Keyboard Character Sticker Layout for Fast, Accurate Refurbishment

Solution Overview

Problem

Computer keyboard keys become illegible due to wear or soiling, and existing refurbishment methods using stickers are time-consuming and result in an untidy appearance, especially when adapting for new uses such as simplified characters or languages.

Innovation Solution

A digital image of the keyboard is created through optical scanning, with stickers printed on an image transfer sheet in a layout matching the keyboard, allowing for simultaneous application of congruent stickers to all keys using a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If stickers are applied individually to each key, then the characters can be replaced accurately, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharacter placement accuracyVSAvoidrefurbishment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual stickers into a single sticker sheet containing all key characters arranged in the correct keyboard layout. This allows all stickers to be applied simultaneously in one operation rather than individually, dramatically reducing refurbishment time while maintaining precise character placement through the pre-configured layout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sticker sheet is pre-configured with all characters positioned exactly where they need to go on the keyboard before application. This preliminary arrangement of characters on the sticker sheet eliminates the need for manual positioning during application, ensuring accuracy while speeding up the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If stickers are applied individually to each key, then the characters can be replaced accurately, but the process is complex and tedious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharacter placement accuracyVSAvoidrefurbishment process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual stickers into a single sticker sheet containing all key characters arranged in the correct keyboard layout. This allows all stickers to be applied simultaneously in one operation rather than individually, dramatically reducing refurbishment time while maintaining precise character placement through the pre-configured layout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sticker sheet is pre-configured with all characters positioned exactly where they need to go on the keyboard before application. This preliminary arrangement of characters on the sticker sheet eliminates the need for manual positioning during application, ensuring accuracy while speeding up the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If standard stickers are used for refurbishment, then the keyboard can be adapted to new uses, but the appearance becomes untidy and distracting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyboard adaptation capabilityVSAvoidkeyboard appearance uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The sticker sheet is customized to match the specific keyboard layout and original character fonts. Each character on the sticker sheet is positioned and styled to exactly match its corresponding key's location and appearance requirements, ensuring that the refurbished keyboard maintains a uniform, professional appearance rather than a patchwork of mismatched stickers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Facilitates efficient and uniform refurbishment of computer keyboards, improving appearance and usability by allowing quick adaptation of key characters without the need for individual sticker application, making it easier for visually impaired users and those needing larger or different language characters.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive for attaching the stickers to their respective keys

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11872791B2Replacing keyboard characters

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 GLOBAL RESALE LLC

AI summary

A computer keyboard is refurbished by applying to its keys stickers each bearing a character designating the action of a respective key. For application of the stickers to the keys, the stickers are configured and arranged on an application tape in a layout congruent with the layout of the keys by a digital scan of the keyboard. The stickers are temporarily attached to the application tape by a peelable adhesive and then permanently attached to the keys by a pressure-sensitive permanent adhesive.