Lattice Keyboard Support Member for Portable Computer Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Housings for portable computers are complex to assemble and disassemble, bulky, and prone to failure due to numerous components and joints, which complicates repair and maintenance, and they appear visually unappealing with exposed fasteners and gaps.
Innovation Solution
A computing device with a base assembly and keyboard support member featuring a lattice structure that securely encloses the keyboard assembly using thermoplastic staking, interference fit, or fasteners, allowing for easy removal and interchangeability, and a double shot molding method for the support member bezel and lattice structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple housing components are assembled onto a base frame to provide protection and uniform appearance, then the structural integrity and aesthetic appearance are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple housing components (bezel, lattice structure, keyboard assembly) into a single integrated keyboard support member that attaches to the base frame as one unit. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies assembly while maintaining the protective and aesthetic functions of each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard support member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the keyboard assembly, offers aesthetic appearance through the lattice design, and acts as a protective element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Strength
If multiple housing components and joints are used to attach components to the frame, then the protection for internal components is improved, but the reliability decreases due to potential failure areas
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the bezel, lattice structure, and keyboard assembly into a single integrated support member, the patent reduces the number of joints and connections required. Fewer joints mean fewer potential failure points, thereby improving reliability while maintaining protective coverage for internal components.
3Strength
If multiple panels are assembled together with gaps between them, then the protection and structural support are improved, but the visual appearance deteriorates due to exposed fasteners and gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated keyboard support member eliminates gaps between separate panels by combining the bezel and lattice structure into a continuous design. This merging creates a smooth, uniform appearance without exposed fasteners or gaps, while the lattice structure maintains structural support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice structure acts as a flexible yet supportive element that can be molded into an integrated design, allowing for aesthetic considerations to be incorporated without compromising structural integrity. The lattice provides both visual appeal and mechanical support.
4Strength
If keyboard assembly is attached using multiple components and fasteners, then the secure attachment is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates due to requirement of removing multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated keyboard support member combines the attachment mechanism into a single unit that secures the keyboard assembly as one component. This allows the keyboard to be removed and replaced by detaching the entire support member in one operation, rather than requiring disassembly of multiple separate fasteners and 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
This design simplifies assembly and disassembly, enhances structural integrity, reduces visual clutter, and facilitates the use of various keyboard materials and colors, improving both functionality and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The keyboard support member may be configured to secure the keyboard assembly to the base assembly within the opening defined by the base assembly such that the plurality of keys fit within the plurality of openings defined by the lattice structure
Implementation Method 2
The keyboard support member may be coupled to the base assembly with the keyboard assembly located between the keyboard support member and the base assembly. The keyboard support member may be coupled to the base assembly based on thermoplastic staking
Implementation Method 3
The keyboard support member may be coupled to the base assembly based on an interference fit
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device may include a base assembly defining an opening, and a keyboard assembly including a plurality of keys. The keyboard assembly may be disposed within the opening of the base assembly. The computing device may include a keyboard support member having a lattice structure defining a plurality of openings. The keyboard support member may be configured to secure the keyboard assembly to the base assembly within the opening defined by the base assembly such that the plurality of keys fit within the plurality of openings defined by the lattice structure.