Deformable Tablet Bezel for Biomechanical Comfort
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Tablet type information handling systems cause joint discomfort due to prolonged holding and have weak architectures that make direct pressing undesirable, especially with thin designs and OLED displays.
Innovation Solution
A locally deformable bezel with a multilayer approach using soft elastic Estane and metal or ITO traced glass inserts, providing a rubber-like feel and pressure sensitivity, along with a flexible design that can be molded with electro restrictive polymers and MEMS pressure sensors to minimize biomechanical discomfort and enhance functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a thin architecture with weak glass and side walls is used, then the device achieves a sleek and modern design, but direct pressing of the surface becomes undesirable due to structural weakness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible bezel made of elastomeric material that can deform under pressure without damaging the underlying thin architecture. This flexible shell absorbs the mechanical stress from user pressing actions, protecting the weak glass and side walls while maintaining the desired thin profile of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The bezel is constructed as a composite structure combining elastomeric material with embedded sensors and conductive elements (such as ITO-traced glass inserts). This composite approach provides both the flexibility needed for thin design and the functional properties for pressure sensing and structural integrity.
2Device complexity
If a planar hard frame is used, then the device structure is simple and rigid, but prolonged holding causes joint discomfort due to lack of adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The bezel transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape in response to user grip. The elastomeric material allows the bezel to deform and conform to the contours of the user's hand, distributing pressure more evenly and reducing joint discomfort while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bezel exhibits different mechanical properties in different regions, with varying degrees of flexibility and softness tailored to specific contact points during holding. This localized variation in material properties optimizes comfort at grip areas while maintaining overall structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If direct pressing of the surface is implemented for input, then the interface is simple and direct, but it risks damaging the weak thin architecture with glass and side walls
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bezel serves as an intermediary layer between the user's finger and the thin vulnerable architecture. It transmits pressure for input detection while absorbing excessive force that could damage the glass and side walls, thus enabling direct pressing input without compromising structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric bezel material provides inherent cushioning before pressure is transmitted to the thin architecture. This pre-absorption of mechanical energy protects the weak structural elements from damage while still allowing sufficient pressure transmission for sensor activation.
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
The solution reduces biomechanical discomfort and enhances user experience by providing a durable, pressure-sensitive bezel that adapts to user grip, allowing for improved handling and functionality in tablet type information handling systems.
Implementation Method 1
the outer surface of the bezel is soft elastic Estane... This polymer configuration provides durability and a rubber-like, soft-touch feel
Implementation Method 2
the exterior portion of the bezel is molded over electro restrictive polymer for hand pressure response
Implementation Method 3
It is possible to imprint commercial microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based pressure sensor on the soft bezel to enable recording of pressure sensing
Implementation Method 4
the rubber (or polymer) is selectively vulcanized or metalized for stiffness in all areas of the bezel except where the bending is desired
Data Source
AI summary
A tablet type information handling system which includes a housing having one or more of the following characteristics: a holding pattern on a hard bezel and/or frame which minimizes biomechanical discomfort; a locally deformable bezel that may be used with semi-flexible tablet type information handling system such as those which include an OLED display; and, a multi-functional bezel to provide a tablet type information handling system with enhanced functionality. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the exterior portion of the bezel is molded over electro restrictive polymer for hand pressure response.