Folding Device Mount With Protected Keyboard Contact Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional device mounts for computing devices often expose keyboards when folded, leading to potential damage and complicate the routing of electrical connections, causing material fatigue due to repeated bends.
Innovation Solution
A device mount with a compact design that conceals the keyboard when not in use and uses spring-loaded conductive pins to establish an electrical connection only when the computing device is oriented at an angle suitable for keyboard use, replacing static electric cables with a flexible connection mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the device mount is folded to bring the screen into contact with the keyboard, then the keyboard is concealed when not in use, but the keyboard may scratch or cause wear and tear on the computing device screen
Solution Approach 1:
A screen protector is introduced as an intermediary layer between the keyboard and the computing device screen. This protective layer allows the keyboard to remain concealed during folding while preventing direct contact that would cause scratching or wear and tear on the screen.
2Ease of operation
If electrical wires are routed through the folding components of the device mount, then an electrical connection is established between the keyboard and the computing device, but the conductors experience material fatigue due to repeated bends
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical wire routing system is replaced with a wireless connection mechanism. The keyboard communicates with the computing device wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical wires that would bend and fatigue during folding operations. This substitution maintains keyboard functionality while dramatically improving reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device mount uses a complex folding mechanism to support multiple orientations, then the computing device can be positioned at different angles, but the routing of electrical wires becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical wire routing system required for multi-orientation support is replaced with a wireless connection approach. This allows the device mount to provide multiple orientations and folding configurations without the complicating factor of wire management, as the wireless connection remains functional regardless of device position.
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 solution effectively protects the keyboard from damage and simplifies the routing of electrical connections by ensuring the connection is established only when needed, reducing material fatigue and improving user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
uses spring-loaded conductive pins to establish an electrical connection only when the computing device is oriented at an angle suitable for keyboard use
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of a device mount orients a display device. The device mount comprises a backplate with a first surface for removably coupling the display device and a bottom plate having a first surface coupling an input mechanism. An upper support panel couples to a second surface of the backplate and the bottom plate. The upper support panel rotates about a first hinge and a second hinge to support the backplate as the backplate is raised relative to the bottom plate. A lower support panel couples to a second surface of the backplate and the bottom plate. As the backplate is raised relative to the bottom plate, the lower support panel rotates about a third hinge and a fourth hinge and the backplate rotates about the third hinge away from a first face of the lower support panel to rest against a second face of the lower support panel.