Optical Keyswitch Structure for Synchronized Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical triggering designs in keyswitches often result in inconsistent pressing feelings due to a time difference between keyswitch triggering and tactile feedback, caused by the disparate positions of optical members and ribs.
Innovation Solution
A keyswitch design incorporating a support device with a sheet structure that includes a protruding rib and shielding board, where the cap's pressing action synchronizes light blocking and tactile feedback through a flexible rod's deformation and collision, ensuring consistent timing between triggering and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical member and rib are disposed at different positions, then optical triggering and tactile feedback can be independently implemented, but time difference between triggering and feedback becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical triggering function and tactile feedback function into a single integrated support device. The support device includes both a light-shielding portion for optical triggering and a protruding rib for tactile feedback, both activated simultaneously when the cap is pressed. This merging eliminates the time difference between triggering and feedback while maintaining independent functionality of both mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical switch components are used, then tactile feedback can be provided, but components are easily abraded and welding process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switch components with an optical triggering system. Instead of using mechanical contacts that are prone to abrasion, the invention uses a light emitter, light receiver, and light-shielding portion to detect key press events optically. This substitution eliminates component wear issues while maintaining tactile feedback through the separate protruding rib mechanism.
3Reliability
If optical triggering design is adopted, then component abrasion is reduced, but consistent timing with tactile feedback becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical triggering mechanism and tactile feedback mechanism into a single support device structure. The light-shielding portion and protruding rib are both part of the same support device that is pressed when the cap is pushed, ensuring they are activated simultaneously. This integration maintains the reliability benefits of optical triggering while achieving consistent timing with tactile feedback.
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 design provides a consistent time difference between keyswitch triggering and tactile feedback, enhancing user experience by synchronizing the optical triggering and tactile feedback mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The light emitter is disposed on the circuit board and opposite to the light receiver for emitting light to the light receiver
Implementation Method 2
When the cap is pressed, the shielding board moves downward with the first support member to block light transmission between the light emitter and the light receiver to generate a triggering signal
Implementation Method 3
When the cap is pressed and deformation of the flexible rod caused by pressing of the protruding rib is enough to make the flexible rod cross the protruding rib, the flexible rod is released and then moves upward to collide with the cover to make sound
Data Source
AI summary
A keyswitch includes a circuit board, a bottom board abutting against the circuit board, a cap, a light receiver and a light emitter disposed on the circuit board and opposite to each other, a base disposed on the circuit board, a cover disposed on the base, a first elastic member disposed through the cover and the base, a support device, and a second elastic member fixed to the base and having a flexible rod. The support device is movably connected to the cap and bottom board and has a sheet structure. When the cap is pressed, the sheet structure blocks light transmission between the light emitter and the light receiver to generate a triggering signal. When the cap is pressed to make the flexible rod deform downward with the sheet structure and then cross the sheet structure, the flexible rod is released to collide with the cover to make sound.