Scissor-Type Keyboard Assembly Pivot Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scissor-type keyboard connecting members often result in keycap shaking and tilting due to interference between the pivot and pivot hole, leading to an undesirable user experience.
Innovation Solution
A scissor-type connecting assembly with a first connecting member featuring a convex pivot and a second connecting member with a recessed pivot hole, where the maximum inner diameter of the pivot hole is greater than the outer diameter of the pivot, reducing the vertical space between them and minimizing keycap movement instability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pivot and pivot hole are designed with negative and positive tolerances respectively to avoid interference, then the keycap can move smoothly, but a space is formed between the pivot and pivot hole causing keycap shaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimensional parameters of the pivot and pivot hole by adding convex and concave structures. The convex portion on the pivot and corresponding concave portion on the pivot hole alter the effective contact dimensions, allowing the pivot to fit more tightly in the pivot hole while maintaining smooth movement, thereby eliminating the shaking issue caused by excessive clearance
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing the pivot with negative tolerance and pivot hole with positive tolerance (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by adding material to create convex and concave structures. This inversion allows the pivot to be slightly larger than the pivot hole base dimensions, creating an interference fit that eliminates shaking while still permitting smooth rotation
2Ease of manufacture
If asymmetric scissor-type connecting members are used for easy combination, then assembly is simplified, but keycap tilting occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric convex and concave structures on the pivot and pivot hole that are strategically positioned to correct keycap tilting. The asymmetric design of these features allows the connecting members to self-align during assembly, preventing tilting while maintaining ease of combination through the same asymmetric geometry
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure includes a keycap, a base plate and a scissor-type connecting assembly. The scissor-type connecting assembly includes a first connecting member and a second connecting member. One end of the first connecting member connects to the base plate, and the other end connects to the keycap. The first connecting member includes at least one pivot having a convex portion. One end of the second connecting member connects to the base plate, and the other end connects to the keycap. The second connecting member comprises at least one pivot hole, and the pivot is disposed in the pivot hole.