Keystone Assembly Keyboard Membrane Serial Hub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable information handling systems are difficult to break down for recycling and reuse due to their complex designs, which often rely on screws and specialized components, making disassembly inefficient and costly, thereby reducing the value of recyclable materials.
Innovation Solution
A portable information handling system design that couples components without screws, using a keystone assembly for automated disassembly and reassembly, allowing robotic manipulation to sort components for reuse, refurbishment, and recycling, eliminating the need for cables and screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional portable information handling systems use screws and specialized components for assembly, then the system structural stability and robustness are improved, but the difficulty and cost of disassembly for recycling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into modular components (keyboard membrane, connector hub, cables) that can be easily separated. The keyboard membrane is divided into functional zones with distinct connectors for different components, enabling independent removal and recycling of each segment without requiring disassembly of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the connector hub as a separate intermediary component that interfaces between the keyboard membrane and the system motherboard. This extraction allows cables and connectors to be removed independently from the main structure, facilitating easy disassembly for recycling while maintaining structural integrity during use.
2Reliability
If portable information handling systems use complex assembly designs with multiple screws and specialized components, then the reliability and robustness of the system are improved, but the time and cost required for system breakdown and recycling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic connector designs that allow for quick engagement and disengagement. The connector hub features movable components that enable rapid connection and separation of cables without requiring tools or complex manipulation, significantly reducing disassembly time while maintaining reliable connections during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary design features in the connector hub and cable assemblies that pre-position alignment guides and retention mechanisms. These preliminary arrangements ensure that components can be quickly and reliably reassembled after recycling processes, reducing both initial assembly time and reassembly time after refurbishment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional designs use specialized cable formats and connectors for different components, then the adaptability and functionality of the system are improved, but the ease of reuse and recycling of components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal connector standards within the keyboard membrane assembly. The connector hub uses standardized interface designs that can accommodate different cable types and component configurations, allowing the same connector hub to work with various keyboard layouts and system configurations. This universality enables recycled components to be adapted to different applications without requiring specialized tooling or complex modification processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system is assembled and disassembled by a keystone assembly that couples at an upper surface of the portable housing to overlap a keyboard assembly that covers processing components disposed in the portable housing. The keyboard assembly includes a membrane having plural input sensors and a capacitive touch sensor that interface with a communications hub, such as a USB communications hub coupled to the membrane, that communicates both the keyboard inputs and touchpad inputs to a motherboard through first and second contacts that support a differential serial pair.