Transparent Key Structure with Elastic Support for Dynamic Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keys have monotonous functions, poor light spreading due to contact point arrangement, and insufficient durability from direct connection with light source modules, leading to bad key contact and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A key structure featuring a transparent key main body with a key frame and elastic supporting portion, using bumps to transmit action to a detection module, allowing for arbitrary image or animation display and maintaining stability through a completely hollow design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If contact points are arranged straight below the keys for direct connection with light source module, then light spreading performance is improved, but key contact reliability deteriorates due to insufficient supporting force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate structure (the elastic supporting portion with integrated contact points) that mediates between the key main body and the light source module. This intermediate structure provides adequate supporting force while maintaining light spreading capability, resolving the contradiction between light spreading performance and key contact reliability.
2Illumination intensity
If transparent or translucent keys are used for illumination effect, then light spreading is improved, but key contact reliability deteriorates due to insufficient supporting force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the supporting function and the contact function into a single integrated elastic supporting portion structure. This combined structure provides both the necessary mechanical support for the transparent key main body and the electrical contact function, eliminating the need for separate supporting elements that would compromise light spreading.
3Adaptability or versatility
If display screen is placed at the bottom for image viewing through key, then visual display capability is improved, but display screen durability deteriorates due to exposure to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the display screen is positioned at the bottom and protected by the hollow interior space and structural elements of the key assembly. The display screen is nested within the key frame structure, which provides physical protection while still allowing images to be viewed through the transparent key main body.
4Illumination intensity
If hollow structure is used for complete light presence and display, then light spreading is improved, but key main body stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the elastic supporting portion as a flexible element that maintains the hollow structure for light presence while providing the necessary structural stability. The elastic material allows for key actuation while maintaining the overall structural integrity and stability of the key main body.
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
Enables a durable and versatile key structure with improved light spreading, enhanced durability, and the ability to change displayed content arbitrarily without interfering with the display, while protecting the display screen from damage.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic supporting portion, allowing the key main bodies to move back and forth vertically
Implementation Method 2
at least one transparent key main body; a display screen, configured on one side of the detection module away from the bump and an image displayed thereon being able to be viewed from the key main body
Data Source
AI summary
A key structure includes, from top to bottom in sequence: at least one key main body, made of light transmissible material; a key frame, adapted to mount the key main body; an elastic supporting portion, allowing the key main bodies to move back and forth vertically; at least one bump, formed on one side of the elastic supporting portion; a detection module, sensing the action of the key main body and allowing the bump to be in touch therewith selectively; and a display screen, configured on one side of the detection module. A user can see the bottom display screen through the key main body directly, and the elastic supporting portion drives the bumps to move downward to touch the detection module after the user presses the key main body down. Whereby, the applicable range of the present invention is increased by changing the contents of the display screen.