Replaceable Key Module for Customizable Pressure Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboards have a shorter service life due to pollution, loss of elastic recovery, and liquid exposure, leading to wasteful replacement and difficulty in changing key legends and pressure loads, which are time-consuming and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A replaceable key module with a keycap holder, springy member, and adjustable keycaps that can be easily swapped, allowing for individual keycap replacement and varying pressure loads, enabling users to customize according to their preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire keyboard is replaced when the keyboard surface is polluted or elastic recovery is lost, then the keyboard functionality is restored, but material waste increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is divided into independent key modules, each consisting of a keycap and corresponding switch mechanism. When pollution or wear occurs, only the affected key module needs to be replaced rather than the entire keyboard, thereby restoring functionality while minimizing material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables selective replacement of individual key modules while retaining and reusing the functional portions of the keyboard. The replaceable key module design allows users to discard only the damaged or worn keycap while recovering and keeping the underlying switch mechanism and other intact components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If key legends are changed by placing thin films or re-printing, then the key legends can be updated, but the process is time-consuming and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Each keycap is designed as a separate, independently replaceable component. Users can easily swap keycaps with different legends by simply detaching and attaching them to the underlying mechanisms, eliminating the time-consuming processes of film application or re-printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The keycap design incorporates dynamic attachment and detachment mechanisms that allow for quick changes. The keycaps can be easily removed and reattached without complex tools or procedures, enabling rapid customization of key legends according to user needs.
3Ease of manufacture
If all keycaps have the same pressure load due to integral formation, then manufacturing is simplified, but user customization for special requirements is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is segmented into modular key units, each with its own springy member and keycap. This segmentation allows each key module to be independently configured with different pressure characteristics while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes for the base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different key modules can be equipped with springy members having different elastic coefficients according to specific positional requirements or user preferences. This local differentiation of pressure characteristics is achieved through the modular design, allowing customization without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
4Strength
If the keyboard structure is integrally formed, then structural strength is maintained, but individual keycap replacement is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard employs a modular architecture where keycaps are separated from the main structure through keycap holders. This segmentation enables individual keycap replacement while the underlying frame and switch mechanisms maintain the overall structural strength of the keyboard.
Solution Approach 2:
The keycap holder design allows keycaps to be extracted from the keyboard structure without compromising the integrity of the main body. The extraction mechanism is designed to remove only the keycap portion while leaving the structural framework and switch mechanisms intact and undamaged.
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
Enables easy and economic replacement of keycaps without discarding the entire keyboard, allowing users to customize key legends and pressure loads, enhancing user convenience and extending keyboard lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a springy member (140) disposed on the second surface in the accommodation space; the keycap (160) is moveably disposed on the keycap holder (120) through the opening (121) and connected to the springy member (140)
Data Source
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AI summary
A replaceable key module for a keyboard, comprising: a keycap holder, a springy member and a keycap. The keycap holder embraces an accommodation space, a first surface having an opening, and a second surface having a hole. The springy member is located on the second surface and within the accommodation space of the keycap holder. The keycap is movably connected to the springy member through the opening of the first surface of the keycap holder and capable of moving between a released position and a depressed position. The keycap is referred to as in a released position when not depressed and in a depressed position pushing the springy member to be deformed downwardly when depressed. By means of adjusting some factors such as hardness, length, material and pressing angle of the springy member, the user may obtain the key module with the specified pressure load as desired.