Gravity-Locked Input Module for Portable Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing esports notebooks lack effective mechanisms to enhance user convenience and comfort during keyboard usage, particularly in adjusting and securing the input module for optimal interaction and portability.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a movably disposed input module and an engaging mechanism that includes a first and second engaging portion, where the second engaging portion is movable by gravity, allowing the input module to adjust its position based on the angle relative to gravity, and automatically locks in place when the angle changes, utilizing a rotating member and counterweight for efficient movement and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the input module is made movable to allow position adjustment for user convenience, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the module position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The input module is designed with movable capability along the axial direction, allowing dynamic position adjustment during use. The module can be freely positioned when the device is in use (first angle position), and then automatically locked when the device is closed or transported (second angle position), achieving dynamic adaptability that resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging mechanism utilizes gravity itself as the locking force. When the device transitions to the closed state (second angle), gravity automatically causes the second engaging portion to engage with the first engaging portion, securing the input module without requiring additional power or manual intervention. This self-service mechanism simultaneously achieves positioning and stabilization.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an engaging mechanism is added to automatically lock the input module, then the stability of the object's composition is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging mechanism employs a counterweight portion that leverages gravity to achieve automatic engagement and locking. The counterweight creates a gravitational force that naturally drives the engaging portions into contact when the device is in the closed state, providing stable locking without complex motors, sensors, or control systems. This gravity-based approach minimizes device complexity while ensuring reliable position stability.
3Ease of operation
If the input module can be freely positioned during use, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the module positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its behavior based on the device state: during use (first angle), the input module is free to move for optimal positioning; during transport or closure (second angle), the module is automatically locked for secure positioning. This dynamic state-dependent behavior ensures both operational flexibility and transport reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging mechanism automatically transitions between locked and unlocked states based on the device's gravitational orientation. When the device is closed or transported, gravity automatically engages the locking mechanism, ensuring reliable position security without requiring user intervention or external control systems.
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
This solution allows users to freely position and securely lock the input module, enhancing both the convenience and comfort of use by enabling adjustable positioning and secure locking, thus improving the overall usability and portability of the device.
Implementation Method 1
The counterweight is disposed at the rotating member and configured to move the second engaging portion toward the direction of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device including a body, an input module, and an engaging mechanism is provided. The input module is movably disposed at the body and adapted to move along an axial direction. The engaging mechanism includes a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion. The first engaging portion is connected to the input module. The second engaging portion is movably connected to the body and is adapted to move with a traction of gravity. When the axial direction has a first angle with respect to a direction of gravity, the second engaging portion is away from the first engaging portion so that the input module is adapted to move along the axial direction. When the axial direction has a second angle with respect to the direction of gravity, the second engaging portion is engaged with the first engaging portion to limit the movement of the input module in the axial direction, and the first angle is greater than the second angle.