacturing is simple, but user interface dynamism and information display capability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface dynamismVSAvoidkey cap structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the key cap with an optically transmissive element that allows dynamic visual information to be displayed beneath the key cap. This combines the mechanical key switching function with the visual display function, enabling the keyboard to provide both tactile feedback and dynamic visual interfaces without requiring separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The key cap serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical actuation for switch activation, maintains structural integrity for tactile feedback, and simultaneously acts as an optically transmissive window for displaying dynamic visual information. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the key cap adaptable without significantly increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If vibration-based haptic feedback systems are used in touchscreen interfaces, then tactile feedback is provided, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile feedbackVSAvoidfeedback system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex vibration-based haptic feedback systems with a simpler mechanical key switch mechanism that provides tactile feedback through the natural actuation and return of the key cap. This mechanical approach eliminates the need for motors, vibrations, or complex electronic control systems while still providing immediate and discernible tactile confirmation of user input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The key switch mechanism provides its own tactile feedback through the inherent mechanical properties of the key cap and switch assembly. The key cap's movement and the switch's actuation create natural tactile sensations without requiring external feedback systems, making the system self-sufficient and simpler to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Illumination intensity

If key caps are made opaque for structural integrity, then manufacturing is easier, but light transmission and display visibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight transmissionVSAvoidkey cap material

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The key cap is designed with localized optical properties where the main body can be opaque or translucent for structural integrity, while specific regions are made optically transmissive to allow light and visual information to pass through. This local differentiation enables both structural strength and light transmission without requiring the entire key cap to be made of complex materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If rapid consecutive key actuations are enabled, then productivity increases, but tactile feedback robustness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput speedVSAvoidtactile feedback consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The key switch mechanism is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow rapid actuation while maintaining consistent tactile feedback. The key cap's movement, the switch's actuation speed, and the return mechanism are optimized to provide immediate and uniform tactile response across multiple consecutive inputs, ensuring reliability even at high input speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2786390B1Optically transmissive key switch mechanism for display-capable keyboards, keypads, or other user input devices

Publication Date: 2017.05.10 RAZER ASIA PACIFIC

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AI summary

Key switch mechanisms are typically used for mediating user input to computing devices. A key switch mechanism provides immediate tactile feedback to a user upon user-actuation thereof. Unlike touchscreen interfaces, existing key switch mechanisms of conventional keyboards do not provide a user with a dynamically changeable interface. Described is a key switch mechanism that comprises a circuit module, a key cap and a linkage mechanism for guiding travel of the key cap substantially along a travel axis. The linkage mechanism comprises a positioning board and a main link pivotably inter-coupling the positioning board and the key cap. The main link substantially impedes tilt of the key cap away from the travel axis during travel of the key cap therealong from a released position, whereat the key cap is biased, to a depressed position whereat a control signal is generated.