Magnet keys
US9978543B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 2012 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2239/024
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to keyboards for computing devices. For example, rather than using a dome, the keycap may include one or more magnets. In one example, a second magnet may be placed adjacent to a switch or magnetic sensor on a circuit board. The magnets may be arranged so that they repel one another in order to force the keycap away from the switch. Webbing between the keycaps may be used to keep the keycaps from falling off of the device. To keep the keycap from moving laterally, the keycap may include two or more flanges held in place by rails. Other arrangements of magnets or magnetic plates may also be used. If a magnetic sensor is used, it may be calibrated to adjust the sensitivity of the keys, for example, how far a user must press the keycap in order to have the pressing register.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.