Foldable Tri-Panel Keyboard for Tablet Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tablet computers, smartphones, and phablets lack an external tactile keyboard, making typing difficult due to the absence of haptic response and limited screen space, and existing wireless keyboards are cumbersome for portable use.
Innovation Solution
A foldable tri-panel keyboard with pivotally coupled keyboard panels, a stand panel, and a kickstand that can be folded for storage, allowing it to be compactly carried and easily deployed for use with tablets, smartphones, or phablets, maintaining a reduced size for portability while providing an alphanumeric keyboard and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless keyboard is used to supplement tablet computer, then typing capability is improved, but portability deteriorates due to the keyboard being cumbersome and difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is divided into two separate panels that can be folded relative to each other. This segmentation allows the keyboard to be collapsed into a compact form for portability while maintaining the full keyboard surface area when deployed for typing
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard incorporates a hinge mechanism that enables dynamic transformation between an extended typing configuration and a folded portable configuration. This dynamic structure allows the keyboard to adapt between providing full typing capability and being compact for carrying
2Length of moving object
If a foldable keyboard is designed to be compact for storage, then portability is improved, but the ability to support tablet computer during use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is designed with multiple functions: it serves as both a typing surface and a support structure for the tablet computer. The panel structure and hinge mechanism enable the keyboard to provide both compact portability and stable device support when deployed
3Length of moving object
If graphical keyboard is used on tablet computer, then portability is improved, but typing comfort deteriorates due to lack of haptic response and limited viewing area
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable keyboard acts as an intermediary physical device that provides tactile feedback and haptic response for typing, while still maintaining the portability of a thin tablet. The physical keys mediate between the user's typing input and the tablet's digital interface
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable keyboard comprises a pair of keyboard panels with a proximal panel pivotal over a distal panel about a keyboard hinge oriented laterally with respect to and located between two adjacent rows of keys of the keyboard. A stand panel is pivotally coupled to the distal panel at a stand hinge oriented laterally with respect to the keyboard, and pivotal over the proximal panel of the keyboard. A kickstand can be pivotally coupled to a back of the stand panel. A shelf can be pivotally coupled to a front of the stand panel at a shelf hinge located proximate to the stand hinge to receive the tablet computer thereon.