Hinge Cam Mechanism for Retractable Keyboard in Convertible Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tablet type personal computers lack convenience for tasks requiring long document input due to the absence of a physical keyboard, and existing convertible PCs do not efficiently manage keyboard functionality across different usage modes.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a hinge mechanism connecting two chassis, featuring a cylindrical cam member and slide member that allows the keyboard assembly to adjust its position based on the pivoting angle of the display, ensuring key tops are either depressed or in an upright position to maintain a thin profile and prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the display chassis is made rotationally movable relative to the body chassis to enable both laptop and tablet modes, then the versatility of the device is improved, but the structural complexity increases due to the hinge mechanism and associated components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hinge mechanism with a cam mechanism and slide member assembly into an integrated structure. The cylindrical cam member is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft, and the slide member with pressure receiving surface interacts with the cam surface, merging the rotation and positioning functions into a unified mechanism that reduces overall complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic elements including the rotatable cylindrical cam member on the first shaft, the slide member that moves axially in response to cam surface interaction, and the movable member that extends and retracts based on slide member position. These dynamic components enable automatic adaptation between laptop and tablet modes through mechanical motion rather than fixed structural configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the keyboard assembly is made movable to adjust position based on pivoting angle, then the keyboard functionality is maintained across modes, but the device complexity increases due to additional movable components
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard assembly automatically adjusts its position and configuration based on the pivoting angle of the display chassis through the cam-slide mechanism. As the display rotates, the cylindrical cam member rotates with it, causing the slide member to move axially along the cam surface, which in turn drives the keyboard assembly to extend or retract automatically without requiring separate control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface is pre-configured with specific geometric profiles that anticipate the required keyboard positions at different pivoting angles. The interaction between the cylindrical cam member and the slide member's pressure receiving surface is designed in advance to produce the correct keyboard positioning automatically as the display is rotated to various angles.
3Ease of operation
If the movable member extends from the first chassis to provide keyboard functionality, then the keyboard accessibility is improved, but the device thickness increases when not in laptop mode
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member is designed to dynamically extend from and retract to the outer surface of the first chassis based on the operational mode. In laptop mode, it extends to provide keyboard accessibility; in tablet mode, it retracts to minimize device thickness. This dynamic adjustment is driven by the cam-slide mechanism that responds to display pivoting angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard assembly is segmented into a movable member that can independently extend and retract relative to the first chassis. This segmentation allows the keyboard functionality to be separated from the main device body when not in use, enabling thin profile in tablet mode while maintaining accessibility in laptop mode.
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
Enables versatile use as both a laptop and tablet PC by ensuring the keyboard is functional and unobtrusive across various pivoting positions, enhancing user convenience and device usability.
Implementation Method 1
The cylindrical cam member is disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the first shaft 62 so as to allow the cylindrical cam member 66 to be rotatable and coaxial with respect to the first shaft 62
Implementation Method 2
The slide member 72 has a cylindrical connecting section 74 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft 62 so as to allow the slide member 72 to be coaxial and movable in an axial direction with respect to the first shaft 62, and which is provided with a pressure receiving surface 75 that can be in slide contact with the cam surface 70
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device disclosed. The electronic device includes a first chassis, a second chassis, and a hinge mechanism that connects the first chassis and the second chassis. The electronic device also includes a cylindrical cam member, a slide member and a movable member that moves in conjunction with a movement of the slide member in the axial direction and which extends from and retracts to an outer surface of the first chassis.