Photoelectrical Keyboard Switch with Rotating Ram Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photoelectrical switch keyboards lack a clear key-pressing hand touch and sound due to their mechanical contact transition, making it difficult to replicate the tactile feedback and auditory cues of traditional mechanical contact switches, especially with a single press shaft, which complicates industrial manufacturing and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical switch design incorporating an upper and lower cover, a press shaft, primary and secondary springs, a ram, and a guiding bracket with a sound optical path mechanism that includes a chute and protruding strip to create a rotating ram, which interacts with a photoelectrical circuit on a PCB board to provide distinct tactile feedback and sound, while maintaining efficient manufacturing through patch manufacturing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If photoelectrical switch type is used to replace mechanical contact structure, then use life is extended and key hand touch change is reduced, but key-pressing hand touch and sound are lost or difficult to realize
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is divided into two independent systems: a photoelectrical switch system (with press shaft, light transmitter, light receiver) for circuit control and a sound optical path mechanism (with ram, secondary spring, guiding bracket) for tactile and auditory feedback. This segmentation allows each system to perform its specialized function while working together to provide both longevity and tactile satisfaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the photoelectrical switch mechanism with a sound optical path mechanism into a single integrated switch assembly. The ram connects both the photoelectrical circuit and the sound-generating components, merging the electronic switching function with mechanical tactile feedback into one unified structure that delivers both extended life and satisfying key press experience.
2Reliability
If photoelectrical switch type is used to replace mechanical contact structure, then reliability is improved, but auditory cues and tactile feedback are difficult to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The ram serves as an intermediary component that translates the press shaft's linear motion into rotational motion, which then actuates both the photoelectrical circuit and the sound-generating mechanism. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between reliable photoelectrical switching and the need for tactile and auditory feedback, converting electrical signals into mechanical sensations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound optical path mechanism utilizes mechanical vibration through the secondary spring and ram system to generate audible click sounds and tactile feedback. When the press shaft is actuated, the ram rotates and compresses the secondary spring, creating vibration that produces the characteristic mechanical keyboard sound and feel, compensating for the lack of natural mechanical contact.
3Device complexity
If a single press shaft is used in photoelectrical switch, then structure is simplified, but tactile feedback and key press sensation are not obvious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic motion transformation through the ram mechanism, which converts the simple linear motion of a single press shaft into complex multi-directional motion. The ram rotates and moves vertically, driving both the photoelectrical components and the sound mechanism, thereby creating obvious tactile feedback without adding multiple press shafts or significantly complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ram mechanism adds a rotational dimension to the原本 linear motion of the press shaft. By transforming one-dimensional linear motion into two-dimensional rotational and vertical motion, the system generates complex mechanical interactions that produce tactile feedback and sound, enhancing the key press sensation without requiring additional press shafts in different dimensions.
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 enhances the tactile feedback and auditory cues of key presses, ensuring an obvious key-pressing stage sense and sound, while reducing production costs and increasing processing efficiency by integrating the optical path mechanism with the PCB board, resulting in a robust and cost-effective photoelectrical mechanical keyboard switch.
Implementation Method 1
optical obstruction element turn off or turn on the optical path
Implementation Method 2
light transmitter (IR) and a light receiver (PT)
Data Source
AI summary
A photoelectrical type of mechanical switch, wherein a chute is provided on the bracket; the ram upper end is provided with a protruding strip arranged in the chute which can freely move along the chute; when the bracket moves up and down, the protruding strip is restricted by the chute and drives the ram to rotate by itself. Adoption of the independent sound optical path structure enables its exhibition of more obvious key-pressing stage sense and key-pressing sound when pressing the press shaft, and can realize good “ON/OFF” function of optical path.