Universal Circuit Board for Mechanical and Optical Keyswitches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circuit boards are not conveniently compatible with mechanical and optical keyswitches of different standards, requiring redesigns for assembly and disassembly, which complicates the installation process.
Innovation Solution
A universal circuit board with a main body, conductive terminals, and an opening structure that can accommodate both mechanical and optical keyswitches, featuring a circuit substrate and optical detecting unit, allowing for detachable installation and automatic detection of keyswitch types based on signal conduction or optical detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional solid circuit board is used for mechanical keyswitch, then the conductive terminals can be disposed on the board surface, but the board cannot be conveniently assembled with or disassembled from keyswitches of different standards
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is designed with a through-hole structure that serves multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical constraint for mechanical keyswitches and as an optical transmission channel for optical keyswitches. This multi-functional design enables a single board structure to support both mechanical and optical keyswitch types without requiring separate redesigns, thereby achieving universality across different keyswitch standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The through-hole structure enables dynamic adaptability by allowing the system to switch between mechanical and optical detection modes based on the inserted keyswitch type. The operational processing unit dynamically determines the keyswitch type and activates the corresponding detection function, making the circuit board adaptable to different configurations without physical redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the keyswitch structure is redesigned to accommodate optical detectors, then optical keyswitch can be installed, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is segmented into distinct functional zones: conductive terminals for mechanical keyswitch connection, the through-hole structure for optical transmission, and the operational processing unit for intelligent detection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity, enabling easy assembly and disassembly without complex redesigns.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational processing unit automatically detects the inserted keyswitch type through the through-hole structure and activates the appropriate detection mode without requiring manual configuration or complex assembly procedures. This self-detection capability simplifies the assembly process, as the system automatically adapts to the installed keyswitch type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conductive terminals are used for mechanical keyswitch signal transmission, then mechanical keyswitch can be connected, but the same structure cannot detect optical keyswitch signals
Solution Approach 1:
The through-hole structure serves as an intermediary element that enables both mechanical and optical detection functions. For mechanical keyswitches, it provides structural support and alignment; for optical keyswitches, it acts as an optical transmission channel. This intermediary structure allows a single detection system to handle both keyswitch types without requiring separate detection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its detection parameters based on the inserted keyswitch type. The operational processing unit detects whether the through-hole is being used for mechanical constraint or optical transmission and adjusts its detection mode accordingly. This parameter switching capability allows the same physical structure to support multiple detection functions without increasing overall system complexity.
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 convenient assembly and disassembly of keyswitches with any standards, providing a plug-and-play functionality by determining the type of keyswitch through conductive or optical signals, thus simplifying the installation process and enhancing compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
the optical detecting unit is disposed on a side of the circuit substrate facing the second surface and aligning with the opening structure. An optical detecting signal output by the optical detecting unit passes through the opening structure and is exited from the first surface to detect a movement of a keycap of the optical keyswitch.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal circuit board compatible for a mechanical keyswitch and an optical keyswitch includes a main body, a plurality of conductive terminals and an opening structure. The main body has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The plurality of conductive terminals is disposed on the first surface of the main body. The opening structure is formed on the main body and pierces through the first surface and the second surface. The opening structure can be inserted by an axle body of the mechanical keyswitch or be an optical transmission channel of the optical keyswitch.