Keyboard Tray Mouse Support With Locking Extended Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboard tray designs with curved passages for mouse supports are costly and difficult to adjust while extended, as the mouse support often slides back into the passage during use, limiting user comfort and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard tray with a rectangular passage allows the mouse support to slide out and extend forward, featuring a groove and projection system for guided movement, and a spring-loaded protrusion for secure positioning in multiple extended states, enabling the mouse support to be adjusted and locked in various forward positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a curved passage is used for the mouse support, then the mouse support can be accommodated in a compact space, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly and the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the mouse support itself rather than the passage. The mouse support has a curved front edge that allows it to fit within a rectangular passage while maintaining the ergonomic benefits of a curved design, eliminating the need for expensive curved passages
Solution Approach 2:
The curvature is applied locally to the front edge of the mouse support rather than the entire structure. This localized curvature provides the necessary ergonomic function while keeping the overall structure simple and easy to manufacture
2Volume of moving object
If a curved passage is used for the mouse support, then the mouse support can be compactly arranged, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The mouse support has a curved front edge design that provides ergonomic benefits while sliding smoothly within a simple rectangular passage, combining the advantages of curved design with the ease of linear motion
Solution Approach 2:
The mouse support is designed as a separate component with its own curved geometry, independent of the passage shape. This segmentation allows the support to have optimal curved geometry for ergonomics while the passage remains a simple rectangular channel for easy sliding
3Ease of operation
If the mouse support is made to slide out fully extended, then user comfort improves, but the support becomes unstable and may slide back during use
Solution Approach 1:
The mouse support features a dynamic positioning system with multiple detent positions along the passage. The support can be extended to various positions and locked in place, providing both the extended reach for comfort and stable positioning to prevent accidental retraction
Solution Approach 2:
The detent mechanism pre-positions the mouse support at specific extended positions along the passage. This preliminary positioning ensures the support remains stable during use while allowing easy movement between predefined positions
4Ease of operation
If the mouse support is fully extended beyond the tray front edge, then user comfort improves, but adjustment becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The mouse support incorporates a dynamic positioning mechanism with multiple detent positions along the passage. Users can easily move the support between these predefined positions even when fully extended, maintaining both comfort and adjustability
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete detent positions along the passage. This segmentation allows the mouse support to be positioned at multiple extended locations while maintaining stability at each position, enabling easy adjustment without requiring retraction
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
This design provides a cost-effective, user-friendly mouse support that can be adjusted to extend beyond the keyboard tray, enhancing user comfort and reducing the likelihood of accidental retraction during use.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded protrusion for locking in position
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard tray can be mounted on an articulating arm and has a passage extending from side to side. A mouse support is slidably mounted within the passage and has a closed position and an extended position. When extended, an outer end of the mouse support can be pivoted forward relative to the tray.