Folded Computing Device Wireless Keyboard Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing devices with hinge assemblies lack efficient wireless communication capabilities in folded orientations, limiting their functionality as wireless keyboards and requiring high power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A computing device with a hinge assembly that allows for transitions between closed, open, and folded orientations, equipped with wireless communication circuitry that couples to the keyboard in a wireless keyboard mode, enabling wireless communication and reducing power consumption by using low-power modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless communication circuitry is continuously active to enable wireless keyboard functionality, then wireless communication capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication circuitry transitions between different operational states (active and low-power modes) based on device orientation. When the device is in folded orientation suitable for wireless keyboard use, the circuitry is fully active. When not in this orientation, the circuitry enters low-power mode, dynamically adjusting its state to match usage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the wireless communication circuitry based on detected device orientation. By monitoring hinge position and orientation sensors, the system adjusts communication parameters and power states to enable wireless keyboard functionality only when physically configured for such use, reducing unnecessary power consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device supports multiple orientations through hinge assembly, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly enables a single device to perform multiple functions across different orientations. The same physical structure supports laptop mode, tablet mode, wireless keyboard mode, and other configurations, allowing one component to serve multiple purposes rather than requiring separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically detects its own orientation through integrated sensors and autonomously configures its operational mode without user intervention. The hinge assembly works in conjunction with orientation detection to self-determine the appropriate function (e.g., automatic switching to wireless keyboard mode when folded), reducing the need for complex manual controls.
Data Source
AI summary
A device can include a processor; memory operatively coupled to the processor; a display housing that includes a display operatively coupled to the processor; a keyboard housing that includes a keyboard; a hinge assembly that operatively couples the display housing and the keyboard housing for transitions between an closed orientation, an open orientation and a folded orientation; and wireless communication circuitry that, in a wireless keyboard mode of the folded orientation, operatively couples to the keyboard.