Tapered Inverted Key Keyboard for Ergonomic Finger Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard keyboards are not optimally designed for human finger ergonomics, particularly in terms of key size and layout, leading to inefficiencies in data input, especially in situations where space is limited, as they do not accommodate the natural shape and size of fingers effectively.
Innovation Solution
The design features tapered keys with alternating orientations and offsets, creating a zigzag linear profile that maximizes key surface area and buffer space, aligning better with the shape of human fingers and allowing for more efficient finger access and reduced keyboard width while maintaining usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard square keys are used in a conventional row and column arrangement, then the keyboard maintains a uniform appearance and ease of key location, but the keys are not optimally sized for human finger ergonomics and the keyboard width becomes excessive when space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using tapered keys with alternating orientations instead of uniform square keys. Each key tapers from a wider base to a narrower top, and adjacent keys alternate between pointing up and down, creating an asymmetric pattern that optimizes finger contact area while reducing overall keyboard width
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dimensional variation by offsetting alternate rows of keys vertically. Instead of all keys being aligned in straight horizontal rows, alternating rows are shifted up or down, creating a zigzag pattern that allows better space utilization and reduces the horizontal width required for the keyboard
2Area of moving object
If square keys with buffer zones are used, then there is sufficient buffer between keys to prevent simultaneous strikes, but the key surface area is reduced and finger accessibility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric tapered key design allows the wider base of each key to provide sufficient buffer zone area while the narrower top maximizes the active key surface area for finger contact. This resolves the contradiction by having different parts of the key serve different functions - the base provides buffer and the top provides contact surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved or rounded key edges and surfaces instead of sharp square corners. This curvature allows for smoother transitions between keys and optimizes the buffer zone geometry to maintain reliable separation while maximizing the usable key surface area for finger contact
3Length of stationary object
If the keyboard is compressed latitudinally to reduce width, then space is saved, but the keys become vertically elongated and are not suited to the human finger shape
Solution Approach 1:
By using asymmetric tapered keys with alternating orientations, the design optimizes the vertical dimension of each key to match finger ergonomics. The wider base provides stability while the narrower top accommodates finger curvature, creating keys that are naturally suited to human finger shape without requiring excessive keyboard width
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the keys from uniform squares to tapered shapes with varying dimensions. This parameter change allows the key surface area and shape to be optimized for finger contact while the overall keyboard width is reduced through efficient space utilization
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard with key rows in a traversing linear row arrangement that intermesh with the linear row immediately above and/or below, with alternating inverted tapering offset keys. This allows keys to be kept in order while giving each key a less narrow and more broad profile to allow a wider area for the fingers to strike, while not decreasing the number of keys on a line or widening the keyboard and allowing for a more elongated height keyboard over all. This is to make the keyboard more suited to and targetable by human fingers and better use of the finite surface area of the keyboard.