Keyboard Housing with Extractable Extension for Tablet Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users of hand-held information handling devices, such as tablets, face ergonomic challenges when trying to input data using a keyboard, as existing devices lack a stable and adjustable mechanism to support the display at an optimal viewing angle, increasing the risk of the device tipping and reducing user comfort during touch input.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a keyboard housing with an extractable extension that, in a compact orientation, seats within a recess of the display housing, and in an extended orientation, forms a base to support the display at a desired viewing angle, reducing the risk of tipping and enhancing user experience by allowing ergonomic input and viewing configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the device is held in hand for portable use, then portability and mobility are improved, but ergonomic viewing angle and typing comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard housing is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between two primary orientations: a compact orientation for portability and an extended orientation for ergonomic typing. The hinge mechanism enables smooth transitions between these states, allowing the device to adapt its form factor based on usage context.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a display housing, a keyboard housing with extractable extension, and a hinge mechanism. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and enables the keyboard extension to be extracted or retracted as needed for different usage scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If the keyboard housing is extended to provide typing support, then typing comfort is improved, but device stability and compactness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism serves as an intermediary element that connects the display housing and keyboard housing. It provides controlled movement and maintains stable articulation between the two housings during transitions and in both compact and extended orientations, ensuring device stability throughout the range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard housing includes an asymmetric extractable extension that extends specifically in the direction needed to provide ergonomic typing support. This asymmetric design allows the extension to project outward to create an optimal typing angle while maintaining a compact profile when retracted.
3Length of moving object
If the keyboard housing is retracted to compact form, then portability is improved, but viewing angle adjustability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the viewing angle between the display housing and keyboard housing. Users can倾斜 the display to optimal viewing angles while the keyboard housing remains in its compact retracted position, providing viewing angle adjustability without compromising portability.
4Ease of operation
If the keyboard extension is extracted to provide ergonomic support, then user comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ergonomic support function is extracted into a separate, detachable keyboard extension component rather than being integrated into the main device body. This extraction allows the extension to be added or removed based on usage needs, providing ergonomic support when required while maintaining simplicity when retracted.
Data Source
AI summary
A device can include a processor; memory operatively coupled to the processor; a keyboard housing that includes a keyboard accessible to the processor and an extractable extension; and a display housing that includes a display operatively coupled to the processor and a keyboard housing recess, where, in a compact orientation, the keyboard housing seats in the keyboard housing recess and where, in an extended orientation, the keyboard housing and the extractable extension extend to form a base that supports the display housing at a viewing angle with respect to the base.