Accessory Bay Standard Interface for Tablet Peripherals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Slate and tablet devices lack a standardized method for easily attaching and using external peripherals due to their compact, lightweight design, which limits the versatility and longevity of accessories as they often require device-specific connections and cannot be easily used across different models, leading to unnecessary waste and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A device sleeve with an accessory bay featuring a standard interface pattern, such as VESA, that allows for reversible attachment of external peripherals and communication of power and data, enabling the use of multiple peripherals with various devices while maintaining a slim and lightweight form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If slate devices are made compact and lightweight, then mobility is improved, but the ability to accommodate external peripherals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by integrating an accessory bay into the device sleeve rather than attempting to add peripherals directly to the device body. This dimensional shift allows peripheral attachment without increasing the device's core dimensions or weight, resolving the contradiction between compactness and peripheral compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The device sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the compact device and external peripherals. It provides the accessory bay with standardized attachment mechanisms, enabling peripheral connection without requiring the device itself to be larger or heavier
2Reliability
If device-specific connection methods are used, then attachment security is improved, but accessory versatility and longevity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory bay incorporates standardized attachment mechanisms (such as screw mounts or bay connectors) that can securely attach various types of peripherals including cameras, microphones, and displays. This universal interface design allows a single device to work with multiple accessory types from different manufacturers, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment parameter from device-specific proprietary connections to standardized industry interfaces. This parameter change maintains attachment security through reliable mechanical connections while dramatically improving accessory compatibility and longevity across different device models
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple peripherals are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the peripheral support functionality into a separate accessory bay component within the device sleeve, rather than integrating multiple complex connection mechanisms directly into the device. This segmentation allows multiple peripherals to be supported through a standardized interface while keeping the device itself simple and uncomplicated
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment a device, including: a device sleeve comprising a plurality of ends, each of the plurality of ends terminating in a lip portion configured to fit a screen bezel of an information handling device; the device sleeve including an accessory bay having one or more attachment mechanisms disposed therein, the one or more attachment mechanisms acting to reversibly secure an attachment portion of an accessory; and an element disposed in the device sleeve and positioned to communicate one or more of power and data with the information handling device. Other aspects are described and claimed.