Modular Keyboard Accessory with Hinge-Angle Input Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional external input devices for portable computing devices, such as keyboards, often remain active in undesirable positions, become detached, or lose functionality, leading to battery drain and unintended inputs.
Innovation Solution
A modular electronic device system with sensors that determine the angle between the computing device and input device, enabling or disabling the input device based on predefined hinge angles, using Hall effect sensors and inertial measurement units to adjust input settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the input device remains continuously active, then the user can quickly access input functionality, but battery drain increases and unintended inputs occur in undesirable positions
Solution Approach 1:
The input device transitions between active and inactive states dynamically based on hinge angle detection. The system continuously monitors the hinge angle and activates the input device only when the device is in a typing position (e.g., hinge angle between 30-120 degrees), otherwise keeping it inactive to conserve battery power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, Hall effect sensors) to detect the hinge angle and provides feedback to the processor. Based on this feedback, the processor automatically enables or disables the input device, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to the device's physical configuration.
2Productivity
If the input device is always enabled, then input responsiveness is maximized, but unintended inputs occur when the device is in undesirable positions
Solution Approach 1:
The input device's operational state is dynamically adjusted based on real-time hinge angle detection. The system distinguishes between desirable typing positions and undesirable storage/transport positions, enabling input only when the hinge angle indicates the device is properly positioned for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines whether the input device should be active based on its own physical state (hinge angle). The processor monitors sensor data and self-regulates the input device's enabled/disabled state without requiring user intervention, preventing unintended inputs during storage or transport.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the input device is detachable, then adaptability to different configurations is improved, but connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable connection is enhanced with dynamic detection capabilities. Sensors continuously monitor the hinge angle and connection status, allowing the system to adapt to different configurations (attached/detached, various angles) while maintaining reliable operation by enabling input only when properly connected and positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical connection detection with sensor-based detection (accelerometers, gyroscopes, Hall effect sensors). This substitution provides more reliable and precise detection of connection status and hinge angle, enhancing both adaptability to different configurations and reliability of the connection state determination.
4Extent of automation
If sensors are added to detect hinge angle, then input device activation control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing sensors in the portable computing device (accelerometers, gyroscopes for screen orientation, Hall effect sensors for smart cover detection) and repurposes them for hinge angle detection. This multi-functional use of existing components achieves automatic input device control without adding dedicated sensors, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the portable computing device's existing sensor suite to monitor its own configuration and automatically control the input device state. The processor analyzes sensor data from components already present in the device to determine hinge angle and activate/disable the input device accordingly, avoiding the need for additional dedicated sensing hardware.
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
Enhances device functionality by ensuring input devices are only active when intended, reducing battery drain and unintended inputs, and maintaining stable connections across various positional configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the first Hall effect sensor and the second Hall effect sensor are configured to identify one of the first polarity configuration or the second polarity configuration, depending on a positioning of the input device when abutted against the computing device
Data Source
AI summary
A modular electronic device system that can include a computing device in electronic communication with an input device. Various types of sensor contained in either or both of the computing device and input device are used to determine orientation and hinge angle between the computing device and input device. Input settings can be changed according to the data from the various sensors. The input device can also include an elongated tail that is configured to attach to the computing device. The elongated tail can allow multiple physical configurations for ease of use.