Detachable Expansion Module with Pivoting Plate and Deformable Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices lack expandability and convenience due to their lightweight and compact designs, limiting their functionality and requiring manual support for optimal viewing or use.
Innovation Solution
A detachable expansion module with a pivoting supporting plate, deformable connecting member, and expansion unit that can be stored within the device, allowing for enhanced functionality and reduced thickness when not in use, and enabling the device to stand at a favorable viewing angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If portable electronic devices are designed to be lightweight and compact, then portability is improved, but functionality and expandability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a base unit and detachable expansion modules. The base unit contains essential components, while additional functionality is provided by separate modules that can be attached or removed as needed. This segmentation allows the core device to remain lightweight while providing access to expanded functionality when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion modules are designed to nest within the base device when not in use. The keyboard module and other expansion components can be stored inside the main body of the device, creating a compact configuration when expansion features are not needed, and allowing easy access when attached for use.
2Volume of moving object
If portable electronic devices are designed to be compact, then portability is improved, but device thickness increases when expansion units are included
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion modules incorporate movable and deformable components that can change their configuration. The connecting members can bend and flex to allow the expansion units to be stored in a compact manner within the device body, reducing the overall thickness when not in use, while still providing full functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting members between the base device and expansion units are designed to be flexible and deformable. These flexible connecting structures allow the expansion units to be positioned in a space-efficient manner, enabling them to be stored within the device轮廓 without significantly increasing the overall thickness.
3Ease of operation
If expansion units are made detachable, then ease of storage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural connection between the base device and expansion units, enable electrical connections, and provide mechanical support. By merging these multiple functions into a single integrated component, the overall structural complexity is reduced despite the detachable nature of the expansion units.
4Length of moving object
If expansion units are stored within the device, then reduced thickness is achieved, but accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion modules are designed with dynamic, movable connections that allow easy deployment and retraction. The flexible connecting members enable the expansion units to be quickly accessed by simply detaching or unfolding them from the compact stored position, providing full accessibility when needed while maintaining a thin profile when stored.
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 expansion module enhances the functionality of portable computers by providing detachable expansion units like keyboards or touch panels, allowing for convenient use and reduced thickness, while enabling the device to stand for improved viewing angles.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable connecting member is connected to the plate member. The expansion unit is connected to the plate member through the deformable connecting member. When the supporting plate is in the closed position, the expansion unit is rotated from a first position to a second position by bending the deformable connecting member and is stored in the accommodating space.
Data Source
AI summary
An expansion module is detachably assembled with a portable computer. The expansion module includes a plate member, a supporting plate, a deformable connecting member, and an expansion unit. The supporting plate is pivoted to the plate member to rotate relative to the plate member between an opened position and a closed position. When the supporting plate is in the closed position, the supporting plate and the plate member defines an accommodating space. The deformable connecting member is connected to the plate member. The expansion unit is connected to the plate member through the deformable connecting member. When the supporting plate is in the closed position, the expansion unit is rotated from a first position to a second position by bending the deformable connecting member and is stored in the accommodating space.