Contoured Keypad Assembly for Mobile Computing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of small-form-factor keypads for mobile computing devices faces challenges in providing effective clickability and accommodating contoured surfaces, which affects the usability and thickness of the device housing.
Innovation Solution
A keypad assembly with a contoured surface that includes a plurality of individual keys with varying heights and actuation members, where the keys and actuation members are aligned to accommodate the inward slope of the device, allowing for a QWERTY layout on a steeply inclined surface, reducing the device's thickness and enhancing usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the device housing is made contoured to fit the user's hand or create a distinctive shape, then the device aesthetics and ergonomics are improved, but the keypad usability and clickability are worsened due to the inclined surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the key structures themselves contoured to match the inclined surface of the device housing. Each key is shaped with a first contour that corresponds to the housing contour, allowing the keypad to maintain usability while accommodating the contoured housing design. This resolves the contradiction by adapting the local geometry of the keys to the global shape of the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes curvature by designing keys with rounded, contoured surfaces that follow the inclined geometry of the housing. The key structures incorporate curved profiles that match the housing contour, enabling the keypad to function effectively on a sloped surface while maintaining aesthetic consistency with the contoured housing design.
2Area of stationary object
If small form-factor keypads are used to reduce device size, then the device compactness is improved, but the individual key clickability and usability are worsened due to reduced key size and spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each key a contoured shape that corresponds to the housing contour. This localized adaptation allows small keys to maintain effective clickability by optimizing their individual geometry for tactile feedback, even when the overall keypad area is reduced for compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the keys by introducing contoured profiles with specific radii and angles. These parameter modifications enable the keys to provide adequate tactile feedback and clickability despite the reduced key size, resolving the contradiction between compactness and usability.
3Area of stationary object
If keys are made tightly spaced to reduce keypad size, then the device compactness is improved, but the spacing between key structures is reduced making individual key selection more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the shape of each individual key to compensate for reduced spacing. The contoured geometry of each key creates distinct tactile boundaries that facilitate accurate key selection even when keys are tightly packed, resolving the contradiction between compactness and key selection ease.
4Length of stationary object
If the front face of the device is contoured inward to reduce thickness, then the device thickness is reduced, but the keypad must be adapted to the inclined surface which complicates the design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each key's contour correspond to the housing contour. This approach allows the keypad to adapt to the inclined surface without requiring complex mechanical adjustments, as each key is independently shaped to match the local geometry of the housing at its position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes asymmetry by designing keys with non-uniform contours that match the asymmetric inclined surface of the housing. Each key has a unique geometric profile tailored to its specific location on the contoured surface, enabling adaptation to the thickness-reducing design while maintaining functional simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile computing device is provided that includes a housing, a display screen, and a keypad. The housing includes a front face having a portion that has a contour. The contour may be is inwardly directed and be defined by at least a first gradient direction. The display screen is provided with the front face, apart from the portion that has the contour. The keypad includes a plurality of keycaps that extend outward from the front face. The keypad may be provided only on an occupied region of the portion of the front face that has the contour. A maximum angle formed by the occupied region of the front face relative to a horizontal reference that is coplanar with the display screen is greater than 20 degrees.