Foldable Keyboard Segmentation for Rapid Peripheral Upgrade

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional notebook computer keyboards are intricately configured with the housing, making it difficult and time-consuming for users to replace and upgrade peripherals without damaging the keyboard, as disassembly complicates maintenance and can lead to poor electrical connections.

Innovation Solution

A foldable keyboard design featuring separating segments connected by an adhesive film, allowing users to easily lift and detach the keyboard from the notebook computer's body without disrupting electrical connections, facilitating rapid maintenance and customization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the keyboard is fastened to the housing with screws, then the keyboard is securely fixed, but the disassembly process becomes complicated and time-consuming for maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekeyboard fixation stabilityVSAvoidmaintenance convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard is divided into multiple segments that can be independently detached. Each segment can be separated from the housing without requiring complete disassembly of the entire keyboard assembly, enabling selective maintenance of specific components while keeping the rest of the keyboard intact and functional.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The keyboard segments are designed to be extractable from the housing through simple lifting motions. The separating segments can be removed from the housing without requiring screw removal or complex tools, allowing users to access electronic units for maintenance while leaving the keyboard structure mostly intact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the keyboard is disassembled to replace peripherals, then peripheral replacement is enabled, but electrical connection quality deteriorates due to pin contact issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperipheral replacement capabilityVSAvoidelectrical connection quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard is segmented into multiple detachable sections, allowing users to replace peripherals by lifting only the necessary segments without disturbing the electrical connections of other segments. This isolation prevents connection quality deterioration while enabling peripheral replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Specific keyboard segments can be extracted from the housing for peripheral replacement without affecting the electrical connections of the remaining segments. The design allows selective removal of components while maintaining stable electrical contacts for other parts of the keyboard.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If the keyboard is configured integrally, then assembly is simplified for manufacturers, but user maintenance becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoiduser maintenance ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard is divided into multiple segments that can be independently handled. This segmentation allows manufacturers to assemble the keyboard by simply connecting the segments, which is easier than assembling a complete integral keyboard, while also enabling users to perform maintenance by detaching only the necessary segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The keyboard transitions from a static integral structure to a dynamic segmented structure that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The segments are designed with simple connection mechanisms that allow rapid assembly during manufacturing and easy detachment during user maintenance, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and maintenance ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If the keyboard is disassembled for peripheral replacement, then peripheral upgrade is enabled, but the keyboard may be damaged causing keys to fail

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperipheral upgrade capabilityVSAvoidkeyboard functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard is divided into separate segments that can be independently handled during peripheral replacement. Users can lift and detach only the necessary segments for upgrading peripherals without applying force to or damaging the keyboard structure, thereby maintaining keyboard functionality while enabling peripheral upgrades.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Specific segments can be extracted from the housing for peripheral upgrade without risking damage to the keyboard. The design allows selective removal of components while protecting the keyboard structure from damage, ensuring keys continue to function normally after peripheral replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables users to perform maintenance and upgrades quickly and efficiently, reducing labor and costs, while allowing for customized configurations without damaging the keyboard or affecting electrical connections.

Implementation Method 1

the foldable keyboard comprises at least one separating segment and a fixed body connected with the separating segment by an adhesive film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS7463480B2Foldable keyboard
Publication Date: 2008.12.09 INVENTEC CORP
  • US7463480B2 patent drawing
  • US7463480B2 patent drawing
  • US7463480B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A foldable keyboard applicable in a notebook computer is provided. The notebook computer includes a body provided with a keyboard accommodation groove for accommodating and holding the foldable keyboard. Furthermore, the foldable keyboard includes at least one separating segment and a fixed body connected with the separating segment by an adhesive film. When the user of the notebook computer lifts the separating segment of the foldable keyboard, the keyboard can be folded by the user of the notebook computer rapidly, thus the purpose of rapid replacement and upgrade the peripherals can be achieved.