Modular Handheld Computer with Variable Form Housing Frame

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld computing devices lack configurability to suit different user classes without increasing manufacturing costs and inventory complexity, as existing devices often require full functionality keyboards that not all users need.

Innovation Solution

A variable form housing frame and keyboard configuration that allows handheld computers to be assembled as either short or long form, using modular components like display, circuitry, and battery modules, with a keyboard that can be configured as either short or long form, maximizing commonality and enabling late-stage customization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a full functionality keyboard is provided in all handheld computers, then all users have access to complete input functionality, but users who do not need full keyboard functionality incur unnecessary cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfigurability for different user classesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard is divided into modular segments that can be selectively assembled. The housing frame includes multiple keyboard receptacles positioned at different locations, allowing only the necessary keyboard portion to be installed based on the specific user class and application requirements, rather than including a complete keyboard in all devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing frame is designed with universal features including multiple keyboard receptacles and support for various keyboard configurations. This universal design allows the same base unit to accommodate different keyboard arrangements (full keyboard, reduced keyboard, no keyboard) depending on the intended use, making the platform adaptable to multiple user classes without requiring entirely different device designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different variations of keyboard functionality are provided for different user classes, then user needs are better met, but manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyboard functionality variationsVSAvoidmanufacturing and inventory complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard system is segmented into modular components that can be independently manufactured and then assembled in different configurations. This segmentation allows the base unit to remain simple while the keyboard portions are added or removed based on requirements, reducing the need to manufacture entirely different device variants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple keyboard configurations are merged into a single universal housing frame design. The frame incorporates multiple keyboard receptacles and mounting mechanisms that can accommodate various keyboard types, allowing different keyboard functionalities to be combined with the same base unit rather than requiring separate device designs for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular keyboard configurations are implemented, then late-stage customization is enabled, but assembly process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelate-stage customization capabilityVSAvoidassembly process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard and housing frame are segmented into distinct modular components with standardized interfaces. This segmentation enables keyboard portions to be independently assembled into the housing frame at later stages of production or even post-manufacturing, allowing customization without requiring complete disassembly or complex integration processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing frame is pre-configured with multiple keyboard receptacles and mounting structures during frame manufacturing, preparing the base unit in advance to receive different keyboard configurations. This preliminary preparation of the frame structure simplifies later keyboard assembly, as the receptacles are already positioned and ready to accommodate various keyboard types without requiring complex on-site modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8295038B2System and method for variable form handheld computer configurable via modular keyboard

Publication Date: 2012.10.23 PSION INC

AI summary

A variable form handheld computer may be configurable either as a short form handheld computer or as long form handheld computer. The variable form handheld computer comprises a variable form housing frame configurable as either a short form housing frame or a long form housing frame. The variable form housing frame comprises a plurality of handheld computing modules comprising a display module, a circuitry module, a battery module and a variable form keyboard, the variable form keyboard configurable either as a short form keyboard or a long form keyboard. The long form housing frame securely frames the handheld computing modules when the variable form keyboard is configured as the long form keyboard, and the short form housing frame securely frames the plurality of computing modules when the variable form keyboard is configured as the short form keyboard. The variable form handheld computer is configurable as the long form handheld computer using the long form housing frame, and is configurable as the short form handheld computer using the short form housing frame.