Translucent Keyboard Key Structure for Stable Image Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scissor-type keyboard mechanisms fail to allow light or images to penetrate through the keycap, leading to non-uniform pressure and tilting when pressed, affecting tactile feedback and stability.
Innovation Solution
A key structure with a translucent keycap, a first supporting frame with slidably connected arms, and a second supporting frame with elongated linking holes, allowing smooth sliding and stable keycap movement during pressing, preventing tilting and ensuring uniform pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the elastic dome is arranged at one side of the keycap to enable image displaying, then the keycap can display instant images, but the keycap receives non-uniform pressure and tilts when pressed
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting frame is divided into two separate frames (first supporting frame and second supporting frame) that work together to provide balanced support. Each frame has multiple arms (first arms and second arms) that distribute the pressing force uniformly across the keycap, preventing tilting while maintaining the image displaying function enabled by the elastic dome.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual supporting frame structure acts as a counterbalancing mechanism where the first and second supporting frames work in opposition to each other to distribute forces evenly. When the keycap is pressed, both frames simultaneously engage to provide uniform counter-pressure, preventing the tilting caused by the offset elastic dome.
2Device complexity
If the conventional scissor-type mechanism uses pivotally connected supporting frames, then the structure is simple, but the interactive connection between supporting frames is restricted and the keycap cannot be stably lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the first and second supporting frames is changed from a static pivotal connection to a dynamic sliding connection. The first arms slide within the elongated linking holes of the second arms, allowing continuous adjustment of the connection point during the keycap pressing motion. This dynamic adaptation enables smooth keycap lowering while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated linking holes act as an intermediary mechanism between the first and second supporting frames. Instead of direct pivotal connection, the sliding interaction through the linking holes mediates the force transmission, allowing the keycap to be smoothly lowered while distributing the interaction forces evenly.
3Strength
If the supporting frames are ring-shaped to provide structural support, then the frames are strong, but they block certain portions of light or image
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous ring-shaped supporting frames are segmented into multiple discrete arms (first arms and second arms). This segmentation reduces the total blocking area while maintaining structural strength through the distributed arm structure. The gaps between the segmented arms allow light and images to pass through more freely.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting structure transitions from a uniform ring shape to localized arm structures positioned only where mechanical support is needed. This local placement of support elements minimizes the blocking of light and images in other areas, providing strength only where required while maximizing light transmission elsewhere.
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 enables stable and non-tilted pressing tactile feedback by preventing rotation and allowing smooth sliding of the keycap, effectively addressing the issues of non-uniform pressure and tilting in conventional scissor-type mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic force of the elastic dome is exerted to one side of the keycap
Implementation Method 2
A top end of the first supporting frame and a top end of the second supporting frame are slidably connected to two sides of the translucent keycap, respectively. An image information of the display unit is shown through the accommodation portion and the translucent keycap so as to be shown outside.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard and a key structure capable of displaying instant image thereof are provided. The key structure includes a display unit, a circuit membrane, an elastic member, a key seat, a first supporting frame, a second supporting frame, and a translucent keycap. The first supporting frame has two first arms and two axle portions. The ends of the first arms are slidably disposed on an accommodation portion of the key seat. The second supporting frame has two second arms and two linking holes. The ends of the second arms are pivotally connected to the accommodation portion. The linking hole is elongated-shaped. When the translucent keycap is not pressed, the axle portion abuts against one hole-end of the linking hole. When the translucent keycap is pressed, the axle portion abuts against another one hole-end of the linking hole.