Force sensitive transducer for use in a computer keyboard
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsMatthew F. Cali, Jerome J. Cuomo, Donald J. Mikalsen, Joseph D. Rutledge, Edwin J. Selker
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A strain sensitive columnar transducer for a data entry keyboard contains a column upstanding from the keyboard. Strain sensitive orthogonally oriented patterns are formed on a single flexible planar sheet which is sliced to place each of the patterns on a separate tab. The planar sheet is forced over the column so that the patterns lie up against the sides of the column to measure force exerted on the column.
Claims10
A force sensitive transducer for a data entry keyboard comprising:
- a member upstanding from the keyboard;
- and
- orthogonally oriented strain sensitive patterns formed together on a flexible planar sheet surrounding the member and bent so that the portions of the base with strain sensitive patterns thereon rise up out of the plane of the base and are adhered against the sides of the member to sense force exerted on the member.
A method of assembling a force sensitive transducer for a data entry keyboard comprising the steps of:
- forming multiple strain sensitive patterns on a flat flexible insulating sheet;
- providing interior slices in the sheet so that the strain sensitive patterns are on orthogonally oriented tabs;
- placing an elongated member upstanding from a base through the slices so that the tabs bend and lie against the sides of the elongated member while the remainder of the flexible sheet lies against the base;
- and
- adhering the tabs to the sides of the elongated member.
A method of assembling a force sensitive transducer for a data entry keyboard comprising:
- forming four triangular shaped strain sensitive patterns together with their connections on a flat flexible insulating sheet;
- slicing the insulating sheet in an x shaped pattern so that each of the triangular shaped strain sensitive patterns is on a separate triangular tab;
- placing a rectangular shaped elongated member upstanding from a base through the x shaped slices so that the tabs bend up out of the insulating sheet and lie against the four sides of the member while the remainder of the flexible sheet lies flat against the base;
- adhering the tabs to the sides of the elongated member;
- and
- electrically connecting the electrical connections to the strain sensitive tabs in a circuit that senses changes in surface stresses of the upstanding member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.