Scissor Key Structure Without Metal Rods for Quiet Force Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard key structures with metal rods suffer from increased weight and noise due to the need for additional components to effectively transmit pressing force across non-quadrilateral keycaps, leading to inefficient triggering and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A key structure featuring a connecting assembly with a first outer frame, two inner frames, and sliding slots that allow the keycap to move up and down without metal rods, using pivot portions and guide portions to transmit force efficiently and reduce noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If metal rods are added to help the entire keycap move down, then the pressing force transmission is improved, but the weight of the keyboard increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the metal rod component from the key structure. Instead of using a metal rod to transmit pressing force, the patent employs a connecting assembly composed of flexible connecting members (such as elastic strips or plastic hinges) that can transmit force without requiring rigid metal rods, thereby reducing keyboard weight while maintaining effective force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional metal rod mechanical transmission system with a flexible connecting member system. The connecting assembly uses elastic deformation and hinge rotation mechanisms instead of rigid rod-based mechanical linkage, achieving force transmission through material elasticity and geometric configuration rather than rigid mechanical contact.
2Force
If metal rods are added to help the entire keycap move down, then the pressing force transmission is improved, but noise is produced by the metal rods hitting the baseplate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the metal rod component that causes noise through impact with the baseplate. By eliminating the rigid metal rod, the source of impact noise is removed, while the flexible connecting members provide alternative force transmission paths that do not generate harmful impact sounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of rigid metal rod impact into a beneficial flexible deformation mechanism. The connecting assembly uses elastic strips or plastic hinges that deform flexibly under pressure, transforming what would be a noisy impact event into a silent elastic deformation process that still effectively transmits the pressing force.
3Ease of operation
If multiple scissor-type connecting members and metal rods are used, then the keycap movement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of multiple scissor-type connecting members and metal rods into a single integrated connecting assembly. The connecting assembly combines the scissor mechanism and force transmission function into one unified structure, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining the keycap's upward and downward movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting assembly is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides scissor-type mechanical advantage, force transmission, and structural support. This universal component replaces multiple specialized parts (scissor members and metal rods), simplifying the overall device while achieving the same operational effects.
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 enables smooth downward and upward movement of keycaps without metal rods, reducing noise and weight while ensuring effective force transmission, thus improving user experience and keyboard functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting assembly comprises a first outer frame, two first inner frames, a second outer frame and a second inner frame... to transmit force efficiently and reduce noise
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure includes a baseplate, a keycap and a connecting assembly. The keycap includes a plurality of first pivot portions and a plurality of sliding slots. The connecting assembly includes a first outer frame, two first inner frames, a second outer frame and a second inner frame. The first inner frames are disposed in two accommodating portions of the first outer frame. Two sides of the first outer frame are respectively connected to part of the sliding slots and the baseplate. Two sides of the first inner frame are respectively connected to the first pivot portion and the base plate. Two sides of the second outer frame are respectively connected to part of the sliding slots and the fixing side. Two sides of the second inner frame are respectively pivoted to one of the first inner frames and the base plate.