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US 8,629,362 B1Granted
Keyswitch using magnetic force
AssigneeSynerdyne Corporation
InventorsMark S. Knighton, Mydul R. Islam, Tzyy-Woei R. Sung, Kevin H. Vuong
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A key for user input having superior tactile qualities. The key is suspended by a magnetic field force to improve the smoothness of motion. Two compact interleaved members link a keycap to a key base to provide highly precise parallel travel with reduced tilt and flexion, and improved durability.
Claims11
A key for user input comprising:
- a key base;
- a key cap;
- a first and second link member each having a first end coupled to the key cap and a second end engaging the other link member in an interleaved relation, the second end formed of or coupled to a magnetic mass, the magnetic mass being located at the second end;
- and
- a magnet applying a magnetic field to the magnetic mass to bias the key cap into an up position.
2 more elements
An apparatus for user input comprising:
- a key base;
- a key cap;
- a plurality of magnetic masses linked to at least one of the key base and the key cap;
- wherein a magnetic field interaction between the plurality of magnetic masses provides a force which is a primary force to bias the key cap into an up position over substantially an entire range of motion of the key;
- and
- wherein the magnetic field is an attractive magnetic field applied to a mechanical member resulting in an upward force applied to the key cap.
3 more elements
An apparatus for user input comprising:
- a key base;
- a key cap;
- at least one magnetic mass linked to the key cap and at least one magnetic mass linked to the key base;
- wherein a first magnetic field interaction between at least one magnetic mass on the key cap and at least one magnetic mass on the key base provide a biasing force which biases the key cap into an up position over substantially an entire range of motion of the key;
- and
- wherein a second magnetic field interaction, having a different force direction relative to the first magnetic field interaction, between at least one magnetic mass on the key cap and at least one magnetic mass on the key base helps retain the key cap to the key base, when the key cap and key base are in an operational spatial relationship.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.