Magnetic Actuated Foldable Keyboard for Compact Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable keyboards for portable electronic devices increase in thickness when packed, making them inconvenient to carry and use, with unsightly folding gaps and potential damage to keys during assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard design featuring first and second housings with magnetic elements that allow the keystroke module to be easily packed and exposed using a movable actuating assembly, eliminating the need for connection straps and reducing thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the keyboard is folded for packing, then the keyboard can be carried around, but the thickness increases making it inconvenient to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard utilizes a magnetic actuating assembly that enables dynamic transition between extended and retracted positions. The keystroke module can move along the actuating direction to pass through the opening, allowing the keyboard to adapt its thickness based on whether it is in use or being carried, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of packing and thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves the keystroke module from a fixed position to a movable position along the actuating direction. By allowing the key portion to pass through the opening in the second housing, the design effectively reduces the thickness dimension when packed while maintaining full functionality when in use.
2Ease of operation
If the keyboard is folded for packing, then the keyboard can be carried around, but folding gaps appear which are not pleasing to the eyes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the keystroke module from the fixed housing structure and allows it to be completely retracted through the opening. When packed, the key portion passes through the opening and is positioned behind the second housing, eliminating visible folding gaps and creating a smooth, uniform surface that maintains aesthetic appearance.
3Ease of operation
If the keyboard is folded for packing, then the keyboard can be carried around, but the keys may be damaged from improper pressing
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic actuating assembly provides controlled movement of the keystroke module between extended and retracted positions. The magnetic force ensures smooth, controlled transitions without sudden movements or improper pressing, protecting the keys from damage while enabling easy packing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If connection straps are used to connect sub keyboards, then the keyboard can be assembled, but the assembly and disassembly process consumes time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical connection strap system with a magnetic actuating assembly. The magnetic elements automatically attract and hold the keystroke module in position, eliminating the need for manual assembly and disassembly of connection straps, thus reducing assembly time while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic actuating assembly enables the keyboard to self-assemble and self-disassemble through the attraction and repulsion of magnetic elements. The user simply needs to activate the magnetic mechanism, and the system automatically performs the assembly or disassembly function, significantly reducing the time and effort required.
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
The keyboard is more compact and easier to use and pack, with improved aesthetics and reduced risk of key damage, as the magnetic elements allow seamless transition between packing and using positions without gaps.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first magnetic element and at least one second magnetic element attract to each other to shorten the distance
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard includes a first housing having a plurality of first magnetic elements, a keystroke module having a key portion disposed on the first housing, a second housing combining with the first housing and has an opening, and an actuating assembly. The keystroke module is disposed corresponding to the opening. The actuating assembly is disposed movably on the second housing and has a plurality of second magnetic elements. The keystroke module is not protruded from the opening and is at a packing position. When the actuating assembly is moved along an actuating direction, at least one first magnetic element and at least one second magnetic element attract to each other to shorten the distance, which brings the second housing to move relatively to the first housing so that the key portion of the keystroke module passes though the opening and is at a using position.