Laptop Lid Sensor Reflection Path for Closed-Lid Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensors in electronic devices, particularly laptops, are often blocked from detecting light radiation when the lid is closed, leading to reduced functionality and increased battery consumption due to failure to enter low power modes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sensor slope or reflective material on the base of the device to redirect light radiation to sensors located on the lid, allowing them to function accurately even when the lid is closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the lid is closed to protect the display and reduce power consumption, then the device enters low power mode, but the sensors are blocked from detecting light radiation and cannot function properly
Solution Approach 1:
A reflective surface is introduced as an intermediary element between the external environment and the sensors. This reflective surface redirects light radiation around the closed lid structure to reach the sensors, enabling them to detect ambient light conditions even when the lid is closed and the device is in low power mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution utilizes a three-dimensional path for light radiation by reflecting it off a surface at an angle, allowing light to reach sensors that would otherwise be blocked by the closed lid. This dimensional approach to light routing enables sensor operation without requiring the lid to be open.
2Strength
If the lid is closed to protect the display, then the display is protected from damage, but the sensors are blocked from receiving light radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective surface acts as a mediator that allows light radiation to reach the sensors without requiring the lid to be open. This maintains the protective function of the closed lid while enabling sensor operation through an alternative light path.
3Device complexity
If the sensors are blocked when the lid is closed, then the device structure remains simple, but the functionality is reduced and battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
A reflective surface is introduced as a relatively simple intermediary component that enables sensors to detect ambient light even when the lid is closed. This allows the device to maintain accurate environmental sensing for power management decisions without requiring complex sensor arrays or additional active components.
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
Ensures sensor accuracy and reduces battery drain by enabling sensors to operate effectively in both open and closed configurations, facilitating features like adaptive standby and biometric detection.
Implementation Method 1
a slope located in the second housing to reflect light radiation to the one or more sensors when the first housing is over the second housing
Data Source
AI summary
Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device that can be configured to include a first housing, one or more sensors located in the first housing, a second housing, and a slope located in the second housing to reflect light radiation to the one or more sensors when the first housing is over the second housing. The electronic device can be a laptop computer where the first housing is a lid that includes a display and the second housing is a base that includes a keyboard and the one or more sensors face the keyboard when the first housing is over the second housing when the laptop computer is in a closed configuration.