Movable Keyboard Row Layout for Gaming Ergonomics and Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboards fail to accommodate diverse gaming needs due to fixed key arrangements, leading to ergonomic discomfort and space constraints, especially for gamers requiring complex key mappings and additional functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard with moveable key rows that can be electronically or manually adjusted to customize the key layout, allowing transition between staggered and ortholinear arrangements, and even functioning as a tenkeyless keyboard with a detachable numpad.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the keyboard uses a fixed staggered key arrangement, then the manufacturing is simple and consistent, but the adaptability to different gaming needs and user preferences is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is divided into multiple independent key rows that can be positioned separately. Each key row acts as an independent segment that can be moved to different positions, allowing the keyboard to be customized for different gaming configurations without redesigning the entire keyboard structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The key rows are made movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the keyboard layout. The key rows can be adjusted to different positions and orientations (staggered, ortholinear, tenkeyless) to adapt to various gaming needs and user preferences.
2Ease of operation
If the keyboard is tilted to improve key accessibility, then the reach to keys like Q and E is improved, but the keyboard stability and proper typing posture are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of tilting the entire keyboard to improve accessibility, individual key rows are made movable. This allows specific key rows to be positioned for optimal accessibility while keeping the keyboard base stable and level, maintaining proper typing posture and keyboard stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessibility improvement is applied locally to specific key rows rather than globally to the entire keyboard. Individual key rows can be positioned to optimize access to frequently used keys without affecting the overall keyboard stability or requiring the user to tilt the entire device.
3Area of stationary object
If a tenkeyless keyboard is used to create space for mouse movement, then the mouse area is increased, but the functionality of the number pad is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The key rows are made dynamically reconfigurable, allowing the keyboard to transform between tenkeyless mode (with more mouse space) and full-size mode with number pad functionality. The same physical keyboard can adapt to different user needs without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard is designed to perform multiple functions through reconfiguration. The same keyboard can serve as a tenkeyless keyboard for gaming with large mouse area needs, or as a full-size keyboard with number pad for productivity tasks, making it a universal solution for different use cases.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate numpad or additional hardware is added to provide number pad functionality, then the number pad availability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The number pad functionality is segmented into movable key rows that can be repositioned and reconfigured. Instead of adding a separate physical numpad device, the existing key rows can be arranged to provide number pad layout, eliminating the need for additional hardware while maintaining functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard is disclosed for allowing the manipulation of the position of its key rows with respect to its base so that a key layout may be customized to a user's preference. The keyboard includes a base, at least one key row, and at least one key base. The base includes a tray formed therein. The at least one key row is disposed within the tray and includes a plurality of keys linearly arranged along a first direction. The at least one key base connects the at least one key row to the base and is configured to move the at least one key row along the first direction with respect to the base.