Biasing Component for Keyboard Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinged clamshell and slide type handheld communication devices have keyboards that are lower than typical keyboards, making them awkward for users and prone to interference from the device's sides during operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of biasing components that raise the keyboard above the top surface of the housing as the device opens, allowing for improved user access and operation, and lower it when closing to prevent damage and ensure proper closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the keyboard is positioned flush with or below the top surface of the housing to provide sufficient space to close the device, then the device can be properly closed and protected, but the keyboard becomes lower and more awkward for users to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the keyboard height variable rather than fixed. The keyboard is coupled to a biasing component that automatically adjusts its height based on the device's open/closed state. When the device is open, the keyboard is raised to an ergonomic height; when closing, it lowers to allow proper closure. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between keyboard operability and device closure capability.
2Ease of operation
If the keyboard is raised above the top surface of the housing to improve user access, then keyboard operability is enhanced, but the sides of the housing may interfere with user operation
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing component dynamically adjusts keyboard height based on device state. When open, the keyboard is raised for ergonomic access; when closing begins, it lowers to eliminate housing interference. This temporal separation of height states resolves the contradiction between accessibility and housing interference.
3Reliability
If the keyboard remains at a fixed low position to ensure proper device closure, then device protection is maintained, but user comfort and typing efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard transitions from a fixed low position to a variable height position through the biasing component. During device closure, the keyboard automatically lowers to ensure proper housing engagement and protection. During open state operation, it raises to provide ergonomic typing comfort. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between reliable closure and typing comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing component is passively actuated by the device's opening and closing motions themselves, without requiring separate control mechanisms. The keyboard automatically raises when the device opens and lowers when closing, using the device's own motion to service the height adjustment function. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction while maintaining simplicity.
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
Enhances user experience by providing a more ergonomic and efficient keyboard operation while maintaining device protection and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing component, such as a spring or a cam
Data Source
AI summary
A clamshell or slide type of handheld wireless communication device can include a biasing component to raise or lower a keyboard relative to a first housing of the device. The biasing component can raise the keyboard when the communication device is opened and can lower the keyboard when the communication device is closed. When the keyboard is raised, the keyboard can be flush with or above the first housing or sides of the first housing of the communication device. When the keyboard is lowered, the keyboard can be below the first housing of the communication device.