Pantograph Fastening for Keyboard Flexure Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer input systems, such as keyboards, experience flexure due to the distance between coupling points, leading to discomfort during extended use as users type and click, as the unsupported portions of the assembly flex.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pantograph mechanism with scissor arms and a central opening between them, allowing a fastener to be secured through a boss in the bottom chassis, providing additional support without increasing the assembly's profile by utilizing existing space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If screws are spaced far apart around the perimeter of the assembly, then the assembly profile is minimized, but flexure of unsupported portions increases causing user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the fastening mechanism from a peripheral two-dimensional arrangement to a three-dimensional interior position within the pantograph structure. The boss is formed inside the pantograph mechanism, allowing fasteners to be placed at interior points rather than only at the perimeter, effectively utilizing the third dimension (depth) to add support without increasing the external profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The boss is nested within the existing pantograph mechanism structure. The fastening feature is integrated into the interior of the pantograph rather than being an external addition, allowing the support structure to be contained within the existing mechanical assembly without increasing overall dimensions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional fasteners are added to reduce flexure, then support is improved, but the assembly profile increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solution utilizes the vertical dimension (depth) by forming the boss inside the pantograph mechanism. This allows additional fastening points to be created without extending the external boundaries of the assembly, effectively adding support in the Z-dimension without increasing X or Y dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pantograph mechanism itself provides the structure for the boss, utilizing existing mechanical components and space. The pantograph's internal geometry is leveraged to accommodate the fastening feature, eliminating the need for separate external support structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system with an input assembly may include a fastener positioned through a bottom chassis and into a pre-existing opening of a pantograph. In a keyboard assembly, the fastener may couple to a boss axially aligned with the pantograph housed at least partially within a keyboard key. In a touchpad assembly, the fastener may couple to a boss axially aligned with the pantograph housed underneath a tactile sensing layer. The fastener may occupy the space in the pantograph without making contact with the key or tactile sensing layer as the key or tactile sensing layer is depressed.