Infinity Keyboard Hidden Lattice Structural Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems face challenges in achieving a minimal footprint and weight while maintaining structural strength, as thinner keyboards lack sufficient space for supporting material, and removing lattice for an 'infinity' appearance compromises structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A hidden lattice support system is integrated under the keyboard, with beveled bottom surfaces of keys and a stainless steel lattice structure that couples to a support plate, providing rigidity without interfering with key presses and maintaining an 'infinity' appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the keyboard is made thinner to reduce system footprint, then the system height is reduced, but the structural strength and rigidity of the keyboard deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice structure is positioned in the vertical dimension beneath the keyboard surface, allowing it to provide structural support without increasing the horizontal footprint or visible keyboard height. This resolves the contradiction by adding strength through a different spatial dimension rather than increasing keyboard thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice is nested within the keyboard assembly, specifically positioned beneath the key surfaces and integrated with the support plate. This nested configuration allows the lattice to provide structural reinforcement while remaining hidden and not increasing the overall keyboard height or footprint.
2Strength
If a lattice is added to provide structural rigidity, then the keyboard strength is improved, but the appearance is deteriorated due to visible lattice structure
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice structure is extracted from the visible keyboard surface and repositioned to the hidden space beneath the key surfaces. This extraction allows the lattice to maintain its structural function while being removed from the aesthetic field of view, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice is nested within the keyboard assembly in a hidden position beneath the key surfaces. This nesting conceals the lattice from external view while maintaining its structural support function, thereby achieving both rigidity and aesthetic appearance.
3Shape
If keys are placed proximate to each other with minimal spacing for an infinity appearance, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the structural support space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The structural support function is moved from the horizontal plane (between keys) to the vertical dimension (beneath the keys). This allows keys to be positioned close together for aesthetic purposes while the lattice in the vertical dimension provides the necessary structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice acts as an intermediary structural element positioned beneath the keys, mediating between the aesthetic requirement for close key spacing and the structural requirement for support. The lattice provides the necessary rigidity without requiring horizontal spacing between keys.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system keyboard having infinity keys with a beveled bottom surface perimeter is provided enhanced rigidity with a hidden lattice have support lines of raised material, such as stainless steel, aligned below the beveled bottom surface perimeter of the keys. The lattice provides structural support while remaining substantially hidden from the upper key surface of an infinity keyboard.