Modular Keyboard Assembly for User-Replaceable Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboard assemblies for information handling systems require replacement of entire units when individual components fail or need upgrading, leading to waste and environmental impact, as users cannot easily replace or upgrade specific components like keyboard layouts, power sources, or connectivity modules without discarding functional parts.
Innovation Solution
A modular, user-upgradeable keyboard design featuring interchangeable components such as replaceable keyboard layouts, power and connectivity modules, and height/angle adjustment feet, which can be combined in various configurations using universal fasteners and key switch data connectors, allowing users to upgrade or replace only the necessary parts without disposing of the entire keyboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If entire keyboard assembly is replaced when individual components fail or need upgrading, then functionality is restored or improved, but waste increases and environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard assembly is divided into separate replaceable modules including keyboard layout structure, power and connectivity module, and height/angle adjustment feet. Each module can be independently replaced without discarding other functional components, thereby reducing waste while maintaining keyboard functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If entire keyboard assembly is replaced when individual components need upgrading, then desired features are achieved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is segmented into modular components that can be independently upgraded. Users can replace only the specific module that needs upgrading (e.g., power and connectivity module) rather than the entire keyboard, reducing resource consumption while achieving desired adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Universal fasteners and connection interfaces are designed to work across different keyboard modules and configurations. This allows the same base structure to support multiple different keyboard layouts, power modules, and adjustment feet, enabling upgrades without consuming additional structural resources.
3Ease of repair
If modular components are designed for easy replacement, then ease of repair and upgrade improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is divided into distinct modular components with standardized connection points. This segmentation enables easy replacement of individual modules while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as each module is self-contained with its own fastening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard modules are designed with user-friendly fastening and release mechanisms that allow end-users to perform replacements without requiring specialized tools or technical expertise. The universal fasteners enable self-service repair and upgrade, improving ease of repair without adding complex assembly requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A user-upgradeable modular component keyboard for an information handling system comprising a replaceable keyboard layout structure having a plurality of keys and operatively coupled to a replaceable keyboard power and connectivity module via a key switch data connector and a releasable fastener. The replaceable keyboard power and connectivity module housing a keyboard controller for communicating detected keystrokes to the information handling system and a power source for powering the keyboard controller, the replaceable keyboard power and connectivity module having a key switch data connector first side to operatively couple to a key switch data connector second side on the replaceable keyboard layout structure for transfer of data and power, and the replaceable keyboard power and connectivity module having a releasable fastener first side for operative coupling to a releasable fastener second side on the replaceable keyboard layout structure.