Modular Keyboard Layout With Repositionable Keys and Easy Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kits for constructing interactive electronic devices such as keyboards and macro pads are complicated to assemble and require technical knowledge, limiting their accessibility to a wider audience.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable keyboard with a base and attachable keyboard keys featuring specific attachment and electrical connection points, allowing easy assembly and reconfiguration by users of varying technical capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If kits for constructing interactive electronic devices are provided, then configurability and customization are improved, but assembly complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is divided into modular components: a base unit and interchangeable key assemblies. Each key assembly is a self-contained module that can be independently attached or removed from the base, allowing users to customize the keyboard layout without dealing with complex internal wiring or assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed with universal attachment mechanisms that can accommodate different types of key assemblies. The electrical connection system uses standardized interfaces that work across multiple key types, enabling a single base to support various keyboard configurations through interchangeable keys rather than requiring different base units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional keyboard construction kits are used, then customization capability is improved, but technical knowledge requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical assembly methods (screws, clips, adhesives) with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetic forces provide secure holding strength while allowing easy attachment and detachment through simple approach and separation movements, eliminating the need for tools or technical assembly knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment system is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. When a key assembly is brought near the base, the magnetic fields automatically guide alignment and secure the connection without requiring user intervention for positioning or fastening adjustments.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed keyboard layouts are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but user adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard transitions from a static, fixed layout to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Keys can be attached, removed, and repositioned on the base, allowing the keyboard layout to adapt to different user needs and applications while maintaining a simple manufactured base unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to change the configuration parameters of the keyboard by rearranging key positions on the base. The magnetic attachment points and electrical contacts are arranged in patterns that accommodate multiple valid configurations, enabling layout variation without changing the fundamental manufactured components.
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable keyboard comprising a base and one or more keyboard keys attachable to the base for user interaction with the reconfigurable keyboard. The base defines a surface comprising a plurality of attachment points and a plurality of electrical connection points. A keyboard key comprises one or more formations each shaped and configured to interface with a corresponding attachment point so as to retain a component relative to the base. A keyboard key also has an electrical connector shaped and configured to interface with an electrical connection point of the base to enable an electrical connection to be formed between the keyboard key and the base upon attachment of the keyboard key to the base. The attachment points and electrical connection points of the base are relatively arranged to permit a keyboard key to be releasably attached to the base in multiple different positions and in different orientations.