LOCKING PIN MECHANISM FOR KEYBOARD ASSEMBLY OF AN INFORMATION HANDLING SYSTEM

Disclosed is a keyboard for an information handling system. The keyboard includes a keycap frame having a plurality of keycaps. They keycap frame is coupled to a cover using at least one retractable locking pin. The keycap frame can be positioned between a top cover and a bottom cover, and the top cover can include one or more openings for the plurality of keycaps to protrude through. The keycap frame and the first cover can be coupled without using screws.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to information handling systems. More specifically, portions of this disclosure relate to a keyboard for an information handling system. In some embodiments, a keycap frame is coupled to a cover using at least one retractable locking pin. In some embodiments, a keycap frame is coupled to a cover without using screws.

BACKGROUND

The increase in the number of information handling systems used by consumers, and the pace at which new models are introduced creates a situation in which many consumers replace electronic device components on a frequent basis. Many of these components are discarded as waste, end up in landfills, and remain buried in our planet for hundreds of years, if not longer. Because information handling systems and keyboards have many components and are generally assembled using screws, disassembly of the components may be difficult, burdensome, or both. This hinders the ability of consumers and companies to recycle, reuse, or decompose keyboard components made of recyclable or biodegradable materials.

SUMMARY

Plastics are used in electronic and electrical device parts, such as keyboards, due to their light weight and good mechanical properties. However, commonly used plastics, (e.g., certain polycarbonates, polyesters, acetals, etc.) are not biodegradable, and if not recycled, can create environmental problems (e.g., landfill contamination, increased use of natural resources and energy, etc.). Further, as demands on information handling systems have resulted in size reductions, the keyboard assemblies may include a combination of mechanical attachments such as screws with bonding. The bonding further reduces the biodegradability of the system components. The increase in pace and number of plastics from information handling systems can be offset by better design of device parts, such as keyboards, to facilitate recycling and biodegradability.

One challenge to the biodegradability and recyclability of components of an information handling system is the usage of screws to affix components together. The screws may be made from metal or other non-biodegradable materials. Thus, even though biodegradable or recyclable materials are used in portions of the components, the metal screws affixing the components prevents the information handling system from being environmentally-friendly.

Embodiments of this disclosure may include one or more of bio-degradable material with bio-degradable adhesive and ultrasonic-welded edges. To reduce the number of screws (or other non-bio-degradable mechanical attachment devices) or eliminate the use of screws (or other non-bio-degradable mechanical attachment devices), a recessed pocket and a retractable locking pin may be used to secure components together, such as components of a keyboard assembly for an information handling system. Ultrasound welding with a bio-based epoxy may be used to further secure components of the keyboard assembly. The bio-based epoxy may include up to 25, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, or 60% bio-based carbon content. One or more of the components may be made from 120 degree Celsius melting point biodegradable plastic.

A sustainably-sourced and environmentally-friendly keyboard that exhibits high strength and durability may reduce some of the waste product left behind by information handling systems after they reach end-of-life. The keyboard may include recycled, recyclable, and/or biodegradable plastics, adhesives, and metallic components that provide a reduced environmental footprint, as compared to traditional keyboards. The keyboard's recycled, recyclable, and/or biodegradable components are assembled and arranged to provide strength and durability that is substantially similar to, equal to, or greater than traditional keyboards. Some components are designed for tool-less assembly and disassembly while still providing strength and durability.

Recyclable and/or biodegradable plastics may be used in components of the information handling system to improve the impact of the waste on the environment. Additionally, in some embodiments, there may be no screws for affixing the components because the components are welded together.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus may include a keycap frame with a rectangular portion having a plurality of keycaps, a first tab coupled to one edge of the rectangular portion, a first retractable locking pin coupled to a first end of the first tab and configured to retract in a first direction, and a second retractable locking pin coupled to a second end of the first tab and configured to retract in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a first cover. The first cover may include a first recessed pocket configured to receive the first retractable locking pin and a second recessed pocket configured to receive the second retractable locking pin. In some embodiments, the movement of the keycap frame relative to the first cover may be at least partially restricted when the first recessed pocket has received the first retractable locking pin and the second recessed pocket has received the second retractable locking pin. In some embodiments, the keycap frame may be coupled to the first cover without using screws. In some embodiments, the first cover may include one or more openings. In some embodiments, the plurality of keycaps may be configured to protrude through the one or more opening of the first cover.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a second cover. In some embodiments, a portion of the keycap frame may be positioned between a portion of the first cover and a portion of the second cover. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a perimeter of the first cover may be coupled with an ultrasound bioepoxy weld to at least a portion of a perimeter of the second cover.

In some embodiments, the first cover may include at least one of biodegradable material, recyclable material, or bioplastic material. In some embodiments, the keycap frame may include at least one of biodegradable material, recyclable material, or bioplastic material. In some embodiments, the second cover may include at least one of biodegradable material, recyclable material, or bioplastic material. In some embodiments, the first cover may include a polyester and a plurality of jute fibers. In some embodiments, the second cover may include a first polylactic acid (PLA) and a post-consumer resin (PCR). In some embodiments, the keycap frame may include sprayed graphene black matrix.

In some embodiments, the first tab, the first retractable locking pin, and the second retractable locking pin may be part of a fastener. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include one or more of the fastener and a first cover with one or more of a recessed pocket configured to receive at least one of the first retractable locking pin or the second retractable locking pin of at least one of the one or more fastener. In some embodiments, the keycap frame is coupled to the first cover without using screws.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus may include a keyboard assembly including a keycap frame with a rectangular portion having a plurality of keycaps, a first tab coupled to one edge of the rectangular portion, a first retractable locking pin coupled to a first end of the first tab and configured to retract in a first direction, a second retractable locking pin coupled to a second end of the first tab and configured to retract in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, a first cover with one or more of an opening and including a first recessed pocket configured to receive the first retractable locking pin to at least partially restrict movement of the keycap frame relative to the first cover and a second recessed pocket configured to receive the second retractable locking pin to at least partially restrict movement of the keycap frame relative to the first cover, and a second cover configured to couple to the first cover to create a volume that can at least partially enclose the keycap frame. In some embodiments, a portion of the keycap frame may be positioned between a portion of the first cover and a portion of the second cover. In some embodiments, the plurality of keycaps may be configured to protrude through the one or more opening of the first cover.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may be an information handling system. In some embodiments, the information handling system may include a processor coupled to the keyboard assembly and configured to receive input from the keyboard assembly. In some embodiments, the information handling system may include a display coupled to the processor. In some embodiments, the keycap frame is coupled to the first cover without using screws. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a perimeter of the first cover may be coupled with an ultrasound bioepoxy weld to at least a portion of a perimeter of the second cover. In some embodiments, the first cover may include at least one of biodegradable material, recyclable material, or bioplastic material. In some embodiments, the keycap frame may include at least one of biodegradable material, recyclable material, or bioplastic material. In some embodiments, the second cover may include at least one of biodegradable material, recyclable material, or bioplastic material. In some embodiments, the first cover may include a polyester and a plurality of jute fibers. In some embodiments, the second cover may include a first polylactic acid (PLA) and a post-consumer resin (PCR). In some embodiments, the keycap frame may include sprayed graphene black matrix.

Some embodiments may include retracting a first retractable locking pin and a second retractable locking pin of one or more tabs of a keycap frame. Some embodiments may include aligning the first retractable locking pin and the second retractable locking pin of the one or more tab with at least one of one or more of a recessed pocket of a first cover, in which the one or more recessed pocket is configured to receive at least one of the first retractable locking pin or the second retractable locking pin of at least one of the one or more tab. Some embodiments may include releasing the first retractable locking pin and the second retractable locking pin of the one or more tab to extend the first retractable locking pin in the second direction and to extend the second retractable locking pin in the first direction, in which the extension of the first retractable locking pin and the second retractable locking pin of the one or more tab causes the first retractable locking pin and the second retractable locking pin to be received by at least one of the one or more recessed pocket of the first cover to at least partially restrict movement of the keycap frame relative to the first cover.

Some embodiments may include positioning a portion of the keycap frame between a portion of the first cover and a portion of a second cover, in which the one or more keycap are configured to protrude through one or more openings of the first cover. Some embodiments may include coupling a portion of a perimeter of the first cover and a portion of a perimeter of the second cover using an ultrasound bioepoxy weld. Some embodiments may include coupling a keyboard assembly including the keycap frame, the first cover, and the second cover to a processor configured to receive input from the keyboard assembly. Some embodiments may include coupling a display to the processor.

As used herein, biodegradability of a material refers to the rate at which the material breaks down to its basic components for blending back in with the earth. A material described as biodegradable may have a decomposition rate such that 90% of the material has broken down to basic components within ten years in either a controlled or uncontrolled composting arrangement.

As used herein, recycled content of a material refers to wt. % of the material obtained from, made from, and/or recovered from waste. Unless mentioned otherwise the waste can be post-industrial and post-consumer waste. Post-consumer waste of a material can include waste generated by a customer of a substrate containing the material. Post-industrial waste can include waste generated during a production process of a product and has not been used in the consumer market. Recycled content can be from mechanically and/or chemically recycling processes.

As used herein, renewable content of a material refers to wt. % of the material obtained from or made from a bio-based renewable material. Unless mentioned otherwise, bio-based material can include materials from any life form such as plants, animals, fungi, protists, prokaryotes, microbes, algae, bacteria, yeasts, and/or moulds. The bio-based material can be obtained from natural or genetically engineered species. Non-limiting examples of bio-based renewable material includes tall oil, sugar, castor beans, and/or CO2, such as waste CO2.

As used herein total recycled and renewable content of a material refers to wt. % of the material obtained from, made from and/or recovered from waste and wt. % of the material obtained from or made from a bio-based renewable material. For example, for a 100 gm material is 10 gm is obtained recycled sourced and 10 gm is obtained from renewable source, the total recycled and renewable content of the material is 20 wt. %.

As used herein, the term “coupled” means connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically; two items that are “coupled” may be unitary with each other. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. The term “substantially” is defined as largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified (and includes what is specified; e.g., substantially parallel includes parallel), as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

These example embodiments describe and illustrate various keyboards and keyboard components of an information handling system.

Tool-less assembly and disassembly may help separate components easily and quickly. Recyclable and biodegradable components may be separated from non-recyclable and non-biodegradable components, and the components may be discarded responsibly, such as by recycling or decomposing the components. The reduced difficulty and length in separating recyclable and non-recyclable components also make it more feasible—and probable—for consumers to actively participate in the recycling or decomposing of components of information handling systems, which in turn improves sustainability and reduces environmental impact.

Referring toFIGS.1,2, and3, a schematic of an apparatus according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. The apparatus includes a keycap frame100, a first tab104, a first retractable locking pin106, and a second retractable locking pin108.

The keycap frame100includes a rectangular portion100A having a plurality of keycaps102. The rectangular portion100A may be a portion of the keycap frame100that facilitates reception of the plurality of keycaps102, such as through holes in the keycap frame100, to allow the keycaps102to connect to sensors on a printed circuit board (PCB) through the openings in the keycap frame100. The rectangular portion100A has a first and a third side substantially parallel to each other and a second side and a third side substantially parallel to each other. For the rectangular potion100A, substantially parallel means completely parallel or shifted by up to 10 degrees. The edges and corners of the rectangular portion100A need not be straight—or flat. For example, the rectangular portion100A may have rounded corners. As another example, the rectangular portion100A may have tapered edges.

The plurality of keycaps102may be coupled to the keycap frame100. Other keycap components or keyboard components may be positioned between or coupled to each keycap of the plurality of keycaps102and the keycap frame100. For example, some of the keycap of the plurality of keycaps102may have casings (e.g., lower casing and upper casing), membrane layers (e.g., bottom, center, and top membranes), and domes (e.g., rubber domes) between the keycap and the keycap frame100. The plurality of keycaps102need not be coupled to the keycap frame100. The plurality of keycaps102may extend through a plurality of openings in the keycap frame100. For example, the plurality of keycaps102may be coupled to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) coupled to the keycap frame100or to another keyboard component and the plurality of keycaps102may extend through openings in the keycap frame100. The plurality of keycaps102may be partially or completely extended relative to the openings in the keycap frame100.

The keycap frame100may have any shape. For example, the keycap frame100may have a rectangular shape. The keycap frame100may have edges and corners. The edges and corners of the keycap frame100need not be straight—or flat. For example, the keycap frame100may have rounded corners. As another example, the keycap frame100may have tapered edges. The keycap frame100may be made with any material. For example, the keycap frame100may be made with biodegradable material, recyclable material, or bioplastic material. The keycap frame100may be treated to, among other things, increase the strength or durability of the keycap frame100, including (for example) temperature resistance. For example, the keycap frame100may be sprayed with a graphene black matrix.

The first tab104may be coupled to one edge of the rectangular portion100A of the keycap frame100. For example, the first tab104may be coupled to one edge of the rectangular portion100A of the keycap frame100using an adhesive, a fastener, or the like. The first tab104may also be an extended region of the frame100from the rectangular portion100A. The first tab104and the rectangular portion100A of the keycap frame100may be part of another structure. For example, the first tab104may be molded together with the rectangular portion100A of the keycap frame100as a unitary piece.

The first tab104may have any shape. For example, the first tab104may have a cube shape or a cylindrical shape. The first tab104may have edges and corners. The edges and corners of the first tab104need not be straight—or flat. For example, the first tab104may have rounded corners. As another example, the first tab104may have tapered edges. The first tab104may be made with any material. For example, the first tab104may be made with biodegradable material, recyclable material, or bioplastic material. The first tab104may be treated to, among other things, increase the strength or durability of the first tab104, including, for example, temperature resistance.

The first tab104may include a first retractable locking pin106coupled to a first end of the first tab104and configured to retract in a first direction. The first retractable locking pin106may be coupled to the first end of the first tab104in any way. For example, the first retractable locking pin106may be partially embedded within the first tab104. The first retractable locking pin106may retract in any direction. For example, the first retractable locking pin106may retract in a direction parallel to the edge of the rectangular portion100A of the keycap frame100that the first tab104is coupled to. As another example, the first retractable locking pin106may retract in a direction perpendicular to the edge of the rectangular portion100A of the keycap frame100that the first tab104is coupled to.

The first tab104may include a second retractable locking pin108coupled to a second end of the first tab104and configured to retract in a second direction. The second retractable locking pin108may be coupled to the second end of the first tab104in any way. For example, the second retractable locking pin108may be partially embedded within the first tab104. The second retractable locking pin108may retract in a direction that is opposite to the direction in which the first retractable locking pin106retracts. For example, inFIG.1, when the first retractable locking pin106retracts towards the first tab104in a direction that is parallel to the edge of the rectangular portion100A of the keycap frame100that the first tab104is coupled to, the second retractable locking pin108also retracts towards the first tab104but in an opposite direction that is parallel to the edge of the rectangular portion100A of the keycap frame100that the first tab104is coupled to. As another example, when the first retractable locking pin106retracts in a first direction, the second retractable locking pin108retracts in a second, opposite direction, respectively. The second retractable locking pin108may retract at the same time as the first retractable locking pin106, but does not need to.

Referring toFIGS.4and5, a schematic of an apparatus according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. The apparatus includes a keycap frame100, keycaps102, a first retractable locking pin106, a second retractable locking pin108, and a first cover110.

The first cover110may have any shape and be designed to match a desired shape of an information handling system. For example, the first cover110may have a rectangular shape. The first cover110may have edges and corners. The edges and corners of the first cover110need not be straight—or flat. For example, the first cover110may have rounded corners. As another example, the first cover110may have tapered edges. The first cover110may be made with any material. For example, the first cover110may be made with biodegradable material, recyclable material, or bioplastic material. The first cover110may be treated to, among other things, increase the strength or durability of the first cover110, including (for example) temperature resistance.

The first cover110may include one or more of an opening111. The plurality of keycaps102may protrude through the one or more opening111. The first cover may include a first recessed pocket112and a second recessed pocket114.

Referring toFIG.6andFIG.7, a schematic of an apparatus according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.FIG.6shows a portion of the apparatus with the locking pins retracted; andFIG.7shows the same portion of the apparatus with the locking pins extended to secure the keycap frame to the cover. The apparatus includes a keycap frame100, a first tab104, a first retractable locking pin106, a second retractable locking pin108, and a first cover110.

The first cover110may include a first recessed pocket112. The first recessed pocket112is configured to receive the first retractable locking pin106. The first recessed pocket112may be completely open (e.g., a hole) or partially open. The first recessed pocket112may have any width and depth. The first recessed pocket112may receive all or part of the first retractable locking pin106. The first recessed pocket112may have any shape. For example, the first recessed pocket112may have a circular shape. The first recessed pocket112may be part of a tab124coupled to the first cover110. For example, the tab124and the first cover110may be molded as a unitary piece.

The first cover110may include a second recessed pocket114(not visible in the shown perspective). The second recessed pocket114is configured to receive the second retractable locking pin108. The second recessed pocket114may be completely open (e.g., a hole) or partially open. The second recessed pocket114may have any width and depth. The second recessed pocket114may receive all or part of the second retractable locking pin108. The second recessed pocket114may have any shape. For example, the second recessed pocket114may have a circular shape. The second recessed pocket114may be part of a tab126coupled to the first cover110. For example, the tab126and the first cover110may be molded as a unitary piece.

Referring toFIG.7, a schematic of an apparatus according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. The apparatus includes a keycap frame100, a first tab104, a first retractable locking pin106, a second retractable locking pin108, a first recessed pocket112and a second recessed pocket114. The first recessed pocket112may receive the first retractable locking pin106. The second recessed pocket114(not visible in the shown perspective) may receive the second retractable locking pin108. As shown inFIG.7, when the first recessed pocket112has received the first retractable locking pin106and the second recessed pocket114has received the second retractable locking pin108, the movement of the keycap frame100relative to the first cover110is at least partially restricted. The locking of the locking pins into the recessed pockets may significantly restrict movement of the cover relative to the frame such that the two components move as one fixed, rigid body, although some sizing and/or alignment errors may cause some relative movement.

In some embodiments, a button602may be included in the tab104, in which the button602is depressed to retract the locking pins106and108together. When the button602is released, the locking pins106and108are released to extend into the first and second recessed pockets of the first cover110.

Referring toFIG.8, a schematic of an apparatus according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. The apparatus includes a first cover110, a keycap frame100, and a second cover116.

The second cover116may have any shape and be designed to match a desired shape of an information handling system. For example, the second cover116may have a rectangular shape. The second cover116may have edges and corners. The edges and corners of the second cover116need not be straight—or flat. For example, the second cover116may have rounded corners. As another example, the second cover116may have tapered edges. The second cover116may be made with any material. For example, the second cover116may be made with biodegradable material, recyclable material, or bioplastic material. The second cover116may be treated to, among other things, increase the strength or durability of the second cover116, including, for example, temperature resistance to allow the placement of second cover116near a battery or other components that dissipate heat.

A portion of the keycap frame100may be positioned between a portion of the first cover110and a portion of the second cover116. The plurality of keycaps102may protrude through the one or more of an opening111. The first cover110may be coupled to the second cover116. For example, a portion of a perimeter of the first cover110may be coupled with an ultrasound bioepoxy weld to a portion of a perimeter of the second cover116. In some embodiments, the first cover110and the second cover116may create a volume that can at least partially enclose the keycap frame100. In some embodiments, the volume may at least partially enclose other keyboard components. In some embodiments, all four corners of the first cover110may be coupled with an ultrasound bioepoxy to the four corners of the second cover116. In some embodiments, the keycap frame100is coupled to the first cover110without using screws. In some embodiments, the keycap frame100is coupled to the first cover110without using screws and the second cover116is coupled to the first cover110without using screws.

Referring now toFIG.9, shown is a method of assembling an apparatus according to an example of the present disclosure. A method5000of assembling an apparatus, such as the apparatus1000, the apparatus2000, or the apparatus3000, is shown. The method5000includes, at block5002, retracting a first retractable locking pin (e.g.,106) and a second retractable locking pin (e.g.,108) of one or more tabs (e.g.,104) of a keycap frame (e.g.,100). The method5000further includes, at block5004, aligning the first retractable locking pin and the second retractable locking pin of the one or more tab with at least one of one or more of a recessed pocket (e.g.,112,114) of a first cover (e.g.,110), in which the one or more recessed pocket is configured to receive at least one of the first retractable locking pin or the second retractable locking pin of at least one of the one or more tab. The method5000further includes, at block5006, releasing the first retractable locking pin and the second retractable locking pin of the one or more tab to extend the first retractable locking pin in the second direction and to extend the second retractable locking pin in the first direction, in which the extension of the first retractable locking pin and the second retractable locking pin of the one or more tab causes the first retractable locking pin and the second retractable locking pin to be received by at least one of the one or more recessed pocket of the first cover to at least partially restrict movement of the keycap frame relative to the first cover.

In some embodiments, the method5000may include a step of positioning a portion of the keycap frame between a portion of the first cover and a portion of a second cover, in which the one or more keycap (e.g.,102) are configured to protrude through one or more openings of the first cover. In some embodiments, the method5000may include a step of coupling a portion of a perimeter of the first cover and a portion of a perimeter of the second cover using an ultrasound bioepoxy weld. In some embodiments, the method5000may include a step of coupling a keyboard assembly comprising the keycap frame, the first cover, and the second cover to a processor configured to receive input from the keyboard assembly. In some embodiments, the method5000may include a step of coupling a display to the processor.

According to some embodiments, a method of assembly of a keyboard assembly may include locking the keycap frame to another component with the locking pins. Next, some portion of a perimeter of the keycap frame and the other component may be ultrasound bioepoxy welded, such as at four corners of the rectangular portion100A. Next, a back assembly biodegradable polymer light guide may be attached to the keycap cover. A graphene black matrix may be sprayed on the biopolymer of the other component to facilitate temperature control.

In some aspects, the first laminate second layer comprises a plurality of jute fibers. In some aspects, the plurality of jute fibers of the first laminate second layer can be provided in the form of a fabric layer. In some aspects, the plurality of jute fibers comprises cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, lignin, or a combination thereof. In specific aspects, the plurality of jute fibers comprise from 60 wt. % to 70 wt. % cellulose, from 14 wt. % to 20 wt. % hemicellulose, about 0.2 wt. % pectin, about 12 wt. % lignin, a moisture content of 11 wt. %, and about 0.5 wt. % wax.

In some aspects, the top cover (sometimes referred to as the first cover herein) has a tensile modulus greater than 4,000 Mpa, measured in accordance with ASTM D638. In some aspects, the top cover has a tensile strength greater than 80 Mpa, measured in accordance with ASTM D638. In some aspects, the top cover has a flexural modulus greater than 5,000 Mpa, measured in accordance with ASTM D790A. In some aspects, the top cover has a flexural strength greater than 110 Mpa, measured in accordance with ASTM D790A. In some aspects, the top cover has a compressive strength greater than 17400 psi, measured in accordance with ASTM D695.

In some aspects, the bottom cover (sometimes referred to as the second cover herein) comprises a molded composition comprising a first PLA (i.e., the PLA in the bottom cover may be different from or the same as the PLA in the top cover) and post-consumer resin (PCR). In some aspects, the PLA and PCR are molded together. In some aspects, the PLA and PCR constitute a third layer, and the bottom cover further comprises a fourth layer comprising a plurality of jute fibers. In some aspects, the layer of jute fibers is attached to the PLA/PCR layer by the use of an adhesive. The adhesive connecting the third PLA/PCR layer and the fourth jute fiber layer can be a second recyclable or biodegradable adhesive. In some aspects, the bottom cover comprises from 10 wt. % to 60 wt. % of the first PLA, from 10 wt. % to 20 wt. % of the PCR, and a balance of jute fibers. In some aspects, the PCR comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), or any combination of the foregoing. In some aspects, the first PLA has a density ranging from 1.1 to 1.4 g/cm3. In some aspects, the first PLA has a melt flow index ranging from 20 to 25 g/10 min, measured in accordance with ISO 1133-A at 210° C. In some aspects, the first PLA has a melt flow index ranging from 8 to 12 g/10 min, measured in accordance with ISO 1133-A at 190° C. In some aspects, the first PLA has a stereochemical purity of greater than 99%. In some aspects, the first PLA has a water content of less than or equal to 400 ppm. In some aspects, the first PLA has a melting temperature ranging from 165° C. to 185° C. In some aspects, the first PLA has a glass transition temperature ranging from 55° C. to 65° C.

One information handling system incorporating a keyboard assembly according to one of the embodiments described herein is shown inFIG.10. The keyboard assembly may include electronic components as keyboard1014coupled to USB interface1410.

FIG.10illustrates an example information handling system1800. Information handling system1800may include a processor1002(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a memory (e.g., a dynamic random-access memory (DRAM))1004, and a chipset1006. In some embodiments, one or more of the processor1002, the memory1004, and the chipset1006may be included on a motherboard (also referred to as a mainboard), which is a printed circuit board (PCB) with embedded conductors organized as transmission lines between the processor1002, the memory1004, the chipset1006, and/or other components of the information handling system. The components may be coupled to the motherboard through packaging connections such as a pin grid array (PGA), ball grid array (BGA), land grid array (LGA), surface-mount technology, and/or through-hole technology. In some embodiments, one or more of the processor1002, the memory1004, the chipset1006, and/or other components may be organized as a System on Chip (SoC).

The processor1002may execute program code by accessing instructions loaded into memory1004from a storage device, executing the instructions to operate on data also loaded into memory1004from a storage device, and generate output data that is stored back into memory1004or sent to another component. The processor1002may include processing cores capable of implementing any of a variety of instruction set architectures (ISAs), such as the x86, POWERPC®, ARM®, SPARC®, or MIPS® ISAs, or any other suitable ISA. In multi-processor systems, each of the processors1002may commonly, but not necessarily, implement the same ISA. In some embodiments, multiple processors may each have different configurations such as when multiple processors are present in a big-little hybrid configuration with some high-performance processing cores and some high-efficiency processing cores. The chipset1006may facilitate the transfer of data between the processor1002, the memory1004, and other components. In some embodiments, chipset1006may include two or more integrated circuits (ICs), such as a northbridge controller coupled to the processor1002, the memory1004, and a southbridge controller, with the southbridge controller coupled to the other components such as USB1010, SATA1020, and PCIe buses1008. The chipset1006may couple to other components through one or more PCIe buses1008.

Some components may be coupled to one bus line of the PCIe buses1008, whereas some components may be coupled to more than one bus line of the PCIe buses1008. One example component is a universal serial bus (USB) controller1010, which interfaces the chipset1006to a USB bus1012. A USB bus1012may couple input/output components such as a keyboard1014and a mouse1016, but also other components such as USB flash drives, or another information handling system. Another example component is a SATA bus controller1020, which couples the chipset1006to a SATA bus1022. The SATA bus1022may facilitate efficient transfer of data between the chipset1006and components coupled to the chipset1006and a storage device1024(e.g., a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state disk drive (SDD)) and/or a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)1026. The PCIe bus1008may also couple the chipset1006directly to a storage device1028(e.g., a solid-state disk drive (SDD)). A further example of an example component is a graphics device1030(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU)) for generating output to a display device1032, a network interface controller (NIC)1040, and/or a wireless interface1050(e.g., a wireless local area network (WLAN) or wireless wide area network (WWAN) device) such as a Wi-Fi® network interface, a Bluetooth® network interface, a GSM® network interface, a 3G network interface, a 4G LTE® network interface, and/or a 5G NR network interface (including sub-6 GHz and/or mmWave interfaces).

The chipset1006may also be coupled to a serial peripheral interface (SPI) and/or Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) bus1060, which couples the chipset1006to system management components. For example, a non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM)1070for storing firmware1072may be coupled to the bus1060. As another example, a controller, such as a baseboard management controller (BMC)1080, may be coupled to the chipset1006through the bus1060. BMC1080may be referred to as a service processor or embedded controller (EC). Capabilities and functions provided by BMC1080may vary considerably based on the type of information handling system. For example, the term baseboard management system may be used to describe an embedded processor included at a server, while an embedded controller may be found in a consumer-level device. As disclosed herein, BMC1080represents a processing device different from processor1002, which provides various management functions for information handling system1000. For example, an embedded controller may be responsible for power management, cooling management, and the like. An embedded controller included at a data storage system may be referred to as a storage enclosure processor or a chassis processor.

System1800may include additional processors that are configured to provide localized or specific control functions, such as a battery management controller. Bus1060can include one or more busses, including a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus, an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) bus, a system management bus (SMBUS), a power management bus (PMBUS), or the like. BMC1080may be configured to provide out-of-band access to devices at information handling system1000. Out-of-band access in the context of the bus1060may refer to operations performed prior to execution of firmware1072by processor1002to initialize operation of system1800.

Firmware1072may include instructions executable by processor1002to initialize and test the hardware components of system1800. For example, the instructions may cause the processor1002to execute a power-on self-test (POST). The instructions may further cause the processor1002to load a boot loader or an operating system (OS) from a mass storage device. Firmware1072additionally may provide an abstraction layer for the hardware, such as a consistent way for application programs and operating systems to interact with the keyboard, display, and other input/output devices. When power is first applied to information handling system1000, the system may begin a sequence of initialization procedures, such as a boot procedure or a secure boot procedure. During the initialization sequence, also referred to as a boot sequence, components of system1800may be configured and enabled for operation and device drivers may be installed. Device drivers may provide an interface through which other components of the system1800can communicate with a corresponding device. The firmware1072may include a basic input-output system (BIOS) and/or include a unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI). Firmware1072may also include one or more firmware modules of the information handling system. Additionally, configuration settings for the firmware1072and firmware of the information handling system1000may be stored in the NVRAM1070. NVRAM1070may, for example, be a non-volatile firmware memory of the information handling system1000. NVRAM1070may further store one or more container-specific firmware memory map namespaces for one or more containers concurrently executed by the information handling system.

Information handling system1000may include additional components and additional busses, not shown for clarity. For example, system1800may include multiple processor cores (either within processor1002or separately coupled to the chipset1006or through the PCIe buses1008), audio devices (such as may be coupled to the chipset1006through one of the PCIe busses1008), or the like. While a particular arrangement of bus technologies and interconnections is illustrated for the purpose of example, one of skill will appreciate that the techniques disclosed herein are applicable to other system architectures. System1800may include multiple processors and/or redundant bus controllers. In some embodiments, one or more components may be integrated together in an integrated circuit (IC), which is circuitry built on a common substrate. For example, portions of chipset1006can be integrated within processor1002. Additional components of information handling system1000may include one or more storage devices that may store machine-executable code, one or more communications ports for communicating with external devices, and various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display.

In some embodiments, processor1002may include multiple processors, such as multiple processing cores for parallel processing by the information handling system1000. For example, the information handling system1000may include a server comprising multiple processors for parallel processing. In some embodiments, the information handling system1000may support virtual machine (VM) operation, with multiple virtualized instances of one or more operating systems executed in parallel by the information handling system1000. For example, resources, such as processors or processing cores of the information handling system may be assigned to multiple containerized instances of one or more operating systems of the information handling system1000executed in parallel. A container may, for example, be a virtual machine executed by the information handling system1000for execution of an instance of an operating system by the information handling system1000. Thus, for example, multiple users may remotely connect to the information handling system1000, such as in a cloud computing configuration, to utilize resources of the information handling system1000, such as memory, processors, and other hardware, firmware, and software capabilities of the information handling system1000. Parallel execution of multiple containers by the information handling system1000may allow the information handling system1000to execute tasks for multiple users in parallel secure virtual environments.