Scissor Keyswitch Structure With Separated Motion Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scissors keyswitch structures face issues with movement stability and tactile feedback due to damage or deformation of support ends during assembly, which affects the keycap's travel distance and user experience, especially in miniaturized designs.
Innovation Solution
A keyswitch structure with staggered horizontal-motion limiting and vertical-motion limiting parts on the base, where the first vertical-motion limiting part constrains the rod-shaped connection portion vertically and the first horizontal-motion limiting part limits its horizontal movement, preventing damage from affecting the constraining effect and ensuring stable movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the support end is pressed into the connection structure during assembly, then the support can be connected to the base, but the support end may be damaged or deformed affecting movement stability
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is divided into two separate functional parts: a vertical-motion limiting part with a constraining surface for guiding and limiting vertical movement, and a horizontal-motion limiting part with a limiting surface for limiting horizontal movement. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, preventing damage concentration at a single point while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical-motion limiting part acts as an intermediary between the support end and the base, providing a constrained movement path through its constraining surface. This intermediary structure guides the support end during assembly and operation, preventing direct impact damage while maintaining reliable vertical motion control
2Volume of moving object
If the keyswitch structure is miniaturized, then the device size is reduced, but the press stroke change due to damage has a larger ratio affecting tactile feeling
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connection structure into vertical and horizontal motion limiting parts, the patent ensures that damage to the support end during assembly is localized and does not affect the critical vertical motion path. The vertical-motion limiting part with its constraining surface maintains precise vertical guidance even in miniaturized designs, ensuring consistent press stroke and tactile feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal-motion limiting part is positioned and designed to limit horizontal movement without interfering with the vertical constraining function. This local quality differentiation ensures that even in miniaturized keyswitches, the critical vertical press stroke remains unaffected by potential damage at the support end, maintaining consistent tactile feedback
3Device complexity
If the connection structure uses a single constraining surface, then the structure is simple, but damage at the contact point affects both vertical and horizontal movement stability
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into two distinct parts with separate functions: the vertical-motion limiting part provides vertical guidance through its constraining surface, while the horizontal-motion limiting part controls horizontal movement through its limiting surface. This segmentation isolates potential damage to specific functions, maintaining overall movement stability without requiring complex additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the limitation of a single constraining surface by adding functionality in another dimension - the horizontal-motion limiting part operates in the horizontal dimension while the vertical-motion limiting part operates in the vertical dimension. This dimensional separation ensures that damage in one dimension does not compromise stability in the other, maintaining reliable movement control
Data Source
AI summary
A keyswitch structure includes a base, a keycap, a first support, a second support, and a connection structure. The keycap moves up and down relative to the base through the first support and the second support. The connection structure is disposed on the base and includes a vertical-motion limiting part and a horizontal-motion limiting part. The first support includes a rod-shaped connection portion and is connected to the connection structure through the rod-shaped connection portion. The vertical-motion limiting part prevents the rod-shaped connection portion from vertically moving. The horizontal-motion limiting part limits the horizontal movement of the rod-shaped connection portion. The vertical-motion limiting part and the horizontal-motion limiting part are separated in the rotation axis of the rod-shaped connection portion.