Variable-Feel Keyboard Keys Using Magneto-Rheological Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboards lack the ability to programmatically adjust key response, requiring users to physically swap key modules to customize feedback, which is time-consuming and inflexible.
Innovation Solution
A variable stroke module using magneto-rheological fluid and a magnetizing coil to adjust keystroke distance and resistance based on key position and velocity, allowing for customizable key response without physical changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If key modules are swapped to customize key response, then key response adaptability is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the key response characteristics changeable during operation through a variable stroke module. The module uses magneto-rheological fluid whose viscosity can be dynamically adjusted via magnetic field strength, allowing key resistance and stroke characteristics to be modified in real-time based on application requirements without physical module swapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the key mechanism by adjusting the viscosity of magneto-rheological fluid through varying magnetic field strength. This allows continuous adjustment of key stroke distance and resistance force, enabling customization of key response for different applications (gaming, typing, etc.) without mechanical reconfiguration.
2Ease of operation
If uniform keyboard key response is used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains ease of operation by providing consistent, predictable key feedback within each application context while enabling dynamic switching between different key response profiles. The variable stroke module ensures that once configured for a specific application, the keyboard provides uniform and predictable response characteristics suitable for that application type.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard achieves universality by incorporating a variable stroke module that can be configured for multiple different applications (gaming, word processing, etc.). A single keyboard hardware can adapt to serve multiple functions by adjusting the magneto-rheological fluid viscosity, eliminating the need for different physical keyboards for different applications.
3Volume of moving object
If key stroke distance and resistance are reduced, then device size is reduced, but key response quality worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magneto-rheological fluid, a smart material that behaves like a hydraulic element, to provide key resistance and stroke control. The fluid's viscosity can be dynamically adjusted via magnetic field to compensate for reduced physical key travel distance, maintaining perceived key response quality even in compact keyboards with shorter key strokes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system compensates for reduced key stroke distance by changing the resistance parameter of the magneto-rheological fluid. Even when physical key travel is limited due to compact housing, the adjustable viscosity provides variable resistance that maintains the sensation of adequate key response, allowing quality key feedback in small form factors.
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 customizable key feedback tailored to user preferences and specific applications, enhancing user experience by adapting keystroke length and resistance dynamically.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting a magnetic field proximate to a chamber of magneto-rheological fluid in which a member of the input device is disposed
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system keyboard includes plural keys that each have a programmable variable-feel response to an end user experience with key interactions in real time. In one example embodiment, a magnetic-rheological fluid is disposed in a chamber of the key to pass through openings formed in a piston that moves downward with a keypress and upward in response to a biasing mechanism, such as a spring disposed in the chamber. Current applied to a coil around the chamber creates a magnetic field that varies the viscosity of the fluid so that key compression and range of motion associated with an input as well as key movement to a raised position are programmable to adjust based upon a sensed key position and movement.