Adaptive Input Device Housing for Tablet Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The portability of tablet computers is compromised by the need to carry multiple external devices for various functions, such as word processing and media interaction, which can lead to a clutter of accessories diminishing the tablet's portability.
Innovation Solution
A multi-purpose protective folio with a wireless keyboard that automatically adjusts its mode of operation based on the position of the tablet, providing optimal viewing angles and power-saving features, including magnetic coupling for power management and wireless connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple external devices are attached to tablet computer for various functions, then functionality is improved, but portability deteriorates due to accessory clutter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple external devices (keyboard, game controller, media player) into a single integrated protective folio case. The folio houses all these devices within its structure, allowing the user to have access to multiple functions while carrying only one item instead of multiple separate accessories, thus resolving the contradiction between functionality and portability
Solution Approach 2:
The protective folio is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the tablet computer, provides physical keyboard input capabilities, offers game control functions, and includes media playback capabilities. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate external devices, improving portability while maintaining versatility
2Ease of operation
If physical keyboard is attached to tablet for word processing, then input capability is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The physical keyboard is merged into the protective folio structure rather than being a separate attachable device. The keyboard keys are integrated into the folio's design, allowing word processing functionality to be available while the keyboard remains compact and stored within the folio when not in use, thus maintaining portability
3Adaptability or versatility
If game controller is attached to tablet for media interaction, then entertainment capability is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The game controller functionality is merged into the protective folio, with control buttons and interfaces integrated into the folio structure. This allows game playing capability to be available while the controller remains compact and stored within the folio when not in use, maintaining portability
Solution Approach 2:
The folio provides universal control capabilities that can function as both a physical keyboard for word processing and a game controller for entertainment. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices, improving portability while maintaining versatility
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the portability and usability of tablet computers by automatically switching between modes for different functions, optimizing power consumption and reducing accessory clutter, while maintaining convenience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The housing further includes a magnet disposed therein, where the one or more sensors are relays configured to actuate when in proximity to a magnetic field created by the magnet
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are directed to an input device (100; 300) comprising a processor (210) configured to operate the input device (100; 300) in one of a plurality of modes of operation, a plurality of buttons (370), and a housing (310) configured to receive and secure a display device. The housing (310) is configurable in a plurality of positions relative to the plurality of buttons (370), where at least a portion of the plurality of buttons (370) operates in one of the plurality of modes of operation based, at least in part, on a position of the plurality of positions of the housing (310) relative to the plurality of buttons (370). The input device (100; 300) further includes one or more sensors coupled to the processor (210) and configured to detect the position of the plurality of positions of the housing (310), where the plurality of buttons (370) operates in one of the plurality of modes of operation based, at least in part, on which of the one or more sensors detects the housing (310).