Reconfigurable Keyboard Membrane Layout for Limited Dexterity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional keyboards are designed for individuals with two-handed dexterity and full finger mobility, limiting their usability for individuals with limited dexterity or mobility.

Innovation Solution

A customizable human interface device (HID) featuring an elastic membrane and an array of translatable elements that can be extended to form a customizable arrangement of discrete keys, along with sensor circuitry to detect key actuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a standardized PC-compatible keyboard is used, then it provides complete functionality for users with full dexterity, but it becomes inaccessible and difficult to operate for users with limited dexterity or mobility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different user dexterity levelsVSAvoidease of operation for users with limited dexterity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard layout is made dynamic and reconfigurable through software control. The controller can dynamically adjust key positions, sizes, and arrangements based on user needs, transforming the static physical keyboard into an adaptive interface that responds to different dexterity requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes physical parameters of the keyboard interface by translating elements to create different key layouts. This allows modification of key size, spacing, and arrangement parameters to accommodate users with varying dexterity and mobility limitations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If translatable elements are extended to form customized key arrangements, then accessibility is improved for users with varying dexterity, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizability of keyboard layoutVSAvoidcomplexity of translatable element array

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical key switch arrangements with a combination of elastic membrane and sensor circuitry. The translatable elements interact with the elastic membrane to produce actuation signals, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical switches while enabling customizable layouts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic membrane serves multiple functions: it provides tactile feedback, acts as a sensing surface for detecting element translation, and creates a uniform actuation mechanism across all keys regardless of their position or size in the customized layout

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the creation of personalized keyboard layouts suitable for users with varying dexterity and mobility, enhancing accessibility and usability for a broader range of individuals.

Implementation Method 1

translatable elements extendable to elastically deform the elastic membrane to form a customizable arrangement of discrete keys

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250093966A1Customizable Human Interface Device

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD

AI summary

A device can include an elastic membrane; an array that includes translatable elements extendable to elastically deform the elastic membrane to form a customizable arrangement of discrete keys; and sensor circuitry that senses actuation of each of the discrete keys.