Slidable Key Assembly for Compact Mobile Input
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile devices face challenges in accommodating a full QWERTY keyboard without increasing size, leading to small and closely packed keys that increase typing errors, and text prediction algorithms consume device resources and are not error-proof, especially for uncommon terms or passwords.
Innovation Solution
A key assembly with slidable keys that can be positioned in multiple configurations, allowing for larger key spacing and reducing the need for resource-intensive text prediction algorithms by enabling direct character input through distinct key positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a full QWERTY keyboard is provided on a mobile device, then user input capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is designed with keys that can slide between a first position (retracted) and a second position (extended), transforming the keyboard from a static to a dynamic structure. This allows the keyboard to occupy minimal space when not in use and expand only when needed for typing, resolving the contradiction between providing full keyboard functionality and maintaining compact device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The slidable keys are nested within the device body when in the retracted position, with each key capable of extending outward only when activated. This nesting approach allows the full QWERTY keyboard to be contained within a compact form factor, enabling comprehensive user input capability without permanently increasing device dimensions.
2Reliability
If keys are made larger with more spacing, then typing accuracy is improved, but keyboard area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keys transition from a compact nested arrangement to an extended spaced configuration during use. When slides are actuated, keys move to their extended positions with adequate spacing between them, providing sufficient target area for accurate typing. The keyboard dynamically adjusts its key spacing from minimal (when retracted) to optimal (when extended), achieving both compact storage and high typing accuracy.
3Productivity
If text prediction algorithms are used, then input speed is improved, but device resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slidable keyboard provides direct tactile feedback and distinct physical positions for each key, enabling users to type accurately without relying on software prediction algorithms. The mechanical design itself serves the function of ensuring correct input through well-spaced, easily distinguishable key positions, eliminating the need for resource-intensive text prediction processing and thereby conserving device energy and computational resources.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~5
AI summary
A key assembly comprising: a key boding; at least one key, wherein each one of the at least one key is coupled to the key housing for sliding movement relative to the key housing and is positionable relative to the key housing in a respective first key position and its disposition in the respective first key position effects a transmission of a signal associated with the respective first key position: wherein each one of the at least one key is movable by an operative movement relative to the key housing between the respective first key position and at least another key position and the operative movement includes a sliding movement.