Thin Photoelectric Keyboard Switch Balancing Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photoelectric keyboard switches face challenges in achieving thinness and stability, resulting in unsmooth use due to poor balance performance and thickness issues.
Innovation Solution
A thin photoelectric mechanical keyboard switch design incorporating an X-shaped balancing frame, tension spring, guiding core, and light-emitting/receiving tubes on a PCB board, forming a light-conducting channel for on/off functionality and enhancing balance and press stability through the guiding core's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional photoelectric keyboard switch structure is used, then photoelectric detection function is achieved, but the thickness is large and balance performance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The switch structure is segmented into distinct functional modules: the guiding core for vertical movement, the X-shaped balancing frame for balance, the tension spring for resetting, and the light-emitting/receiving tubes for detection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving thinness while maintaining balance performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The X-shaped balancing frame introduces a diagonal dimensional arrangement rather than traditional vertical stacking, allowing the balancing mechanism to function within a thinner profile while maintaining structural stability and balance performance.
2Length of moving object
If thin design is implemented, then product thickness is reduced, but balance and press stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tension spring acts as a counterweight mechanism, providing upward restoring force to balance the downward pressing force. This ensures stable press operation and reliable key return even in the thin switch structure, maintaining press stability while achieving reduced thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The X-shaped balancing frame employs asymmetric diagonal support structures that provide optimal balance and stability within the constrained thin profile, distributing mechanical loads effectively to maintain press stability.
3Speed
If photoelectric components are added, then detection speed and service life are improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding core serves multiple functions: it guides the vertical movement of the keycap, positions the light-emitting and light-receiving tubes, and provides the communication hole for light transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining fast photoelectric response while controlling structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-emitting tube and light-receiving tube are integrated into the same guiding core structure, with the communication hole formed by the guiding core itself. This merging of detection components into the movement mechanism reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining fast photoelectric detection response.
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 combination of an X-shaped balancing frame and tension spring improves balance and stability, while the guiding core controls the torsion spring to create a light-conducting channel for keypress functionality, offering a smoother and more stable user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting tube 12 and a light-receiving tube 13 are correspondingly provided at an edge of the lower through hole 11 on the printed circuit board 1
Implementation Method 2
a photoelectric switch is arranged on the circuit board and comprises a transmitting element and a receiving element
Implementation Method 3
A first accommodation slot 21 and a second accommodation slot 22 are provided on the base 2... a tension spring 8, and a guiding core 9 are disposed in the second accommodation slot 22
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A thin photoelectric mechanical keyboard switch includes a printed circuit board (PCB) (1), a base (2), and a keycap (3). A first accommodation slot (21), a second accommodation slot (22), and a surrounding slot (23) are provided at the base (2). A balancing frame (4) is disposed in the surrounding slot (23). A torsion spring (5) is arranged in the first accommodation slot (21). An upper through hole is provided at a bottom portion of the second accommodation slot (22), and a blocking piece (6), a hanging piece (7), a tension spring (8), and a guiding core (9) are disposed in the second accommodation slot (22). One end of the tension spring (8) is fastened in the guiding core (9) and connected to the hanging piece (7), and the other end of the tension spring (8) is connected to the balancing frame (4). An insertion portion (91) is provided at a lower end of the guiding core (9). The insertion portion (91) consists of two pieces of insertion plates (911). A lower opening (94) is formed between the two pieces of insertion plates (911), and used to fit the tension spring (8). Communication holes (912) are provided at the two pieces of insertion plates (911), respectively. A lower through hole (11) corresponding to the upper through hole is provided at the PCB (1). A light-emitting tube (12) and a light-receiving tube (13) are correspondingly provided at the edge of the lower through hole (11) on the PCB (1). The guiding core (9) slides vertically along a direction of the upper through hole and the lower through hole (11). The thin photoelectric mechanical keyboard switch utilizes light to implement turning on and off functions, realizing a thinned design, and enhancing pressing balance performance and stability.