Clamshell Hinge and Bumper Design for Tactile Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices with clamshell designs face issues with user experience due to springy keys, which can interfere with the user's ability to grasp the device properly, and lack of even tactile feedback, especially in orientations where the keyboard is folded or positioned to face the back of the display.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a hinge assembly that allows the keyboard housing to pivot relative to the display housing, enabling the keyboard keys to face the back side of the display, and using corner bumpers with recessed regions to enhance user grip and shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the keyboard is positioned to face the back of the display in a clamshell design, then the device can be compact and portable, but the keys become springy and provide uneven tactile feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hinge assembly that allows the keyboard housing to pivot dynamically between different orientations. This enables the keyboard to transition from a fixed position that causes springy keys to an optimized orientation where keys face the back of the display, maintaining both compactness and tactile feedback quality through adjustable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a rotational dimension to the keyboard housing through the hinge assembly, allowing it to pivot relative to the display housing. This dimensional change transforms the keyboard from a static component to one that can be oriented in multiple positions, solving the tactile feedback issue while preserving the compact clamshell form factor.
2Reliability
If corner bumpers are added to the housing, then shock absorption and grip are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the corner bumpers with the existing housing structure, integrating shock absorption functionality into the housing itself rather than adding completely separate components. The bumpers are mounted to the housing in a way that merges their protective function with the overall structural design, minimizing the increase in device complexity while maximizing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner bumpers are pre-installed on the housing to provide shock absorption before any mechanical shocks occur. This beforehand cushioning protects the device from drops and impacts, improving reliability by preventing damage before it happens, while the integrated mounting keeps the structural complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device can include a processor; memory accessible to the processor; a display housing that includes a display operatively coupled to the processor, display housing bumper supports and peripheral display housing bumpers mounted to the display housing bumper supports; a base housing that includes base housing bumper supports and peripheral base housing bumpers mounted to the base housing bumper supports; and a hinge assembly that couples the display housing and the base housing.