Adjustable Keyboard With Pivotable Keying Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional computer keyboards are not ergonomically designed, leading to discomfort and reduced productivity due to the need for users to reach far for the mouse, and existing alternative keyboards often compromise on ease of use, setup, and cost while trying to balance comfort and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable keyboard design featuring pivotably mounted keying modules and a base assembly that allows for customizable splay angles and tenting, enabling users to position the keyboard for optimal comfort and productivity while maintaining ease of setup and manufacturing simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional computer keyboard design is used, then manufacturing simplicity and ease of operation are maintained, but user comfort and productivity deteriorate due to non-ergonomic design requiring users to reach far for the mouse
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is divided into multiple keying modules that can be independently positioned and angled. Each module contains specific keys and can be adjusted separately, allowing the keyboard to be segmented into functional sections that can be optimized for ergonomics without complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The keying modules are mounted on the base assembly in a manner that allows for adjustable positioning and tenting angles. This dynamic configuration enables users to customize the keyboard layout for optimal comfort while maintaining a relatively simple underlying structure through standardized adjustment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable keying modules are implemented, then adaptability and user comfort improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the keyboard into modular keying modules, each module can be manufactured independently using standardized components. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual modules while achieving high adaptability when assembled in various configurations on the base assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The base assembly is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate different keying module arrangements. The standardized mounting interface and adjustable mechanisms allow the same base structure to support multiple configurations, reducing manufacturing complexity while maximizing adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If pivotable mounting is used, then ease of adjustment and ergonomics improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable mounting mechanism allows keying modules to be dynamically adjusted to different positions and angles. This dynamic capability provides ease of adjustment for ergonomics while the mechanism itself is designed to be relatively simple, using straightforward pivot points and mounting interfaces rather than complex actuation systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable keyboard includes a first keying module situated pivotably with respect to the second keying module for providing a keyboard having improved ergonomics and comfort, and promoting improved productivity of a user. In one embodiment, the first and the second keying modules are pivotably mounted on a base assembly having fixed opposing tenting angles. In one embodiment the first and the second keying modules are mounted on a pivot link assembly configured to pivot the keying modules with respect to each other. In one embodiment, the first and the second keying modules are configured to also laterally separate. In one embodiment, first and second lift modules space a portion of the first and the second keying modules, respectively, from a supporting surface to form opposing tenting angles.