Curved Keyboard With Wave-Shaped Key Height Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer keyboards with curved and wave shapes do not adequately adapt to the natural hand position, leading to discomfort and potential health issues such as Ulnar Deviation and Forearm Protrusion, and lack customization in key height and size variations.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard design featuring a combination of wave and curve shapes with tailored key heights and sizes, where the D and K keys are the low points of the wave, and a concave wave in the number pad, along with a tilted media panel, to align with the natural hand position and reduce strain, while the palm rest follows the curve and includes a wave for support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a curved keyboard design is implemented, then hand position alignment is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is designed with a constant radius curve along its length, causing the rows to converge toward the operator. This curvature aligns the keyboard with the natural angle of the user's hands, reducing ulnar deviation and improving ergonomic alignment without requiring complex variable geometry
2Ease of operation
If wave shape variations in key height are implemented, then finger strain is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A wave shape is superimposed on the curved keyboard, creating localized vertical variations in key height. The wave has specific low points at the D and K home position keys and high points at adjacent keys, allowing fingers to rest in natural positions while maintaining the overall curved structure for hand alignment
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lateral waves are combined with curve, then adaptability to hand position is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard implements a specific asymmetric wave pattern where the low point is deliberately positioned at the D key (left hand home position) rather than at the center or other locations. This asymmetric wave configuration, combined with the constant radius curve, creates a tailored surface that adapts to the natural angles of both hands while maintaining manufacturability through defined geometric parameters
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard having improvements to the combination wave and curve keyboards of the prior art. In one embodiment, the invention provides a wave shape on a keyboard palm rest. In another embodiment, the invention provides a unique combination of a QWERTY keyboard, with both a wave and a curve, where the D and K keys are the low points of the wave. In another embodiment, a combination of more than one lateral waves and a constant radius curve is provided. Yet another embodiment provides the combination of a curved keyboard and a straight number pad.