Keyboard Folio With Pivoting Attachment Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tablet computers face challenges with typing due to the lack of haptic response from graphical keyboards and limited viewing angles, and existing cases or folios often complicate the ergonomic positioning of wireless keyboards and tablets.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard folio with a shell that magnetically couples a wireless keyboard, featuring a pivotally coupled keyboard panel and a kickstand, allowing for independent ergonomic orientation of the keyboard and maintaining a viewing angle, even when detached from the shell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless keyboard is integrated into a case or folio, then typing capability is improved, but the ergonomic positioning and viewing angle become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard folio is divided into three main segments: the shell that holds the tablet, the keyboard assembly with attachment bar, and the keyboard panel. These segments can independently position themselves to achieve ergonomic typing angles without complicating the overall structure. The keyboard panel can pivot relative to the attachment bar, and the attachment bar can pivot relative to the shell, allowing independent adjustment of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs two pivot joints that enable dynamic adjustment of the keyboard panel orientation. The first pivot joint allows the attachment bar to rotate relative to the shell, while the second pivot joint allows the keyboard panel to rotate relative to the attachment bar. This dynamic capability lets users adjust the keyboard to various ergonomic angles while maintaining a simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If a keyboard panel is pivotally coupled to allow ergonomic orientation, then typing comfort is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the pivotal coupling structure. The same pivot joints that enable ergonomic keyboard positioning also serve as the attachment mechanism between components. The attachment bar with ferromagnetic elements both connects the keyboard to the shell and provides the pivot point for adjustment, eliminating the need for separate positioning and attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment bar serves multiple functions: it magnetically attaches the keyboard to the shell, provides a pivot point for angular adjustment, and maintains structural integrity during both attached and detached states. The ferromagnetic elements enable both secure attachment and easy detachment while the pivot joint enables ergonomic positioning, making a single component perform multiple critical functions.
3Ease of operation
If the keyboard is magnetically coupled to the shell, then attachment and detachment is simplified, but the ergonomic angle control becomes less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a two-stage positioning system. The magnetic attachment provides a stable base connection, while the two pivot joints provide dynamic angular adjustment capability. This allows the keyboard to achieve precise ergonomic angles through mechanical pivoting while maintaining simple magnetic attachment and detachment operations.
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 ergonomic typing and unobstructed viewing by allowing the wireless keyboard to be oriented at an acute angle independently of the tablet and kickstand, providing a stable and flexible solution for tablet computers.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment strip has ferromagnetic elements therein. A wireless keyboard is magnetically coupled to the shell. The wireless keyboard has an attachment bar with ferromagnetic elements magnetically couplable to the ferromagnetic elements of the attachment strip of the shell.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard folio comprises a shell to receive a tablet computer. The shell has an attachment strip along a side thereof. A wireless keyboard has a keyboard panel with an alphanumeric keyboard pivotally coupled to an attachment bar. The attachment bar of the wireless keyboard removably attaches to the attachment strip of the shell in a fixed relationship. The keyboard panel pivots with respect to the attachment bar, and thus the shell.