Touch Keyboard Electrode Layout for Misaligned Key Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch keyboards face challenges in integrating touch functionality without a touchpad, due to misalignment of keys and varying key dimensions, leading to inconsistent touch sensing data and design complexity, which affects accuracy and regularity of touch operations.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard touch electrode module with interlacing series of first and second electrodes forming electrode matrices, mis-aligned to match key projection areas, reducing design complexity and improving sensing accuracy by using the same electrode layout for corresponding key-face and key-gap patterns, integrated between the base plate and keycaps to sense non-press movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional separate touchpad and keyboard structures are used, then touch functionality and keyboard functionality are both available, but device complexity increases and integration is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touchpad and keyboard into a single integrated structure where the keyboard keycaps serve dual purposes: mechanical pressing for text input and capacitive touch sensing for touch operations. The electrode matrices are embedded within the keyboard structure itself, eliminating the need for a separate touchpad component while maintaining both touch and keyboard functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard keycaps are designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical key pressing for text input and capacitive touch sensing for touch operations. The electrode matrices embedded in the keyboard structure enable touch sensing without requiring a separate touchpad, making the keyboard structure universal for both text input and touch control.
2Measurement precision
If electrode matrices are aligned with mis-aligned key projection areas, then touch sensing can cover all keys, but design complexity increases and sensing accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different electrode matrix configurations for different key regions. The electrode matrices are specifically designed and positioned to correspond to the local key projection areas, with each electrode matrix tailored to its specific key's position and dimensions. This localized optimization ensures accurate touch sensing for each key while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry in the electrode matrix arrangement to match the mis-aligned key projection areas. Instead of using a uniform symmetric grid, the electrode matrices are positioned and sized asymmetrically to correspond to the actual key layout, where adjacent keys are mis-aligned in the widthwise direction. This asymmetric configuration simplifies the design by directly matching the key geometry rather than forcing a symmetric pattern.
3Length of stationary object
If circuit layer thickness is reduced, then keyboard profile is thinner, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by embedding the electrode matrices within the keyboard structure layers. The electrodes are integrated into the circuit layer that is sandwiched between the keycaps and the base plate, with supporting structures passing through the circuit layer. This nested arrangement allows for a thin overall profile while maintaining adequate spacing and alignment through the layered construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the keyboard into distinct functional layers: keycaps, supporting structures, circuit layer with electrode matrices, and base plate. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently - the circuit layer can be made thin while maintaining precise electrode alignment through controlled manufacturing processes for that specific layer, without affecting the overall structural integrity.
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 enhances the accuracy and regularity of touch operations on touch keyboards by standardizing electrode layouts for mis-aligned key projection areas, reducing the thickness of the circuit layer and simplifying design, while effectively integrating touch and key functions.
Implementation Method 1
the keyboard touch electrode module can sense a non-press movement of an object on the plurality of keycaps
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard touch electrode module includes a plurality of same electrode matrices, which are arranged along a lengthwise direction and a widthwise direction and formed by a plurality of series of first electrodes and a plurality of series of second electrodes which interlace with each other. Adjacent two of the electrode matrices in the widthwise direction are mis-aligned. The electrode matrices thereon define a plurality of key projection areas, each of which covers a same key-face electrode pattern. A touch keyboard includes a base, a plurality of keycaps, a plurality of supporting structures connected to and between the base and the keycaps, and the keyboard touch electrode module disposed between the base and the keycaps. The keyboard touch electrode module can senses a non-pressing movement on the keycaps. The keycap can move up and down relative to the base and the keyboard touch electrode module through the corresponding supporting structure.