Ultra-thin Keyboard Switch X-Frame Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboard switches are thick and inconvenient to use due to their design, making it difficult to stably connect the static and movable contact plates when pressing the button from the side edge of the keyboard.
Innovation Solution
The ultra-thin keyboard switch features an X-shaped configuration formed by intersecting upper and lower frames that are pivotally connected, allowing the movable contact plate to move stably and reducing thickness, with an elastic member to restore the contact plates to their disconnected position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the button is designed as a guide post in the center of the keyboard cap, then the structure is simple, but the product becomes thick and cannot be pressed stably from side edges
Solution Approach 1:
The button structure is segmented into multiple functional parts: the keyboard cap, upper frame, lower frame, and movable contact plate are separated into distinct components that work together. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the frames can be designed thin while maintaining structural integrity, and the button function is distributed across multiple elements rather than requiring a single thick guide post
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single vertical guide post dimension to a planar frame structure. The upper and lower frames form an X-shaped configuration that provides guidance in multiple directions simultaneously, replacing the need for a thick vertical guide post with thin planar elements that achieve the same guiding function through geometric arrangement
2Ease of manufacture
If the button is mounted at the center of the bottom of the keyboard cap, then the mounting is simple, but pressing from side edges cannot stably connect the contact plates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical guidance for the movable contact plate, transmits pressing force from any keyboard cap position, and ensures reliable contact plate connection. This multi-functionality replaces the single-function center-mounted button, achieving reliable connection regardless of where on the keyboard cap the user presses
Solution Approach 2:
The upper and lower frames act as intermediaries between the keyboard cap and the movable contact plate. When the user presses any part of the keyboard cap, the force is transmitted through the frame structure to the movable contact plate, ensuring stable connection. The frames mediate the force transmission in a way that maintains reliability regardless of the pressing position
3Device complexity
If a conventional guide post button is used, then the structure is straightforward, but the connection sensitivity between contact plates is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The movable contact plate is designed as a thin, flexible element that can deflect and respond to minimal pressing force. This thin-film design increases the sensitivity of the switch, allowing the contact plates to connect with greater precision and less force compared to rigid guide post structures
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 design enables stable and sensitive connection of the static and movable contact plates, allowing for convenient use regardless of finger position on the keyboard, improving usability and reducing product thickness.
Implementation Method 1
The movable contact plate is provided with an elastic member to restore the movable contact plate for the movable contact to be away from the static contact
Data Source
AI summary
An ultra-thin keyboard switch includes a base, a static contact plate, a support plate, a movable contact plate, a lower frame, an upper frame, and a keyboard cap. The static contact plate and the support plate are separated from each other and disposed on the base. The upper frame and the lower frame are intersected and pivotally connected with each other to form an X-shaped configuration to bring the movable contact plate to move. The thickness of the product can be reduced to be thin. No matter where the user's finger is at any position of the keyboard, the upper frame and the lower frame are linked to bring the movable contact plate to move. The present invention can be pressed stably, so that the connection of the static contact plate and the movable contact plate is more sensitive and the product can be used more conveniently.