Magnetic Keyboard Hinge Structure for Power-Free Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable information handling systems face challenges in transitioning between laptop and tablet modes without increasing thickness or requiring active power, as current methods like using electrical currents or link bars are inefficient and provide minimal benefits in size reduction.
Innovation Solution
A retractable keyboard hinge structure with a sliding plate and cam mechanism, where magnets underneath the keyboard move the keyboard between retracted and extended positions based on housing rotation, allowing for efficient thickness reduction and power conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical currents are used to pull down the keyboard, then the keyboard can transition between modes, but active power is required and relatively high voltages are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical/magnetic actuation system with a purely mechanical cam-based linkage system. The cam mechanism converts the rotational motion of the housing into linear motion of the keyboard lattice, eliminating the need for electrical currents or high voltages to achieve keyboard transition between laptop and tablet modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical cam linkage system is self-actuating through the natural rotational motion of the housing during mode transition. The system uses the user's manual rotation of the housing to automatically drive the keyboard lattice movement without requiring additional power input or active control systems.
2Shape
If a link bar is used to lift the keyboard lattice, then the exterior surface remains smooth, but the thickness of the portable information handling system is not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard lattice is designed to nest within the housing when retracted. The cam mechanism allows the keyboard to be pulled down into the housing cavity, creating a nested configuration that significantly reduces the overall thickness of the device while maintaining a smooth exterior surface when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar keyboard arrangement to a three-dimensional reconfigurable structure. The keyboard lattice can be positioned in multiple spatial configurations (extended flat position or retracted nested position) along the thickness dimension, enabling the device to achieve a thin profile when not in use while maintaining full keyboard functionality when needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the keyboard is made retractable using mechanical means, then active power is eliminated, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support element, a motion conversion device, and a positioning mechanism for the keyboard lattice. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall mechanical structure despite the retractable capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the hinge assembly with the cam mechanism into an integrated structure. The cam linkage is incorporated directly into the existing hinge assembly, combining two functional elements into a single unified mechanical structure that reduces component count and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the retractable keyboard functionality.
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
Enables seamless transitions between modes while minimizing the device's thickness and eliminating the need for active power, enhancing usability and design efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of magnets of the sliding plate may cause the magnetic keyboard to move in direction perpendicular to the magnetic keyboard
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for transitioning a magnetic keyboard between retracted and extended states using a retractable keyboard hinge structure. An information handling system may include a housing having a first housing portion and a second housing portion rotatably coupled by the retractable keyboard hinge structure. The first housing portion may include a magnetic keyboard, and a sliding plate including a plurality of magnets that may be disposed underneath the magnetic keyboard. The retractable keyboard hinge structure may include a first hinge and a first cam. The first hinge and the first cam, when the first housing portion is rotated in relation to the second housing portion, may cause the sliding plate to move in a first linear direction. In response to the sliding plate moving, the plurality of magnets may cause the magnetic keyboard to move in a second linear direction perpendicular to the first linear direction.