Slim Keypad Structure With Tactile Feedback and Symbol Switching
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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 adaptable to multi-functional software configurations, as touch-screen interfaces lack tactile feedback and often confuse users with crowded key surfaces.
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 it, allowing for elastic support and displaying different symbols through the circuit board and openings.
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 employs a thin film supporting plate with frame portions instead of conventional bulky mechanical key structures. The supporting plate acts as a flexible membrane that provides tactile feedback through controlled deflection while maintaining minimal thickness, directly resolving the contradiction between tactile feedback and device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical key switches with a simplified system consisting of a flexible supporting plate, frame portions, and elastic elements. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and thickness while preserving the essential tactile feedback function through the elastic deformation of the supporting plate and frame portions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple symbols are printed on each key top surface, then multi-functional operation is enabled, but key identification becomes confusing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional symbol arrangement on key surfaces to a three-dimensional solution using transparent key caps with selectively positioned symbols. By utilizing the vertical dimension and transparency, symbols can be arranged in multiple layers or positions that are spatially separated, allowing multi-functional operation while maintaining clear visual identification through strategic symbol placement visible from the front.
3Length of stationary object
If a slim keypad structure is designed, then device thickness is reduced, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components: the supporting plate simultaneously provides structural support, tactile feedback through elastic deformation, and symbol display functionality through transparency. The frame portions serve both as structural elements and as locators for elastic elements, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying assembly while maintaining slim profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting plate is designed as a multi-functional element that provides mechanical support, tactile feedback, and optical transmission for symbol display. This universal component eliminates the need for separate structures for each function, thereby reducing overall structural complexity despite the slim design requirements.
4Length of stationary object
If a slim keypad structure is designed, then device thickness is reduced, but ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the keypad into modular segments: key caps, frame portions, elastic elements, and circuit board components. Each frame portion can be independently assembled with its corresponding elastic element and key cap, allowing for simplified assembly processes and easier manufacturing while maintaining the slim overall structure.
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, enhances tactile feedback, and allows for flexible operation by displaying different symbols on the same key cap, improving compatibility with modern electronic devices and reducing assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one dome... The dome is disposed under the frame portion correspondingly
Implementation Method 2
The circuit board has at least one conducted circuit formed under the dome correspondingly
Implementation Method 3
each frame portion is formed with a light-pervious opening at a central portion thereof... light-penetrable circuit board
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.