Retractable Keyboard Module with Micro Pump Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard modules with fixed-height elastic elements cause keys to be triggered by the weight of devices when the keyboard surface is flipped away from the display, leading to unintended key presses.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard module with a micro pump chamber and actuator system that allows keys to be protruded or withdrawn based on need, using a combination of a switch membrane, elastic element, scissor unit, and piezoelectric actuator to control key position, preventing key presses when the keyboard is placed on a surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the keyboard surface is flipped to face away from the display, then the device can be placed on a surface, but the protruding keys directly contact the placement surface and are triggered by the device weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a retractable key mechanism where keys can dynamically change their position between protruding and retracted states. The keys are connected to elastic elements and scissor units that allow them to be pulled inward when the keyboard is flipped, preventing contact with the placement surface and avoiding accidental triggers while maintaining adaptability to different orientations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a mechanism that preliminarily positions the keys in a retracted state before the keyboard is placed on a surface. The elastic elements and scissor units are pre-configured to automatically retract the keys when the keyboard orientation changes, preventing the harmful effect of key triggers before they can occur
2Reliability
If conventional elastic elements with predetermined height are used, then the key cap is restored to a fixed height, but the keys cannot be withdrawn when the keyboard is flipped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed-height elastic element with a retractable key mechanism comprising elastic elements, scissor units, and actuators. This dynamic system allows the keys to adjust their position between protruding and retracted states while maintaining reliable restoration to the protruding position when needed, achieving both consistency and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the simple mechanical elastic element with a more complex system incorporating scissor units and actuators. This replacement enables the keys to not only restore to a fixed position but also to be actively controlled to retract, providing both reliability and adaptability
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 the keyboard module to be safely placed on a surface with keys withdrawn, preventing accidental triggers and enhancing usability in devices like laptops and tablets by controlling key position through the micro pump chamber and actuator system.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is a piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
The elastic element is disposed between the switch membrane and the key cover, and the elastic element is adapted to be pressed and deformed by the key cover to trigger the key switch
Implementation Method 3
The check valve is disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber, so that gas in the first chamber and the second chamber flows unidirectionally from one of the first chamber and the second chamber to the other of the first chamber and the second chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard module and an electronic device using the keyboard module are provided. The keyboard module includes a housing, a plurality of keys, a micro pump chamber and an actuator. The housing has multiple openings with the keys disposed in the housing. Each key includes a switch membrane, a key cover, an elastic element and a scissor unit. The switch membrane has a key switch, the key cover is above the switch membrane, and the elastic element disposed between the switch membrane and the key cover triggers the key switch when being pressed and deformed. The scissor unit is disposed between the key cover and the switch membrane to support the key cover. The micro pump chamber disposed below the key cover includes a first chamber, a second chamber communicating with the first chamber, a check valve disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber, and an actuator driving the keys to be withdrawn into or protrude out of the openings.