Optical Slim Key Structure for Precise Pressure Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical key structures face challenges in reducing volume due to the thickness of the push element and linkage element, which limits the miniaturization of the keyboard.
Innovation Solution
The key structure employs optical technology using a light-emitting element, a triggering element with a reflecting part, and an array-type sensing element to generate pressure sensing signals, eliminating the need for mechanical triggering structures and reducing overall volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical triggering structures (push element and linkage element) are used, then reliable key activation is achieved, but the volume of the key structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical triggering structure (push element and linkage element) with an optical sensing system comprising a light source, light guide, and sensor array. This substitution eliminates the need for thick mechanical components while maintaining reliable key activation detection through optical changes caused by key depression
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light guide as an intermediary element that transmits light from the light source to the sensor array. This light guide enables the optical sensing mechanism to function effectively by mediating the interaction between the key depression and the sensor detection, allowing for thinner overall structure
2Volume of moving object
If optical sensing technology is used, then volume is reduced and slimness is enhanced, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into multiple discrete sensors arranged in an array configuration. This segmentation allows for precise localization and measurement of key depression through spatial distribution of sensor elements, enhancing measurement precision while maintaining the benefits of optical technology
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensing system serves multiple functions: it detects key depression, determines depression position, and can potentially measure depression depth. This multi-functionality is achieved through the coordinated work of the light source, light guide, and sensor array, providing precise measurement capabilities within a compact structure
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 approach allows for precise pressure sensing and reduced volume, enhancing the slimness of the key structure while overcoming the limitations of conventional mechanical designs.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting element (34), located under the pedestal (31)... emits a light beam (B)
Implementation Method 2
an array-type sensing element (35)... After the light beam (B) reflected by the reflecting part (334) is received by the array-type sensing element (35), the array-type sensing element (35) generates plural images
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure includes a pedestal, an upper cover, a light-emitting element, a triggering element, an array-type sensing element and a control unit. The light-emitting element emits a light beam. The triggering element is arranged between the pedestal and the upper cover. The triggering element includes a reflecting part. The light-emitting element and the array-type sensing element are located under the reflecting part. When the key structure is depressed, the key structure is moved relative to the pedestal. The light beam from the light-emitting element is reflected by the reflecting part and then received by the array-type sensing element. As the triggering element is moved, the array-type sensing element generates plural images. The control unit generates a corresponding pressure sensing signal according to the plural images.