Foldable Keyboard Segmentation and Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current foldable full-size keyboards have complex hinge mechanisms, leading to high costs and malfunctions, and are inconvenient to carry due to their size and ergonomic issues, while scaled-down keyboards may cause mistyping.
Innovation Solution
A foldable portable keyboard design featuring a first and second input module connected by a telescopic connecting unit and a handgrip unit, allowing for flat or folded configurations, with a base unit for upright placement and easy carrying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable full-size keyboard is designed with hinge mechanisms, then the keyboard can be folded for portability, but the hinge mechanisms become complex, increasing costs and the risk of malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is divided into two separate input modules (first input module and second input module) that can be connected or disconnected. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex hinge mechanisms while maintaining foldable functionality, as each module can be independently handled and connected via a simplified connecting unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The input modules are designed to nest within each other when folded, with one module containing or overlapping the other. This nesting approach reduces the overall size for portability without requiring complex hinges, as the modules simply connect and stack together through the connecting unit and handgrip unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable full-size keyboard is designed with hinge mechanisms, then the keyboard can be folded for portability, but the keyboard becomes inconvenient to carry around
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the keyboard into two separate input modules connected by a connecting unit, the design allows the modules to be easily separated and reconnected. This segmentation makes the keyboard more convenient to carry around compared to traditional hinge-based foldable keyboards, as the modular structure simplifies handling and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting unit acts as an intermediary between the two input modules, providing a simple connection mechanism that is easier to operate than complex hinge mechanisms. This intermediary component enables quick connection and disconnection, improving portability convenience while maintaining the foldable capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If scaled-down keyboards are used to meet portability needs, then the keyboard size is reduced for better portability, but the keyboard size becomes non-ergonomic and may lead to mistyping
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard design allows dynamic adjustment between folded and flat configurations. When fully extended in the flat configuration, the input modules provide a full-size ergonomic typing surface. When folded, the keyboard becomes compact for portability. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the user to have both full-size ergonomics when typing and compact portability when transporting.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective typing area and overall keyboard dimensions are changed by altering the configuration from folded to flat. In the flat configuration, the input modules are positioned to provide adequate spacing between keys and a full-size typing surface, ensuring ergonomic typing accuracy. In the folded configuration, the dimensions are reduced for portability. This parameter change allows the keyboard to satisfy both portability and typing accuracy requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable portable keyboard includes a first input module, a second input module, a connecting unit and a handgrip unit. The first input module has opposing front and back faces, and opposing first and second ends. The second input module has opposing front and back faces, and opposing first and second ends. The connecting unit is configured to be connected to the first end of the first input module and the first end of the second input module. The handgrip unit is configured to be engaged to the second end of the first input module and the second end of the second input module. The first input module and the second input module are configured to be in a flat configuration or in a folded configuration.