Retractable Keyboard Keys Using Biasing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems face challenges with integrated keyboards having minimal height due to key movement standards, leading to degraded user experience and wear down of biasing devices like rubber domes and flexible membranes, resulting in increased force requirements and unreliable input detection.
Innovation Solution
A system with retractable keyboard keys using a biasing device that removes upward bias to reduce key retraction force and employs alternative input detection methods such as light emissive technology or magnet and Hall sensor arrangements to avoid material deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If keyboard keys are retracted into the housing for storage, then the profile height is reduced, but additional force is required to overcome biasing devices and sustained retraction wears down the biasing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing device is configured to automatically retract the keyboard keys into the housing when the information handling system is stored, without requiring additional user force. The biasing device performs the retraction action preliminarily, so that when the system is opened for use, the keys are already in their extended position ready for input.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing device serves itself by using the closing force of the information handling system lid to power the key retraction mechanism. The same closing force that shuts the device also automatically retracts the keys, eliminating the need for separate retraction actuators or additional user effort.
2Length of stationary object
If sustained retraction of keys is implemented, then profile height is reduced, but the biasing devices wear down and become less effective over time
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing device operates periodically rather than continuously - it is engaged only during the brief moments when keys need to be extended or retracted, and remains inactive during normal keyboard use and storage periods. This periodic engagement significantly reduces cumulative wear on the biasing device components.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing device is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to usage patterns. The device can be selectively engaged or disengaged based on whether the system is in use or storage mode, optimizing both performance and durability by avoiding unnecessary operation.
3Ease of operation
If conventional rubber dome biasing devices are used, then key feedback is provided, but material breakdown occurs over time changing the feel and increasing false input detections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional rubber dome mechanical biasing system with an alternative mechanism that uses the information handling system lid closing force to retract keys. This substitution eliminates the rubber dome material that degrades over time, while maintaining key feedback through the scissor mechanism and biasing device combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard mechanism uses a composite structure combining rigid scissor support members with a biasing device, replacing the single-material rubber dome approach. This composite design provides both the mechanical feedback users expect and the durability needed to prevent material breakdown and false inputs.
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 keyboard durability and reduces wear on input sensors by minimizing pressure on flexible materials, maintaining key functionality and reliability over extended storage periods.
Implementation Method 1
light emissive technology or magnet and Hall sensor arrangements to avoid material deterioration
Implementation Method 2
light emissive technology or magnet and Hall sensor arrangements to avoid material deterioration
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system keyboard retracts from an extended position to a retracted position, the retracted position bring the keys into the portable information handling system housing to provide a compressed closed position of the housing. The keyboard keys are biased to the extended position with a metal dome that interacts with a scissor support structure.