Notebook Keyboard Linkage Mechanism for Adjustable Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional notebook computers have a fixed keyboard height, which limits the ability to reduce the overall thickness of the device, as the keyboard does not adjust its position relative to the frame when in use or not in use.
Innovation Solution
A linkage mechanism incorporating a pivoting assembly, cam, sliding assembly, and linkage assembly that allows the keyboard to move relative to the frame, creating a height difference by using a rotating cam to drive a sliding assembly and linkage, enabling the keyboard to be positioned differently based on usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the keyboard is kept at a fixed height relative to the frame, then the structure is simple and stable, but the overall thickness of the notebook computer cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is transformed from a static fixed-height component to a dynamic adjustable component that can change its position relative to the frame. The linkage mechanism allows the keyboard to move between a first position (when not in use) and a second position (when in use), enabling the notebook to have different thickness profiles depending on usage state.
Solution Approach 2:
The bump of the keyboard assembly is designed to be receivable within a cavity of the frame when the keyboard is in the first position. This nesting arrangement allows the keyboard to be tucked inside the frame body, minimizing the overall thickness of the notebook computer when the keyboard is not being used.
2Length of moving object
If the keyboard moves along with the linkage member through rotation of pivotal structure, then the overall thickness can be reduced, but the keyboard stability during typing may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard positioning system is designed to be dynamic during transitions (using the linkage mechanism to move between positions) but static during usage. When the keyboard reaches the second position, the linkage mechanism locks or stabilizes the keyboard at a fixed height, providing sufficient stability for typing while still enabling thickness reduction when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard is pre-positioned at an optimized height for typing when in the second position. The linkage mechanism is designed to bring the keyboard to this predetermined optimal position before usage, ensuring that when the keyboard is active, it is already at the best height for user comfort and stability, eliminating the need for adjustment during typing.
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
The mechanism effectively reduces the overall thickness of the notebook computer by allowing the keyboard to adjust its height relative to the frame, enhancing user accessibility and device compactness.
Implementation Method 1
The cam is sleeved on the rotating axis to pivot coaxially with the rotating axis. When the pivoting assembly drives the cam to pivot from a first position to a second position, the cam pushes against the leaning surface to slide the sliding assembly relative to the plate member
Implementation Method 2
the linkage rotates in the sliding slot to drive the carrier base to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A linkage mechanism includes a pivoting assembly, a cam, a sliding assembly, and a linkage assembly. The cam pivots coaxially with the rotating axis. The sliding assembly is assembled on a plate member and has a leaning surface and a sliding slot. The linkage assembly includes a linkage passing through the sliding slot and a carrier base including at least one bump and fastened to the linkage. When the pivoting assembly drives the cam to pivot from a first position to a second position, the cam pushes against the leaning surface to slide the sliding assembly relative to the plate member in a first direction, and the linkage rotates in the sliding slot to drive the carrier base to move in a second direction, and the bump gradually enters into a cavity of a frame from leaning the frame to move the frame in a third direction.