2015-07-27 (M) Wrist Mounted Chording Keyboard

Modeling was done for the pieces. Pieces had to fit together to make a hinge and maintain clearances while collapsing and allow a neat fit while the pieces were opened for typing or closed for storage. While modeling live animation was used to ensure the pieces would fit together and operate as expected. Animation like this can be seen in the third image. Previous images were shown with pieces rotated to show how they would be printed rather than how they would fit together.

Each pair of yellow and blue pieces are the mechanical parts necessary for one finger key. One keyboard will have one key for each finger and three keys for the thumb. Planning has not been done for the thumb keys. Key sizes for this project were measured from a standard keyboard, 15mm squares, and will be arranged in a row with spacing the same as a standard keyboard. Final versions will may have customizable features which will allow keys to be moved to accommodate the resting location of each finger.

Flyby view of pieces
Spin view of pieces

Animation showing piece interactions

All modeling was done in OpenSCAD. OpenSCAD provided a parametric method which allowed for easy changes to be made for future builds. Bolt sizes were first input as 6mm diameter, then 3mm. American stores don't stock as many metric bolts as imperial measurement sizes and 4-40 bolts fit in a 3mm hole well but #6 bolts will likely be used in the next print since that hardware is easy and inexpensive.

To do:
  • Print parts
  • Add electronics
  • Figure a way to mount
  • Figure a way to move hinge pieces
  • Make model and OpenSCAD code public


The rest of the posts for this project have been arranged by date.

First time here?

Completed projects from year 1.
Completed projects from year 2



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2015-07-22 (W)

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