Moveable Keyboard Lattice for Accidental Press Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Convertible electronic devices face challenges in providing a seamless user experience when transitioning from notebook to tablet mode, as the keyboard often ends up on the bottom, causing accidental key presses and lacking haptic feedback in touch keyboard solutions.
Innovation Solution
A moveable keyboard lattice frame that translates upward to create a flush surface in tablet mode, preventing inadvertent key presses and providing a solid typing experience by locking the keys in place, while maintaining traditional keyboard functionality in clamshell mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the keyboard is positioned on the bottom in tablet mode, then the device can be used in tablet orientation, but the keyboard surface becomes non-flush causing accidental key presses and poor user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard lattice frame is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to translate between a retracted position (enabling tablet mode) and an extended position (providing flush keyboard surface). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the keyboard position to the desired usage mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard lattice frame acts as an intermediary element between the base housing and the keyboard keys. By moving this intermediate structure, the patent achieves both tablet mode functionality and reliable keyboard input without direct conflict between the two requirements.
2Shape
If a touch keyboard is used in tablet mode, then the surface can be made flush, but haptic feedback is lost reducing typing experience
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two keyboard configurations: a flush touch keyboard surface for tablet mode, and an extended physical keyboard with haptic feedback for typing mode. This resolves the contradiction by providing both flush surface capability and haptic feedback, but at different times based on usage context.
3Ease of operation
If the keyboard lattice frame is made movable to provide flush surface in tablet mode, then user experience improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard structure is segmented into the movable lattice frame and the fixed base housing. This segmentation allows the lattice frame to move independently to provide flush surface in tablet mode, while the overall device structure remains relatively simple through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent appears to use a cam-based mechanical system to enable the lattice frame movement, replacing more complex motorized or electronic actuation systems. This substitution maintains ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a moveable keyboard lattice frame for a portable electronic device. According to one embodiment, the portable electronic device includes a display housing and a base housing. The base housing is attached to the display housing via hinge members and also includes a keyboard input area comprising of a plurality of input keys. Furthermore, a moveable keyboard lattice frame is formed within the base housing and includes key openings corresponding with positions of the plurality of input keys. Moreover, the keyboard lattice frame is configured to rise and lower based on rotational movement of the display panel and hinge members.