Pivotable Keyboard Modules for Ergonomic Posture

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional computer keyboards impose strain and discomfort due to their fixed design, leading to inefficient posture and reduced productivity, especially for right-handed users, as they require extended reaches for the mouse and editing keys, and previous ergonomic alternatives have struggled to balance comfort, productivity, ease of use, familiarity, and cost.

Innovation Solution

A modular, adjustable ergonomic keyboard design featuring pivotable keying modules and a linking plate that allows for various configurations, including simple and fully adjustable setups, with integrated palm rests and electronic features to enhance comfort and productivity while maintaining a familiar key layout and minimizing adaptation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional fixed keyboard design is used, then manufacturing is simple and cost is low, but user comfort deteriorates and productivity decreases due to strain and awkward posture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfortVSAvoidkeyboard structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard is divided into separate key modules that can be independently positioned and angled. Each module contains specific keys (e.g., number keys, letter keys) and can be arranged in different configurations to suit user needs, thereby improving comfort without requiring a complete redesign of the entire keyboard structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The keyboard employs adjustable and pivotable modules that allow users to change the position and angle of key groups dynamically. This enables the keyboard to adapt to different user postures and preferences, enhancing comfort while maintaining a relatively simple base structure that does not require complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a modular adjustable design is implemented, then adaptability and comfort improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidmechanical structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard is divided into separate key modules that can be independently positioned and angled. Each module contains specific keys (e.g., number keys, letter keys) and can be arranged in different configurations to suit user needs, thereby improving comfort without requiring a complete redesign of the entire keyboard structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The keyboard allows users to adjust parameters such as module position, angle, and spacing to optimize for different hand sizes, typing styles, and comfort preferences. These parameter adjustments are achieved through simple mechanical interfaces that do not require complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If key modules are made pivotable, then ease of operation improves by reducing reaching distance, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereaching distanceVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard employs adjustable and pivotable modules that allow users to change the position and angle of key groups dynamically. This enables the keyboard to adapt to different user postures and preferences, enhancing comfort while maintaining a relatively simple base structure that does not require complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The keyboard is divided into separate key modules that can be independently positioned and angled. Each module contains specific keys (e.g., number keys, letter keys) and can be arranged in different configurations to suit user needs, thereby improving comfort without requiring a complete redesign of the entire keyboard structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7828489B1Keyboard with a pair of pivotable keying modules

Publication Date: 2010.11.09 KINESIS CORP

AI summary

A computer keyboard incorporates a base member, a keying module and a spacing member coupled therebetween. The spacing member is pivotable over a range of angles to allow the keying module to be retained at a range of discrete, desired angles above a support structure such as a desktop. An embodiment incorporates two such assemblies linked together by a sliding member, further allowing the keying modules to be spaced apart laterally from each other by a desired distance. Another embodiment incorporates a hinged linking member, allowing the keying modules to also be angled with respect to each other about an axis normal to the support plane.