Detachable Camera Key Cap for Flexible Laptop Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing notebook computers lack operational flexibility and mechanical integration with external cameras, which are often lost or not carried due to poor design and inflexible camera positioning.

Innovation Solution

A portable electronic apparatus with a detachable camera integrated into the keyboard's key cap, allowing users to position the camera on the second body as needed and securely return it to the keyboard when not in use, using a magnetic attraction mechanism for attachment and electrical connection for power and signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the camera is disposed around the second body to facilitate video chatting, then the camera functionality is improved, but the frame width increases and design flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera positioning flexibilityVSAvoidframe width

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The camera is segmented from the main camera housing and integrated into a detachable key cap structure. This allows the camera to be separated from the fixed frame area around the second body, enabling flexible positioning without increasing frame width. The camera can be attached to different key caps and positioned at various locations on the second body as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If an external camera is installed on the second body to provide flexible positioning, then camera positioning flexibility is improved, but the camera may be easily lost or left behind when detached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera positioning flexibilityVSAvoidcamera retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The camera is merged with the key cap structure, forming an integrated unit. When the key cap is detached from the keyboard, the camera is automatically detached as well, ensuring the camera is never left behind. The key cap serves as both a keyboard component and a camera carrier, combining two functions into one reliable system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The key cap is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as both a keyboard input component and a camera carrier. This universal design ensures that the camera is always associated with a functional keyboard component, eliminating the risk of the camera being lost or forgotten when using a dedicated external camera.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the camera is integrated with the key cap to prevent loss, then camera retention is improved, but the device complexity increases due to detachable mounting mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera retentionVSAvoiddetachable mounting structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detachable mounting mechanism uses magnetic attraction instead of complex mechanical fasteners, screws, or clips. The magnetic force provides sufficient retention to prevent loss while allowing easy attachment and detachment. This substitution of magnetic field for mechanical fastening systems significantly reduces structural complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the camera is fixed on the second body to provide stable positioning, then positioning stability is improved, but operational flexibility for video chatting and image capture is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera positioning stabilityVSAvoidcamera positioning flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The camera positioning system transitions from a static fixed mounting to a dynamic detachable mounting scheme. The camera can be attached to different key caps and repositioned on the second body as needed, providing operational flexibility. When attached, the magnetic force ensures stable positioning, combining both stability and flexibility in a single system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design provides operational flexibility for video chatting and image capture while preventing camera loss by integrating the camera with the keyboard, ensuring both flexibility and mechanical integration.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic component 1510 is mounted on the key cap 130

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11609616B2Portable electronic apparatus having detachable key cap

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 ACER INC

AI summary

A portable electronic apparatus including a first body, a second body, and a keyboard is provided. The second body is pivotally connected to the first body. The keyboard is disposed on the first body and includes a plurality of key structures. One of the key structures includes an elevating platform, a key cap, and a camera. The key cap is detachably mounted to the elevating platform, and the camera is mounted at one side of the key cap facing the elevating platform. After the camera is detached from the elevating platform together with the key cap, the camera is mounted and positioned to the second body together with the key cap, and at least a portion of the camera is exposed to the outside.