Through-Hole Keyboard Structure Without PCB Gaps

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional mechanical keyboards require underlying electronic components to support and connect keys, leading to economic and ecological inefficiencies, as well as gaps that allow contaminants to enter the device.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a top portion with through holes for key switches, which are electrically connected via traces on the top portion to a processing unit, eliminating the need for underlying electronics and sealing potential entry points for contaminants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mechanical keyboards use underlying electronic components (PCBs) to support and connect keys, then electrical connection and key support are achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase, and gaps allow contaminants to enter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidkeyboard structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the traditional PCB from the keyboard structure. Instead of having keys mounted on a separate PCB below the keycaps, the electrical connections are now made directly through the keycaps themselves using conductive traces integrated into the keycap structure, eliminating the need for the underlying PCB and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the electrical connection function directly into the keycap structure. The keycap now serves dual purposes: as the user interface element and as the electrical connector, with conductive traces integrated into the keycap to establish electrical connections without requiring a separate PCB layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional keyboards use gaps between keys and top cover for key switch installation, then key switches can be accessed, but contaminants can enter the keyboard interior

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey switch installation easeVSAvoidcontaminant entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical gap-based key switch access method with a sealed through-hole approach. Instead of relying on gaps between the top cover and keys for key switch installation and access, the design uses precisely formed through-holes that are mechanically retained, eliminating the need for gaps and preventing contaminant entry pathways

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If keys are mounted on underlying PCBs, then electrical connection is established, but customization flexibility is reduced due to approximation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidkeyboard configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by integrating conductive traces directly into the keycap structure at specific locations. This allows each keycap to have its electrical connection properties tailored to its specific position and function, enabling greater customization flexibility without compromising electrical connection reliability, as each keycap can be independently designed and configured

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20240345664A1Through Hole Keyboard

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

The present description relates to devices, such as keyboards. One example can include a top portion and an opposing bottom portion and key switches that are mechanically retained in holes formed in the top cover. The example can also include electrical traces formed on the top cover that extend from the holes to a processing unit that is configured to receive electrical signals along the electrical traces when the key switches are closed.