Swing Operation Input Device with Pivoting Cap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional input devices, such as keyswitches, require more mechanical space for upright operation, leading to increased total height and complex assembly, which results in higher costs and component usage.

Innovation Solution

The input device employs a swing operation mechanism with a cap pivoted to a supporting base, featuring a protrusion for contact with the printed circuit board and an actuator to actuate a metal dome switch, reducing the need for additional space and simplifying assembly by using fewer components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If upright operation mechanism is used, then the cap can rebound properly, but the total height of the input device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap rebound functionVSAvoidtotal height

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional upright operation mechanism by implementing a swing operation where the cap rotates horizontally around a pivot point instead of moving vertically. The cap pivots relative to the supporting base, with a protrusion on the cap contacting the printed circuit board during swing operation, eliminating the need for vertical rebound space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the dimension of cap movement from vertical (upright operation) to horizontal (swing operation). By rotating the cap around a pivot point in the horizontal plane, the mechanism achieves keyswitch functionality without requiring vertical space for cap movement, thereby reducing total height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If scissors-type frame and rubber dome are used, then the cap can be supported and rebound, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap support and reboundVSAvoidcomponent quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cap support and actuation functions into a simplified structure. The cap is directly pivoted to the supporting base, eliminating the need for separate scissors-type frame and rubber dome components. The metal dome switch serves dual purposes as both the actuation mechanism and the rebound element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the unnecessary scissors-type frame and rubber dome components from the conventional keyswitch structure. By using swing operation with direct pivot connection, the design retains only the essential components: cap, supporting base, metal dome switch, and printed circuit board.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8525060B2Input device with swing operation

Publication Date: 2013.09.03 WISTRON CORP

AI summary

An input device includes a printed circuit board for outputting a signal, a supporting base fixed on the printed circuit board, a metal dome switch installed on the printed circuit board, and a cap pivoted to the supporting base. A protrusion is formed on an end of the cap for contacting against the printed circuit board when the cap is not pressed down. The cap pivots relative to the supporting base when the cap is pressed down. An actuator is further formed on the cap and disposed on a side of the metal dome switch. The actuator of the cap presses down the metal dome switch to actuate the metal dome switch when the cap is pressed down.