Adjustable Keyboard Tray With Level Mouse Pad Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard and mouse arrangements on horizontal surfaces are not ergonomically efficient, leading to wrist and forearm strain due to non-ideal hand and wrist positioning, and existing adjustable keyboard trays lack comprehensive adjustability for optimal ergonomic alignment.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard tray system with a first connection mechanism providing vertical height, horizontal translational, swivel, and tilt adjustments, and a second connection mechanism for the mouse pad allowing height and angular adjustments, enabling the keyboard tray and mouse pad to be positioned ergonomically for reduced strain and preventing mouse slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the keyboard is placed on a horizontal surface, then it is simple to set up, but it causes non-ideal hand and wrist positioning leading to strain
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard tray is designed with adjustable mechanisms that allow it to change from a fixed horizontal position to multiple tilted positions. The tilt adjustment mechanism enables the tray to be angled upward, creating an ergonomic slope that promotes ideal hand and wrist positioning while maintaining ease of setup through simple mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the angular parameter of the keyboard surface by introducing tilt adjustment capabilities. The keyboard tray can be adjusted to various angles relative to the horizontal plane, transforming it from a fixed 0-degree angle to adjustable positive angles that reduce wrist strain and improve ergonomics.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the keyboard tray is made adjustable for ergonomic positioning, then wrist strain is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is divided into separate functional segments: tilt adjustment mechanism, height adjustment mechanism, and angular position adjustment mechanism for the mouse pad. Each mechanism handles a specific degree of freedom, allowing independent adjustment of keyboard angle, height, and mouse pad position, thereby reducing overall system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanisms are designed to provide multiple functions simultaneously. The first connection mechanism handles both tilt and height adjustment of the keyboard tray, while the second connection mechanism provides both height and angular adjustment for the mouse pad. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate mechanisms needed.
3Device complexity
If the mouse pad is fixed on the keyboard tray, then the structure is simple, but it cannot maintain horizontal surface when keyboard is tilted
Solution Approach 1:
The mouse pad connection mechanism is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow the mouse pad to independently change its angular position relative to the keyboard tray. This enables the mouse pad to maintain a horizontal surface orientation even when the keyboard tray is tilted at various angles, preventing mouse slippage while preserving structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the angular parameter of the mouse pad independently from the keyboard tray. The second connection mechanism allows adjustment of the mouse pad's angle relative to the tray, enabling the mouse pad surface to be maintained at a constant horizontal orientation (0-degree angle) regardless of the keyboard tray's tilt angle.
4Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive adjustability is provided for keyboard and mouse pad, then ergonomic alignment is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The comprehensive adjustment system is segmented into independent adjustment mechanisms for different degrees of freedom: keyboard tilt angle, keyboard height, and mouse pad angular position. Each mechanism can be adjusted independently, providing comprehensive ergonomic customization while maintaining manageable complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanisms are designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall complexity. The first connection mechanism provides both tilt and height adjustment for the keyboard, while the second connection mechanism provides both height and angular adjustment for the mouse pad. This universal design approach allows comprehensive adjustability with fewer total mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable keyboard tray with an adjustable mouse pad is disclosed. A connection mechanism of the keyboard tray provides: vertical height adjustment of the keyboard tray relative to an object to which it is connected; horizontal translational adjustment of the keyboard tray relative to the object; swivel movement of the keyboard tray about a vertical axis; and adjustable typing angle of the keyboard tray relative to a horizontal axis. A connection mechanism of the mouse pad is configured to: permit the mouse pad to be connected to either side of the keyboard tray; provide for angular adjustment of the mouse pad relative to the keyboard tray; and provide for height adjustment of the mouse pad relative to the keyboard tray. In this manner, the fully articulated keyboard tray may be arranged at an angle relative to horizontal, and the mouse pad may simultaneously be arranged in a horizontal position.