Keyboard Input Unit With Motion Conversion for Custom Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboards are limited in user input methods, with auxiliary input units requiring specific hardware and fixed placements, leading to bulky designs and inability to customize user input preferences.
Innovation Solution
A user input unit with a housing attachable to a keyboard base, featuring a first movable element movable in a first direction and a second movable element movable in a different direction, connected by a transmission to convert movements into the first direction, allowing versatile input methods like rotation and sliding without modifying the base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary input units are added to the keyboard, then input functionality is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes regular keys multi-functional by adding a rotatable element to existing key housings. The same key can serve both as a depressible key and as a rotary control, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary input units. This allows one keyboard layout to provide both traditional typing and rotational control functions without expanding the physical footprint or requiring type-specific hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary input units are added to the keyboard, then input functionality is improved, but the keyboard size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the auxiliary rotary input function into the existing key structure. The rotatable element is integrated into the key housing, combining what would traditionally be separate components (a regular key and an auxiliary rotary control) into a single unified element. This allows the keyboard to maintain its original compact size while providing enhanced input capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary input units are added to the keyboard, then input functionality is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the key housing dynamically configurable by allowing the user to detach and reattach key caps or modify the rotatable element configuration. This enables the keyboard to be adapted to different user preferences and tasks, improving ease of operation through customization while maintaining the compact form factor.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a user input unit comprising a housing configured to be attached to a base of a user input device, such as a keyboard. The input unit also has a first movable element coupled to the housing, the first movable element being movable along a first direction and user operable second movable element coupled to the housing, the second movable element being movable along a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction. Further a transmission configured to transfer movement of the second movable element along the second direction into movement of the first movable element along the first direction is provided. The invention also relates to a user input device, such as a keyboard, comprising a base, such a user input unit, and a sensor configured to sense a movement or a position of the first movable element along the first direction.