Electronic Device Cradling Function via Folded Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices with exterior covers face challenges in switching between typing and display viewing modes conveniently and maintaining stability, especially when data input and output devices are detachable, leading to inconvenient and unstable operation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a cradling function is designed, featuring an exterior cover that supports the device at various inclined angles, utilizing a buttress and elastic units to stabilize the device in both typing and display viewing modes, with magnetic forces and flexible materials ensuring secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate portable cradle or cradle is provided to an exterior cover to enable inclined positioning for typing or viewing, then the convenience of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exterior cover is designed to serve multiple functions: it protects the electronic device when closed, and provides cradling support at multiple inclined angles (typing mode and viewing mode) when opened. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for a separate portable cradle, resolving the contradiction by integrating the cradle function into the exterior cover itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The exterior cover is divided into multiple support portions (first support portion, second support portion, third support portion) that can be independently positioned to create different inclined angles. This segmentation allows the cover to provide stable support at multiple angles without requiring a complex monolithic structure, thereby improving ease of operation while controlling device complexity.
2Device complexity
If conventional exterior cover is used without additional cradling structures, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability during typing or viewing modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Specific regions of the exterior cover are designed with particular geometric characteristics to provide stable support. The support portions have specific shapes and positions that create stable inclined angles for typing and viewing modes. This local optimization of geometric properties ensures stability without adding overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The exterior cover is pre-configured with support portions positioned at predetermined locations that automatically provide stable cradling when the cover is opened. The support portions are arranged in advance to create the necessary inclined angles, eliminating the need for additional stabilization mechanisms and maintaining simplicity while ensuring stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If detachable data input and output devices are used, then the adaptability of the device is improved, but the stability in typing or viewing modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cradling function is merged with the exterior cover structure itself, creating a unified stable base that supports the electronic device independently of detachable data input or output devices. This integration ensures that the stability of typing and viewing modes does not depend on the presence or configuration of detachable accessories, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
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 enables convenient switching between typing and display viewing modes while maintaining stability, minimizing movement and rocking, thus enhancing user experience and device portability.
Implementation Method 1
a second elastic unit to elastically support the second electronic device
Implementation Method 2
with magnetic forces and flexible materials ensuring secure positioning
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An electronic device is provided which includes a first electronic device, an exterior cover including a first portion on which the first electronic device is mounted and a second portion folded one or more times to support a second electronic device in an inclined state, and a buttress disposed on a front face of the first electronic device, connected to the inclined second electronic device, and configured to support the inclined second electronic device.