Slim Keypad Structure with Light-Pervious Openings for Thin Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern portable electronic devices require a slim, structurally simple, and easy-to-assemble keypad structure that provides affirmative tactile feedback and is compatible with touch-screen interfaces, while also offering flexible symbol display due to limited space and multi-functional configurations.
Innovation Solution
A slim keypad structure comprising a supporting plate with light-pervious openings, a board-shaped key cap, and a light-penetrable circuit board, where the key cap is disposed on the supporting plate and the dome is positioned under the frame portion, allowing for elastic support and symbol display through the circuit board and displaying element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional structural keypad is used, then affirmative tactile feedback is provided, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin film flexible printed circuit board (FPC) as the circuit board, which provides the necessary electrical connections while maintaining a slim profile. The FPC can be bent and flexed to accommodate the keypad structure without adding significant thickness, thus providing tactile feedback through the dome switches while keeping the device thin.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple components into a nested structure where the dome switches are positioned on one side of the FPC and the key caps are positioned on the other side, with the FPC nested between them. This nesting arrangement allows the keypad to provide tactile feedback through the domes while keeping the overall structure thin by utilizing both sides of the FPC.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple alphabet/symbols are printed on each key top surface, then multi-functional operation is enabled, but key identification becomes confusing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the symbol display from the traditional top surface of the key cap to the bottom surface of the key cap, which is in contact with the FPC. This dimensional change allows symbols to be displayed in a different plane, enabling multi-functional operation through the FPC's conductive patterns while maintaining clear key identification through the light-pervious key caps from the front view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light as an intermediary to transmit symbols from the FPC to the key cap. The FPC has light-emitting or light-reflecting patterns that correspond to symbols, and these symbols are visible through the light-pervious key cap material, allowing multi-functional operation without cluttering the key top surface.
3Length of stationary object
If the supporting plate is placed close to the circuit board, then device thickness is reduced, but assembly precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the supporting plate and circuit board in parallel planes with uniform spacing, creating an equipotential arrangement that simplifies assembly. The FPC acts as a mediator that can be easily positioned between the supporting plate and circuit board, reducing the need for high precision in positioning the supporting plate relative to the circuit board while maintaining thin device profile.
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 reduces device thickness, provides tactile feedback, and enhances operational flexibility by allowing the same key cap to display different symbols, thus aligning with the development trend of slim and light electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one dome, and a light-penetrable circuit board... The dome is disposed under the frame portion correspondingly... providing affirmative tactile feedback
Data Source
AI summary
A slim key includes a supporting plate, at least one key cap, at least one dome and a light-permeable circuit board. The supporting plate is disposed above the circuit board and has at least one frame part. Each frame part is formed with a light-permeable hole at a central portion thereof. The key pad is disposed on the top surface of the frame part correspondingly. The circuit board has at least one conductive circuit formed thereon under the dome correspondingly. The dome is correspondingly disposed between the frame part and the circuit board. According to one embodiment, the instant disclosure also provides an electronic device with the slim keypad structure.