Keyboard Height Adjusting Mechanism Using Spiral Guide and Gears
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboards have a fixed angle of tilt due to leg pads with a specific height, which cannot be adjusted to suit individual user preferences, limiting comfort and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A height adjusting mechanism using a fixing piece, cylinder with a spiral guide, and interlocking gears that allow the distance between the keyboard casing and the bottom surface to be adjusted, enabling users to set the keyboard at any desired angle by rotating the gears.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-height leg pads are used to support the keyboard, then the keyboard structure is simple and stable, but the tilt angle cannot be adjusted to suit different users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static fixed-height leg pad into a dynamic adjustable support system. The cylinder with spiral guide and meshed gears enable the keyboard tilt angle to be dynamically adjusted according to user needs, while maintaining structural stability through the interlocking gear mechanism that prevents unintended movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the nested doll principle by placing the cylinder inside the fixing piece container. The cylinder with spiral guide is positioned within the container of the fixing piece, creating a compact nested structure that reduces space occupation while maintaining full adjustability functionality.
2Ease of operation
If fixed-height leg pads are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the user comfort cannot be customized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the height adjustment function into separate modular components: the fixing piece with container, the cylinder with spiral guide, and the meshed gears. This modular segmentation allows for easier manufacturing of individual parts while maintaining the overall adjustability function for user comfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the keyboard tilt angle is fixed, then the structure is stable and simple, but it cannot accommodate different user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the self-locking feature of the meshed gears. When the user rotates the cylinder to adjust the tilt angle, the gears automatically lock into position, maintaining the selected angle without requiring additional locking mechanisms or continuous power input, thus reducing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to customize the tilt of the keyboard to their comfort, improving typing experience and potentially enhancing heat dissipation in notebook computers by adjusting the space between the keyboard and the surface.
Implementation Method 1
The cylinder has a spiral guide on its sidewall. The supporting part movably fits with the spiral guide and can slide along the spiral guide when the cylinder rotates
Implementation Method 2
The second gear and the first gear are meshed together. The second gear can drive and rotate the first gear and the cylinder so that the supporting part slides along the spiral guide
Data Source
AI summary
A height adjusting mechanism suitable for a keyboard is provided, and the keyboard is placed on a flat surface and has a casing. The height adjusting mechanism includes a fixing piece, a cylinder, a first gear and a second gear. The fixing piece is disposed on the casing and has a container and at least a supporting part that extends into the container. The cylinder has at least a spiral guide on its sidewall and the supporting part slides along the spiral guide when the cylinder rotates. In addition, the first gear is assembled to the cylinder so that the first gear and the cylinder can rotate simultaneously. The second gear and the first gear are meshed with each other so that the second gear can drive and rotate the first gear to adjust the relative distance between the casing and the bottom of the cylinder.