Optical Mechanical Keyboard Key with Ring Lock and Photoelectric Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical keyboards require a longer up-and-down structure for their shaft movement path to achieve stronger tactile feedback, resulting in a thicker design, which is not ideal for aesthetics and portability.
Innovation Solution
A photoelectric mechanical keyboard key assembly that incorporates a deflector, swing arm, and springs to reduce the travel distance of the shaft movement, utilizing a photoelectric switch for key actuation and sound production, with a simpler structure that includes a ring lock, circuit board, and compressible connection pieces for enhanced tactile feel and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a longer up-and-down structure is used for shaft movement path, then stronger tactile feedback is achieved, but the keyboard becomes thicker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical shaft movement detection with a photoelectric detection system. A photoelectric switch detects the position of the press shaft through light transmission through light transmission grooves, eliminating the need for long mechanical travel distance while maintaining tactile feedback through the mechanical structure alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection dimension from vertical mechanical travel to optical path detection. The light transmission grooves allow light to pass through when the press shaft is in specific positions, enabling detection of key press states without requiring long vertical movement distance.
2Length of stationary object
If a photoelectric switch is used for key actuation, then the keyboard can be made thinner, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The press shaft serves multiple functions: it acts as both the mechanical actuator for key press and the occlusion element for photoelectric detection. The deflector simultaneously guides the press shaft movement and blocks light when needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall structure despite using photoelectric technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin light transmission grooves in the ring lock and deflector that allow light to pass through when aligned. These thin film-like structures enable photoelectric detection without adding significant thickness to the keyboard while maintaining structural integrity.
3Length of stationary object
If a deflector with swing arm is used to reduce shaft travel distance, then the keyboard becomes thinner, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the deflector and swing arm into a single integrated component. The swing arm is radially extended from the upper end of the deflector, combining the guiding function and the light-blocking function in one piece. This integration reduces the number of separate parts while achieving the desired thin profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector is designed to rotate in positive and negative directions during key press and release. This dynamic movement allows the swing arm to strike the impinge slot for tactile feedback while maintaining a compact structure. The fold line type chute guides this rotational movement, enabling complex motion from simple structural elements.
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 solution allows for a lighter and thinner keyboard design with sensitive key responses, producing an obvious touch sound and enhancing tactile feedback while maintaining structural stability and accuracy of spring alignment.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second light transmission grooves are communicated or blocked, so that the optical path of the photoelectric switch is turned on/off
Implementation Method 2
one end of the primary spring being connected with the motherboard, and another end being connected with the bottom of the key cap; one end of the secondary spring is connected with the deflector, and another end is connected with the bottom of the key cap, for actuating the deflector to strike the impinge slot
Implementation Method 3
the swing arm is arranged at the upper edge of the ring lock; when pressing/releasing the key cap, the deflector can slide along the fold line type of chute, for actuating the deflector to rotate in positive/negative direction, so as to enable the swing arm on the deflector to strike/leave from the impinge slot
Data Source
AI summary
A key of an optical mechanical keyboard, having a base plate, a circuit board, an optical switch, a rotating member, a key cap, a pressing cylinder, a primary spring, and a secondary spring. A ring-shaped fastening member is provided on the base plate, and a side wall of the ring-shaped fastening member is provided with two opposing first light-admitting slots, and a keystroke impact slot is respectively provided at two sides of and between the opposing first light-admitting slots. The key has a simple structure and is lightweight and slim, and enables generation of a clear sound upon striking a key.