Sliding Keyboard Tray for Ambidextrous Ergonomic Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboard and mouse supports fail to accommodate both right and left-handed users effectively, and they do not allow for easy sanitation and re-attachment while maintaining ergonomic positioning and preventing infection control issues.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard support apparatus with a sliding tray that can be positioned laterally to accommodate either right or left-handed users, featuring a secure locking mechanism using tab inserts and receivers for easy attachment and detachment, and incorporating slide assist agents for smooth movement and reduced friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical clamps, elevated tray edges, hook and loop fasteners, or double sided sticky tapes are used to secure the keyboard, then the keyboard is prevented from moving or sliding off, but the keyboard cannot be easily removed and re-attached for cleaning and sanitization
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard support system is divided into separate components: a base, a tray, and a keyboard. The tray can be detached from the base, and the keyboard can be removed from the tray, allowing each component to be cleaned and sanitized independently while maintaining secure positioning during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a fixed, permanent attachment system to a dynamic, adjustable system. The tray can be easily attached to and detached from the base, and the keyboard can be removed from the tray, enabling flexible reconfiguration for cleaning purposes while maintaining stability during operation.
2Reliability
If the keyboard is fixed in a fixed position on the tray, then it is securely held, but it cannot be slid laterally to accommodate left or right-handed users
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed with sliding capability relative to the base, allowing lateral movement to accommodate different user orientations. The sliding mechanism includes friction reduction features and guiding structures that maintain stability during use while enabling easy repositioning between left-handed and right-handed configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the tray relative to the base can be changed along the lateral axis. The system allows adjustment of the tray's lateral position while maintaining its functional integrity, enabling adaptation to different user needs without compromising keyboard stability.
3Area of stationary object
If the keyboard tray is designed to rotate up to 90 degrees to increase usable space, then space efficiency is improved, but the keyboard cannot be positioned at angles greater than 20 degrees open for recumbent postures
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard support system provides multiple functions: it can be tilted forward up to 20 degrees for standard positioning, rotated laterally for left or right-handed users, and the tray can be completely removed from the base for cleaning. This multi-functionality addresses various user needs and postures that a single rotation mechanism cannot accommodate.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the computer station is designed for infection control with easy removal and re-attachment, then sanitation is improved, but the keyboard may become loose or unstable during use
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into detachable components (base, tray, keyboard) that can be separated for cleaning and reassembled for use. The connection mechanisms are designed to provide secure, stable attachment during operation while allowing easy separation for sanitation purposes, preventing both instability and infection transmission.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables flexible and secure positioning for both right and left-handed users, facilitates easy cleaning and sanitation, and maintains ergonomic usability, addressing the limitations of prior art in accommodating different user orientations and ensuring sanitary conditions.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating slide assist agents for smooth movement and reduced friction
Data Source
AI summary
A user input device support apparatus is provided for supporting right or left handed users of a computer keyboard and mouse. The user input support apparatus includes a base configured to couple to a mobile or fixed mounting system. The keyboard support further includes a tray configured for supporting a user input device, such as a computer keyboard. Further, the tray includes a lip, wherein the lip is configured to at least partially engage the base. Here, the tray is further configured to slide with respect to the base, thereby accommodating right or left-handed users of the keyboard and a mouse.