Automatic Kickstand Ejection for Convertible Laptop Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Convertible laptops face challenges in maintaining an optimal viewing angle and preventing toppling when transitioning between laptop and tablet modes, especially due to the weight distribution of internal components, which requires manual adjustment of kickstands.

Innovation Solution

The computing device is equipped with a rotatably connected kickstand that automatically ejects and adjusts the display member's angle based on motion sensors and facial recognition, ensuring continuous optimal viewing and preventing toppling by supporting the device at multiple angles without user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a kickstand is manually adjusted to maintain optimal viewing angle, then viewing comfort is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to requiring manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angle adjustmentVSAvoidmanual adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The kickstand system automatically detects device orientation and adjusts itself without user intervention. Motion sensors detect when the device is placed on a surface and automatically extend the kickstand to the appropriate angle, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and saving user time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated system using motion sensors and motorized mechanisms. The system detects device orientation through sensors and automatically actuates the kickstand, substituting human mechanical action with automated sensing and actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Weight of moving object

If internal components are concentrated in the display member for convertible design, then device portability is improved, but device stability deteriorates due to weight distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay member weightVSAvoiddevice stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The kickstand acts as a counterbalancing support that compensates for the weight concentration in the display member. When extended, it provides a stable base that counteracts the toppling moment caused by the heavy display member, preventing the device from falling backward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves from a two-dimensional hinge rotation problem to a three-dimensional stability problem by introducing the kickstand as a third support element. This creates a stable triangular support structure that resolves the instability caused by concentrated weight in the display member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If kickstand is made manually adjustable, then device adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angle adaptabilityVSAvoidkickstand control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual adjustment mechanisms with automated motion sensor detection and motorized actuation. The system uses sensors to detect device orientation and automatically controls the kickstand extension, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates motion sensors that continuously monitor device orientation and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of the kickstand to maintain optimal viewing angles, providing adaptability without requiring complex manual control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3427121B1Kickstand for computing devices
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP3427121B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3427121B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3427121B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Examples disclosed herein provide a computing device with a kickstand. The computing device can determine an angle of a front surface of a display member of the computing with respect to a base member rotatably connected to the display member. Upon the angle exceeding a threshold value, the computing device can automatically eject the kickstand from a back surface of the display member.