Outwardly Decreasing Height Keys for Handheld Device Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld wireless communication devices face challenges in ergonomics, particularly in key differentiation and comfort due to the small size, which affects user interaction and navigation, as the reduced space for keyboards and navigation tools leads to finger overlap and inefficient use.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a trackball navigation tool located above the keyboard, allowing thumb-actuable two-dimensional cursor movement without obstructing the display and features 'ramped' keys with distinct surface features for easier tactile identification and reduced finger overlap, along with a waisted body configuration for improved hand cradling and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the device size is reduced to fit in the palm, then portability is improved, but key differentiation and finger control become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving different height characteristics to different keys. Specifically, the bottom corner key has a laterally outer edge that is lower than the bottom edge of the key above it, creating localized height variations that help users tactilely differentiate between adjacent keys despite the overall small device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces height as an additional dimension for key differentiation. By varying the height of key edges (particularly the laterally outer edge of the bottom corner key being lower), the design adds a vertical dimension to the otherwise two-dimensional key surface, enabling tactile distinction without increasing horizontal key spacing.
2Area of stationary object
If keys are spaced closely together to maximize keyboard surface usage, then space efficiency is improved, but finger overlap and key identification become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating localized height variations at critical key boundaries. The bottom corner key's laterally outer edge is positioned lower than the bottom edge of the key above it, creating a tactile landmark that helps users distinguish between closely spaced keys without requiring increased spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The height difference acts as an intermediary tactile feature between adjacent keys. This vertical displacement serves as a mediator that provides sensory feedback to the user, enabling key differentiation through touch even when horizontal spacing is minimized for space efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a navigation device is included for fine control, then navigation capability is improved, but the device occupies more space reducing keyboard area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the navigation functionality with the keyboard structure itself. The trackball navigation tool is integrated into the keyboard assembly, with the navigation row containing both navigation keys and the trackball, allowing dual functionality within a compact unified structure rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation row serves multiple functions: it contains navigation keys for menu access and the trackball for cursor control. This multi-functional design allows the same spatial region to provide both keyboard input and navigation capabilities, maximizing the utility of limited device space.
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld wireless communication device includes features that make it easier to differentiate among various keys and to correctly select a desired key. It also includes features that make the device more comfortable to use. In particular, corner keys have decreasing height profiles to make above-adjacent keys easier to reach and distinguish. Additionally, lowermost, outermost portions of the corner keys may be somewhat truncated. Flanking keys in a navigation row slant toward and are flush with peripheral edges of a navigation tool assembly and have outer edges that are higher than inner edges of adjacent outer keys. The outer edges of the flanking keys may be hump-shaped or crowned. The longitudinally central portion of the device is narrower than the ends of the device, and the corners of the device are contoured to enhance comfort in a user's hand. Soft-touch materials are employed in hand-contacting portions of the device.