Split Rotating Keyboard System for Ergonomic Wrist Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer keyboards cause health issues like muscular fatigue, carpal tunnel syndrome, and repetitive strain injuries due to prolonged static use, despite ergonomic designs that do not allow for wrist or hand motion.
Innovation Solution
A split keyboard system with rotating platforms for each hand, allowing independent rotation and adjustable positioning to reduce strain and fatigue, featuring detachable anchor mechanisms and optional spherical motion for enhanced comfort and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the keyboard is designed in a stationary position, then the keyboard structure is simple and stable, but the user's wrist and hands must remain in place for long periods causing muscular fatigue and repetitive strain injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the stationary keyboard into a movable system. Each keyboard section is mounted on an independent rotating platform that allows the user to rotate the keyboard sections to various angles, enabling wrist and hand motion while typing. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing both comfort through motion and maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the keyboard into separate left and right sections, each mounted on its own rotating platform. This segmentation allows independent rotation of each hand's keyboard section, providing ergonomic flexibility while keeping each individual platform's structure simple and manageable.
2Ease of operation
If the keyboard is divided into two zones for each hand, then wrist positioning is improved, but the keyboard must remain in a fixed position still requiring hands to remain in place causing nerve compression
Solution Approach 1:
By enabling rotation of each keyboard section independently, the system transforms fixed wrist positioning into dynamic adjustable positioning. Users can rotate the keyboard sections to accommodate natural wrist movements and changes in typing posture, preventing nerve compression and muscular fatigue that result from static positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to change the rotational angle parameter of each keyboard section to optimize wrist positioning for different typing tasks or user preferences, thereby preventing the harmful effects of fixed positioning while maintaining the benefits of split-zone design.
3Ease of operation
If the keyboard allows for rotational movement, then wrist and hand motion is facilitated reducing strain, but the device complexity increases with rotating platforms and anchor mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The complex rotational functionality is segmented into separate, independent rotating platforms for each keyboard section. Each platform is a self-contained module with its own rotation mechanism, simplifying the overall design by avoiding the need for a complex integrated system. The modular nature allows each platform to be designed and manufactured independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating platforms are designed to be manually operated by the user without requiring motors or complex control systems. The user simply rotates the platform to the desired angle and it holds position through friction or simple mechanical stops, eliminating the need for powered actuation and control electronics.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the rotating platforms are detachably interconnected, then the keyboard can be readily manipulated for optimum comfort, but the connection stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable connection system is designed as a modular interface between platforms, allowing easy assembly and disconnection while maintaining stability when connected. The segmented design enables users to adjust or reposition individual sections without affecting the entire keyboard structure, providing flexibility while ensuring stable connections during use.
Data Source
AI summary
A split rotating keyboard system for use in easing muscle strain and mitigating the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome associated with the usage of conventional computer keyboards. The system comprises first and second computer keyboard sections, namely, a left-hand computer keyboard section and a right-hand computer keyboard section. Each respective computer keyboard section is mounted upon a dedicated rotating platform member that is operative to rotate in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. According to a preferred embodiment, the rotating platform portions upon which the first and second keyboard sections are positioned may be secured upon a base member that is operative to maintain the first and second rotating platform members in fixed relation to one another. Another preferred embodiment includes elements that allow for a partially “spherical” motion upon which the first and second keyboard sections are positioned may be secured upon a base member that is operative to maintain the first and second spherical platform members in fixed relation to one another. Sensors embedded in the members can transmit motion, position, and pressure data back to the receiving device such as a computer, tablet, or gaming console.