Combined fingerprint reader/power button system

An Information Handling System (IHS), comprising:

• a chassis;
• a keyboard that is included on the chassis;
• a base member on the chassis that includes a first surface;
• a support member that is located adjacent the first surface of the base member and that is configured to move relative to the base member;
• a spring member that engages each of the first surface of the base member and the support member to provide a spring force that is directed away from the first surface of the base member and towards the support member;
• a power actuator element that is connected to the support member and that is configured to engage a power actuator engagement element when an actuation force is provided on the support member that overcomes the spring force and moves the support member relative to the base member;
• and
• a fingerprint reader that is connected to the support member.

A method for providing a combined fingerprint reader/power button, comprising:

• reading, using a fingerprint reader that is included in a key that is connected to a support member, a fingerprint from a finger that engages a fingerprint reader surface on the fingerprint reader that provides an external surface of the key;
• receiving, via the external surface of the key, an actuation force that is transmitted via the key to the support member;
• moving, in response to the actuation force, the support member;
• compressing, in response to the movement of the support member, a spring member that is located between the support member and a first surface of a base member and engages each of the support member and the first surface of the base member to provide a spring force that is less than the actuation force and that is directed away from the first surface of the base member and towards the support member;
• moving, in response to the movement of the support member and the compression of the spring member, the support member relative to the base member;
• and
• engaging, with a power actuator engagement element in response to the movement of the support member and the compression of the spring member, a power actuator element that is connected to the support member.