Apple inc. (20240103640). LOW-TRAVEL ILLUMINATED KEY MECHANISM simplified abstract

LOW-TRAVEL ILLUMINATED KEY MECHANISM

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Michelle R. Goldberg of Palo Alto CA (US)

Kathleen A. Bergeron of Los Gatos CA (US)

Paul X. Wang of Cupertino CA (US)

Alex J. Lehmann of Sunnyvale CA (US)

William P. Yarak, Iii of San Francisco CA (US)

Kevin C. Armendariz of San Francisco CA (US)

Zheng Gao of Sunnyvale CA (US)

LOW-TRAVEL ILLUMINATED KEY MECHANISM - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240103640 titled 'LOW-TRAVEL ILLUMINATED KEY MECHANISM

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a low profile key for a keyboard with an overmolded support structure. The key cap has an illuminable symbol and is pivotally coupled to a support structure with overmolded wings. A switch housing surrounds the support structure, connecting the wings. A tactile dome biases the key cap upward, with a sensing membrane triggering a switch event in response to the dome collapsing. A feature plate and light guide panel are positioned below the sensing membrane to illuminate the symbol.

• Key cap with illuminable symbol
• Support structure with overmolded wings
• Switch housing surrounding support structure
• Tactile dome for key cap movement
• Sensing membrane for switch event triggering
• Feature plate and light guide panel for illumination

Potential Applications

The technology can be applied in various industries such as consumer electronics, computer peripherals, and industrial equipment where illuminated keys are required.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of providing a low profile key with an illuminable symbol while maintaining a sturdy and reliable support structure.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include improved aesthetics, ease of use in low light conditions, and a durable design that can withstand repeated use.

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology can be commercially applied in keyboards for gaming, office use, and industrial control panels to enhance user experience and visibility in different environments.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be keyboards with backlit keys, but the specific design of a low profile key with an illuminable symbol and overmolded support structure may be unique.

How does the overmolded support structure affect the durability of the key?

The overmolded wings in the support structure provide additional strength and stability to the key, but the specific impact on durability compared to traditional key designs is not addressed in the abstract.

What materials are used in the construction of the key cap and support structure?

The abstract does not mention the materials used in the construction of the key cap, support structure, or other components, which could affect the overall performance and cost of the technology.

Original Abstract Submitted

embodiments are directed to a low profile key for a keyboard having an overmolded support structure. in one aspect, an embodiment includes a key cap having an illuminable symbol. a support structure having a pair of overmolded wings may pivotally couple to the key cap. a switch housing may surround the support structure and connect each of the first and second wings. a tactile dome may be at least partially positioned within the switch housing and configured to bias the key cap upward. a sensing membrane may be positioned along an underside surface of the tactile dome and configured to trigger a switch event in response to a collapsing of the tactile dome caused by a depression of the key cap. a feature plate may be positioned below the sensing membrane. a light guide panel may define at least one light extraction feature that may be configured to propagate light toward the key cap and cause illumination of the illuminable symbol.