Retractable L-Shaped Arms for Keyboard Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Employees face challenges in finding sufficient workspace due to limited desktop surface area, especially in environments where technology and information handling systems are integrated, leading to difficulties in accommodating both computing and non-computing tasks.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a bezel that houses retractable L-shaped arms, allowing for adjustable positioning to hold a keyboard and optionally a mouse, providing additional workspace by allowing the keyboard and mouse to be elevated and stored, thus freeing up desk space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the keyboard and mouse are placed on the desktop surface, then they are easily accessible, but the available workspace area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent elevates the keyboard and mouse from the horizontal desktop plane to a vertical dimension by using arms that extend upward from the display device. This dimensional transition allows the keyboard and mouse to be positioned in three-dimensional space above the desktop, effectively removing them from the two-dimensional workspace surface while maintaining ergonomic accessibility.
2Area of stationary object
If the keyboard is stored in the L-shaped arms, then workspace area is increased, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a display unit and a storage mechanism for the keyboard and mouse. The L-shaped arms integrated into the display device structure provide both structural support for the display and functional capability to hold peripheral devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The L-shaped arms are nested within or integrated into the display device structure, with the arms being storable within the display housing when not in use. This nesting approach allows the storage functionality to be incorporated without significantly increasing the external dimensions or visual complexity of the display device.
3Ease of operation
If the L-shaped arms are made retractable, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The L-shaped arms are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to transition between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic capability enables users to easily store and retrieve the keyboard and mouse by simply moving the arms, significantly improving operational ease while the mechanical implementation keeps the complexity manageable through simple hinge or sliding mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a display device may include a display surface having a rectangular shape and a bezel surrounding the display surface. The bezel may include a release mechanism linked to two L-shaped arms that are stored retracted into the bottom of the display device. When retracted, the L-shaped arms may not be externally visible. When selected, the release mechanism may cause the L-shaped arms to be released from the bottom of the display device. The L-shaped arms may each be positioned to hold (e.g., store) a keyboard. A length of each of the L-shaped arms may be independently adjustable. In some cases, a back of the keyboard may include a U-shaped ridge to couple with a U-shaped groove on a mouse to temporarily store the mouse on the back of the keyboard when the keyboard is stored in the L-shaped arms.