Author: Umakant Mishra
Abstract:
The key switches of the keyboard of a computer system are
generally comprised of a key cap having a plunger, conductive rubber disposed
above a membrane circuit and compressed by the plunger to trigger the membrane
circuit causing it to produce an electric signal to the computer.
Some key switches use springs. Some other keyboards use
rubber domes or a dome sheet, which do the function of springs. When the user
depresses the key button the spring or domes collapse. The key switch depresses
the key stem, which actuates the button on the membrane circuit. When the user
releases the button the springs or rubber domes push the button up to the rest
position.
This article illustrates 10 inventions on different key
switch mechanism. The inventions are selected from US patent database. The
inventions try to simplify the mechanism, reduce manufacturing cost, increase
accuracy and reliability, and increase strength and robustness of the keys.
Keywords: TRIZ, Computer Keyboard, Computer Hardware,
Hardware Inventions, Computer Patents, Inventive Problem Solving, Keyboard
design, keyboard inventions, Key switch, plunger, membrane circuit, rubber
domes
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