Detachable Keyboard Module on Touch Panel

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to maintain an effective keyboard input experience on notebook computers with enlarged touchpads, where the space for the keyboard becomes smaller, requiring a mechanism to integrate a detachable keyboard module that can be fixed and detected on a touch device.

Innovation Solution

A touch device with a detachable keyboard module, a positioning structure to fix it on the touch panel, and a detecting module to convert touch signals into key events, allowing users to operate the device with various keyboard aspects and easily remove the module for flexible use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the touch panel area is enlarged to improve touch operation convenience, then the keyboard area becomes smaller, reducing keyboard input effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch operation convenienceVSAvoidkeyboard input effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard function is segmented from the main touch panel body and implemented as a detachable keyboard module that can be separately attached to the touch panel surface, allowing independent optimization of both touch and keyboard functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The keyboard module is positioned on the surface of the touch panel, utilizing the third dimension (depth/layering) to accommodate both the touch panel and keyboard without reducing the touch area footprint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If a detachable keyboard module is added to maintain keyboard input experience, then device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyboard input effectivenessVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The touch panel serves dual functions: as a standalone touch input device and as a mounting surface for the detachable keyboard module, eliminating the need for a separate integrated keyboard structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The keyboard module is designed to be detachable and reattachable, allowing the device to dynamically reconfigure between keyboard mode and touch-only mode based on user needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the keyboard module is fixed to the touch panel, then the keyboard position is stabilized, but the flexibility to remove and reconfigure is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyboard position stabilityVSAvoidkeyboard module flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard module is designed with detachable connections that provide stable positioning during use while enabling easy removal and reattachment when reconfiguration is needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10877569B2Touch device and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2020.12.29 ACER INC

AI summary

The disclosure provides a touch device and an operating method thereof. The touch device includes a touch panel, a positioning structure, and a detecting module. The touch panel bears a detachable keyboard module. The positioning structure fixes the detachable keyboard module on the touch panel, wherein the detachable keyboard module fixed on the touch panel partially covers the touch panel. The detecting module detects the detachable keyboard module fixed on the touch panel.