Multi-Directional Keyboard Chassis for Compact Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-held mobile communication devices require an efficient and compact keyboard that can seamlessly transition between telephony and text-entry modes, while existing solutions often compromise on key functionality and user experience due to limited space and multi-directional actuation requirements.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard apparatus featuring a group of switches, keys with corresponding plungers, and a chassis structure with a panel and posts that allow for multi-directional pivotal movement, enabling actuation of switches through movable plungers, thereby supporting both telephone keypad and QWERTY keyboard functions in a compact, user-friendly manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the keyboard is designed to support both telephony and text-entry modes with multi-directional actuation, then the functionality and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard key is designed with multiple plungers (first plunger, second plunger, third plunger) that can be selectively actuated in different directions. The same physical key structure serves both telephony mode (with fewer actuated plungers) and text-entry mode (with additional actuated plungers), allowing one component to perform multiple functions without requiring separate key sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard implements dynamic functionality where the effective function of each key changes based on the actuation direction and depth. The key can be pressed in multiple directions (first direction, second direction, third direction) to activate different plungers, allowing the system to dynamically switch between telephony and text-entry modes without physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the keyboard supports multi-directional key movement for different functions, then the versatility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions or aspects of the key structure are optimized for different functions. Each plunger (first, second, third plungers) is positioned and dimensioned to respond to specific actuation directions, allowing users to access different functions through natural, differentiated pressing motions rather than requiring complex multi-step operations.
3Volume of moving object
If the keyboard is made compact to fit hand-held devices, then the volume is reduced, but the key functionality and actuation space are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by arranging plungers at different depths and positions within the key structure. The first, second, and third plungers are positioned to be actuated by pressing forces applied in different directions, allowing compact vertical stacking while maintaining multiple actuation degrees of freedom that would otherwise require more horizontal space.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard apparatus includes a group of switches, a key having a corresponding group of plungers, and a chassis structure including a panel and a post. The post projects upward from the panel to support the key for manual movement pivotally into multiple actuated positions in which the plungers actuate the switches. The panel has a group of apertures through which the plungers are movable into actuating engagement with the switches upon such multi-directional movement of the key.