Optical Waveguide Keyboard for Wear-Free Key Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboards face limitations due to mechanical fatigue, leading to reduced lifespan and increased costs, as well as challenges in miniaturization and electromagnetic interference, particularly with the moving parts and electrical signals.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard design utilizing an optical waveguide that decouples key movement from signal formation, incorporating a flat waveguide with a sensor system to detect key presses, providing physical isolation and electromagnetic shielding, and allowing for backlighting and feedback mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical switches are used in keyboards, then electrical signals can be formed through contact, but the keyboard lifespan is limited due to mechanical fatigue of moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrical contact system with an optical detection system. Instead of using metal domes that collapse to create electrical contacts, the invention uses a waveguide with sensors that detect key presses optically. This eliminates mechanical wear from electrical contact components while maintaining the mechanical key actuation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a waveguide as an intermediary between the mechanical key movement and the sensor detection system. The waveguide transmits optical signals from the key press location to the sensor, decoupling the mechanical movement from the signal formation process and eliminating direct mechanical wear on signal-generating components.
2Reliability
If mechanical switches with moving parts are used, then key operation can be detected, but electromagnetic interference affects signal stability and requires shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission through mechanical switches with optical signal transmission through a waveguide. Optical signals are immune to electromagnetic interference, eliminating the need for electromagnetic shielding while maintaining signal integrity and stability.
3Device complexity
If conventional keyboard designs are used, then key operation can be detected, but the structure is complex and miniaturization is hampered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the waveguide structure. The waveguide serves as both the optical signal transmission medium and the structural element that guides key press detection. This integration reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall structure and enabling miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide performs multiple functions: it transmits optical signals from key presses, provides structural support for the sensor array, and enables the detection mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and complexity of the keyboard design.
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 optical waveguide design enhances keyboard reliability by isolating mechanical and signal components, protecting against dust, liquids, and electromagnetic interference, while enabling miniaturization and reducing costs through simplified construction and improved durability.
Implementation Method 1
a flat waveguide having a first and a second external face, it being possible for a wave to reflect totally between the two faces
Implementation Method 2
the first face of the waveguide comprising an altered zone altered so that part of the wave leaves the waveguide via the altered zone in order to backlight the keyboard
Implementation Method 3
contact of the plunger with the first face causing the reflection of the wave in the waveguide to be locally frustrated
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard comprises: several keys operated by a user, the operating forming, for each key, a signal representative, a flat waveguide having a first and second external face for a wave of light to reflect between the faces, the first face of the waveguide comprising an altered zone so part of the wave leaves the waveguide via the altered zone to backlight the keyboard, for each key a plunger moved between two positions, one in contact with the first face and the other distant from the first face, contact of the plunger with the first face causing the reflection of the wave in the waveguide to be locally frustrated, associated with each of the plungers, a sensor arranged in an empty space delimited by the second face, the sensor associated with the plunger and configured to detect the frustration of the reflection, the sensor forming the representative signal.