Notebook Keyboard Linkage Mechanism for Variable Height Folding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional notebook computers have a fixed keyboard height in both use and non-use states, limiting the overall thickness reduction due to the lack of a linkage mechanism that changes keyboard position with the rotation of the pivoting structure.
Innovation Solution
A linkage mechanism comprising a pivoting assembly, cam, sliding assembly, and elastic member, which generates acting forces in two different directions by sliding and rotating components to displace the keyboard, allowing for varying positions based on cam pivot positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the keyboard is kept at a fixed height in both use and non-use states, then the keyboard structure is simple and stable, but the overall thickness of the notebook computer cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static keyboard structure into a dynamic one that can change position. The keyboard is connected to a linkage mechanism comprising multiple linkages and pivoting assemblies, allowing it to move between a first position (use state) and a second position (non-use state). This dynamic configuration enables the keyboard to be repositioned, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the notebook computer when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the nesting principle by arranging the keyboard within the display screen area when not in use. The linkage mechanism enables the keyboard to be folded or positioned inside the display region, effectively nesting the keyboard within the overall device structure. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization and minimizes the external dimensions of the notebook computer.
2Length of moving object
If a linkage mechanism is added to change keyboard position with pivoting structure rotation, then the overall thickness can be reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the linkage mechanism to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The same linkage system that enables keyboard position adjustment also integrates with the display screen pivoting motion. The pivoting assembly serves both to rotate the display and to drive the keyboard position change through the cam mechanism, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the merging principle by combining the keyboard position adjustment mechanism with the display screen pivoting structure. The cam, which is rotated by the pivoting assembly that moves the display screen, directly controls the keyboard position through the linkage mechanism. This integration allows a single pivoting action to simultaneously achieve both display rotation and keyboard repositioning, reducing the need for separate mechanisms.
3Force
If the cam pushes the sliding frame to slide and rotate the main body portion, then acting forces in two different directions are generated, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the force generation function into distinct components. The cam mechanism is responsible for generating the first acting force in a first direction by pushing the sliding frame, while the limiting area that interferes with the first linkage portion generates a second acting force in a second direction by rotating the main body portion. This segmentation of force generation functions allows each component to be optimized for its specific role while working together within the unified linkage mechanism.
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 the keyboard to be positioned differently in use and non-use states, reducing the overall thickness of the notebook computer by generating sliding and thrust forces to displace the keyboard, thereby optimizing space utilization.
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 element to slide the sliding frame in a first direction relative to a plate
Implementation Method 2
The first end is fixed to the plate, and the second end is fixed to the sliding frame. When the pivoting assembly drives the cam to pivot from the first position to the second position, the elastic member is stretched in a third direction opposite to the first direction
Implementation Method 3
When the pivoting assembly drives the cam to pivot from the third position to a fourth position, the elastic restoring force of the elastic member pulls the sliding frame to slide in the third direction
Data Source
AI summary
A linkage mechanism includes a pivoting assembly, a cam, a sliding assembly and at least one linkage. The cam pivots coaxially with the rotating axis of the pivoting assembly. A leaning element is located on one side of the cam. A sliding frame pivots the leaning element and has at least one limiting area. The linkage includes a main body portion, a first linkage portion protruded beyond the limiting area and a second linkage portion. When the pivoting assembly drives the cam to pivot from a first position to a second position, the cam pushes against the leaning element to slide the sliding frame in a first direction relative to a plate, and the limiting area interferes with the first linkage portion of the linkage to rotate the main body portion in a first clock direction to allow the second linkage portion to provide a thrust in a second direction.