Touchpad Key Integration for Split-Free Notebook Input Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional notebook computers with touchpads and physical keyboards face issues due to the split between touchpad keys and the touchpad, which affects the exterior and limits the touchpad's dimension.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a conductor layer beneath the key cap of the first key in the keyboard module, divided into regions that generate second input signals upon touch, effectively replacing conventional touchpad keys and eliminating the split line issue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If touchpad keys are designed as separate elements to provide a pressing effect, then the pressing effect is improved, but a split line appears between the touchpad keys and the touchpad affecting the exterior and limiting the touchpad dimension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touchpad key function with the touchpad surface by integrating a conductor layer into the touchpad structure. The conductor layer is divided into multiple regions that can be independently activated, providing touchpad key functionality without physical separation. This eliminates the split line issue while maintaining the pressing effect through capacitive sensing technology.
2Ease of operation
If touchpad keys are arranged separately from the touchpad, then the pressing effect is achieved, but the touchpad dimension is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a mechanical dimension (physical key elevation) to an electrical dimension (capacitive sensing layers). By using a conductor layer with multiple conductive regions beneath the touchpad surface, the system achieves key-like functionality without occupying additional physical space, thus maximizing the touchpad dimension while maintaining operational effectiveness.
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
This solution prevents the split line between touchpad keys and the touchpad from affecting the outside of the device and avoids dimension limitations of the touchpad, enhancing user interaction and device design.
Implementation Method 1
The conductor layer is divided into a plurality of regions, and the regions sense a touch operation of a user to generate the plurality of second input signals
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides an electronic device. The electronic device includes a body, a touchpad, and a keyboard module. The body includes a surface, where the surface includes a first portion and a second portion that are adjacent to each other. The touchpad is arranged on the first portion. The keyboard module is arranged on the second portion and includes a first key. The first key includes a base plate, a circuit layer, a resilient structure, a key cap, and a conductor layer. The circuit layer is arranged on the base plate and configured to generate a first input signal. The resilient structure is arranged on the base plate. The key cap is arranged on the resilient structure. The conductor layer is arranged below the key cap and divided into a plurality of regions, where the regions are separated from each other and are configured to generate a plurality of second input signals.