Reconfigurable Input Keys for Handheld Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld communication devices cause user fatigue and discomfort due to compact key arrangements and repetitive motion during extended text messaging, leading to issues like carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive strain injuries.
Innovation Solution
The device features reconfigurable input keys with adjustable interconnections, allowing keys to pivot or reorient, breaking the monotony of repetitive action and reducing discomfort by requiring users to change their digit orientation, and physically reconfiguring based on the program running to indicate active keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If keys are arranged in a compact fixed layout to maximize device portability and screen real estate, then device size is reduced and screen space is increased, but user fatigue and repetitive strain injuries increase during extended text messaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the keyfield reconfigurable rather than fixed. The keys can be physically repositioned to different locations on the device, allowing the keyboard layout to adapt dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by enabling a compact device design while preventing user fatigue through periodic layout changes that vary the repetitive motion pattern during extended text messaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by altering the physical position parameter of the keys. The keyfield can be repositioned to different locations on the device body, changing the spatial parameters of the keyboard layout. This allows the same compact device to provide varied key positions that reduce repetitive strain on users during prolonged text entry tasks.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If keys are made reconfigurable to reduce user fatigue during extended messaging, then user comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the reconfigurable keyfield mechanism into the existing device structure. The keyfield is combined with the device body through a mounting mechanism that allows repositioning, merging the benefits of reduced user fatigue with the existing device form factor. This integration minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving the health benefit.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If keys are repositioned to different orientations to break repetitive motion patterns, then repetitive strain injuries are prevented, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the keyfield into individually repositionable key elements or groups. This segmentation allows each key or key group to be independently mounted and repositioned to different orientations. The segmented design reduces the cumulative manufacturing precision requirements compared to repositioning an entire rigid keyboard assembly, as each segment can be positioned relative to others during assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A handheld communication device (300) having a reconfigurable keyfield (332) and a display (322) screen upon which characters are displayed. A plurality of actuable input keys (333) makeup the keyfield (332), and each has at least one character associated therewith and an engageable top surface (337) for actuation. A microprocessor 338 is configured to receive data indicative of an actuated input key (333) and to output data indicative of an associated character determined to correspond to the indicated input key (333). At least one of the plurality of actuable input keys (333) is mounted to the handheld communication device (300) by an adjustable interconnection (335) configurable between at least first and second operating orientations. In the first operating orientation, the engageable top surface (337) of the at least one input key (333) faces a first direction and in the second operating orientation the engageable top surface (337) of the at least one input key (333) faces a second direction.