Folding Keyboard Interlock Structure to Prevent Accidental Unfolding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional keyboards are too large and heavy for portability, and miniature keyboards for smartphones have impractically small keys, while folding keyboards lack secure fixation of their parts, leading to damage when unfolded accidentally.
Innovation Solution
A folding keyboard design featuring hinged parts with guide rail grooves, an interlocking device with magnets and a baffle, and torsion springs to securely fix and prevent accidental unfolding, ensuring stability and preventing finger entrapment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the keyboard is made foldable to improve portability, then the keyboard becomes portable and compact, but the two parts cannot be fixed together securely, leading to accidental unfolding and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is divided into two separate parts that can be folded relative to each other, enabling portability while maintaining standard key size. The segmentation allows the keyboard to be compact when folded and fully functional when unfolded.
Solution Approach 2:
An interlocking device with a sliding block and sliding vane is pre-configured to automatically engage when the keyboard is folded. The sliding block moves along the sliding rail and the tongue piece engages with the groove, securing the folded state before any accidental unfolding can occur.
Solution Approach 3:
Magnetic components are introduced as intermediaries between the two keyboard parts. Magnets are embedded in one part and magnetic strips in the other, creating a holding force that maintains the folded state and prevents accidental separation.
2Ease of operation
If the keyboard parts are made to fold freely for ease of operation, then the keyboard is easy to fold and unfold, but the parts are easy to unfold accidentally when falling, causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking device is pre-positioned so that when the keyboard is folded, the sliding block automatically moves to engage the tongue piece with the groove, securing the folded state before any harmful impact can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic components provide a holding force that cushions against accidental unfolding. The magnetic attraction acts as a protective mechanism that prevents the keyboard from opening unexpectedly during handling or if dropped.
3Ease of operation
If standard-sized keys are used to improve usability, then the keyboard is easy to use, but the keyboard becomes too large and heavy for portability
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is segmented into two parts that fold relative to each other. This allows the full-sized keyboard to be compact when not in use, maintaining standard key dimensions for usability while reducing the footprint and weight for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard transitions between two dynamic states: unfolded for full usability with standard keys, and folded for portability. The hinged connection allows smooth transition between these states, adapting the keyboard's form factor to the user's needs.
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 design enhances portability, usability, and safety by securely fixing the keyboard parts together, preventing damage from accidental unfolding and protecting fingers from the hinge angle.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring sleeved on a rotating shaft is arranged between the shaft and the baffle
Implementation Method 2
Two magnets which fit each other are respectively arranged at the lateral ends of part A and part B
Data Source
AI summary
A folding keyboard has two parts which are hinged together and form the whole keyboard. An interlocking device which comprises a sliding block and a sliding vane is provided at the bottom surface of one part. One end of the sliding block is provided with a raised tongue which fits with a stopper provided inside the keyboard base. The sliding block is provided with a sliding rail and an inclined sliding groove provided along the sliding direction of the sliding vane, and a sliding axis arranged in the sliding groove is provided on the surface of the sliding vane. A fixing block is fixed at the bottom surface of one part and connected with a sliding rail block via an offsetting spring, and the sliding rail block is provided inside the sliding rail of the sliding block and slides in a direction perpendicular to that of the sliding vane.