Swiveling Rear Keyboard Layout for Back Typing on Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional keyboards retain a constant layout and functionality, limiting their versatility and space efficiency, especially in portable devices, as they require extra keys for modification and do not allow simultaneous use of multiple alphanumeric keys, leading to a larger footprint that occupies valuable display space.
Innovation Solution
A modular keyboard system with swiveling keypads and a hinge mechanism that allows for back typing, enabling the use of core keys and modifier functions without additional keys, allowing for multiple orientations and configurations to optimize space and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional keyboard layout is used, then typing functionality is maintained, but device footprint increases and display space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is divided into multiple independent keypads that can be positioned at different locations on the device. Each keypad can be independently configured and positioned, allowing the keyboard functionality to be segmented across multiple smaller units rather than one large keyboard, thus preserving display space while maintaining typing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard is moved from the traditional two-dimensional front surface to three-dimensional space by positioning keypads on the rear surface and allowing rotation. This dimensional transition enables the keyboard to occupy space that would otherwise be unavailable, freeing up the front display area while maintaining full keyboard functionality through spatial reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modifier keys are added to change output, then key functionality increases, but keyboard footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each keypad is designed to perform multiple functions through rotation and configuration rather than requiring separate modifier keys. The same physical key can serve different purposes depending on its rotational position and pairing with other keys, eliminating the need for additional modifier keys while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The keypads are made rotatable, transforming them from static to dynamic components. This dynamic capability allows the same physical key to change its function by rotation, providing adaptability without requiring extra keys. The functionality is achieved through motion and reconfiguration rather than through additional static keys.
3Ease of operation
If keyboard is placed on front surface, then accessibility is improved, but display space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is relocated from the front surface to the rear surface of the device, utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness) of the device structure. This spatial relocation frees up the entire front surface for display purposes while maintaining keyboard accessibility through the rear surface and rotation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the keyboard into multiple rotatable keypads positioned on the rear surface, the design separates the keyboard function from the display area. This segmentation allows the keyboard to be positioned where it does not interfere with the display, while each segmented keypad remains individually accessible and functional.
Data Source
AI summary
One example embodiment includes a keyboard for providing back typing with a mobile device. The keyboard includes a keypad, where the first keypad includes a set of keys for input to a mobile device and a first hinge, where the first hinge is attached a first portion of the keypad and where the first hinge is configured to allow movement of the first portion of the keypad relative to the mobile device. The keyboard also includes a second hinge, wherein the second hinge is attached a second portion of the keypad and wherein the second hinge is configured to allow movement of the second portion of the keypad relative to the mobile device.