Split Keyboard Handles for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved mobile device design that balances increased display size with user-friendly keyboard functionality while maintaining a compact physical size, as existing designs struggle to provide both a larger display and efficient keyboard input in a slim profile.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device with a split keyboard configuration, where each keypad half is extendable and retractable, and includes a retractable handle for enhanced user interaction and comfort, allowing for larger key sizes and secure grasping without increasing the device's thickness when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a full-size keyboard is integrated into the mobile device body, then keyboard functionality is improved, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is divided into two separate halves that can be independently extended from opposite sides of the device body. Each half contains a portion of the keys, allowing the keyboard to be split into manageable segments that do not increase overall device thickness when retracted
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard halves are designed to be dynamically extendable and retractable from the device body. When not in use, they remain retracted to maintain a slim profile; when needed, they extend outward to provide full keyboard functionality, transforming the static device into a dynamically adaptable system
2Ease of operation
If keyboard size is increased for better typing, then ease of operation is improved, but device portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the keyboard into two halves that extend from opposite sides, the typing surface area is effectively doubled without increasing the device's central footprint. Users gain access to a larger keyboard when extended, but the device remains compact when the halves are retracted
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard halves extend in opposite lateral directions from the device body, utilizing the horizontal dimension rather than increasing vertical thickness. This allows for a larger effective keyboard area while maintaining a compact form factor when not in use
3Ease of operation
If retractable handles are added to keypad halves, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle function is merged with the keyboard half structure, where each handle is integrated into its corresponding keypad half. This combination means that when the keyboard half extends, the handle automatically becomes available for grasping, eliminating the need for separate handle mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard half serves multiple functions: it provides keyboard input capability and simultaneously acts as a handle for device grasping when extended. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate, dedicated handle components
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention include split keyboard and handles adaptable for use with mobile devices. According to one embodiment, a mobile device is provided that includes a body, which houses a display, and a split keyboard configured as a first keypad half and a second keypad half. The first keypad half and the second keypad half are configured to separately extend and retract from the body. In addition, each keypad half may include a retractable handle.