Switchable Key Structure with Adjustable Sound Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current keyswitch silencing designs using cushion materials fail to effectively eliminate sound due to contact or collision, and do not provide a mechanism for users to switch between silent and audible operations.
Innovation Solution
A key structure with a linkage mechanism and an adjusting unit that allows for silent or audible operation feedback, where the sound generating member can be restricted from hitting an impact surface by the adjusting unit, reducing sound caused by collision and enabling user preference selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If cushion materials are used as contact stopper to achieve silencing effect, then the sound caused by contact is reduced, but the silencing effect cannot be satisfied because sound is still generated due to contact or collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sound-generating component (hitting portion) from the keyswitch mechanism by making it movable relative to the impact surface. Through the adjusting unit, the hitting portion can be positioned away from the impact surface, effectively separating the contact mechanism from the sound generation source, thereby achieving true silencing effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable hitting portion that can dynamically adjust its position relative to the impact surface. The adjusting unit enables the hitting portion to move between a first position (where it can hit the impact surface to generate sound) and a second position (where it is restricted from hitting, achieving silence), transforming the static keyswitch into a dynamic system with adjustable acoustic properties.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If cushion materials are used for silencing design, then some sound reduction is achieved, but no function of switching between silent operation and audible operation is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting unit transforms the keyswitch from a static structure to a dynamic system that can switch between two operational states: audible mode (hitting portion can contact impact surface) and silent mode (hitting portion restricted from contact). This dynamic adjustability provides users with the versatility to select their preferred operation mode based on different usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyswitch structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in audible mode for normal feedback, switch to silent mode for quiet environments, and the adjusting unit itself serves as a control mechanism. This multi-functionality enhances the adaptability of the keyswitch to different user preferences and usage contexts.
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure includes a base, a movable mechanism movably positioned on the base, a sound generating member positioned on the base, and an adjusting unit movable relative to the base to be at a first position or a second position. The sound generating member has a hitting portion, which extends corresponding to an impact surface. When the adjusting unit is at the first position, and a pressing force is applied to the movable mechanism, the movable mechanism moves relative to the base and drives the sound generating member to move, so the hitting portion moves to hit the impact surface to generate a hitting sound. When the adjusting unit is at the second position, the adjusting unit restricts movement of the hitting portion, so the hitting portion cannot move to hit the impact surface.