Notebook Hand Strap Segmentation for Stable One-Handed Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional notebook computers with hand straps struggle to provide secure one-handed operation due to insufficient contact area and difficulty in holding the device at an inclination, leading to wobbling and reduced keyboard input accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A T-shaped hand strap with a circular through hole and protrusion, made of stretchable material, allowing users to securely hold the device by sliding their hand between the strap and the rear casing, providing a larger contact area and enabling comfortable, fatigue-free operation at an inclination of about 45 degrees.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple belt hand strap is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the contact area with the hand is too small to securely hold the computer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehand strap structureVSAvoidholding stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hand strap is divided into multiple functional segments: a belt portion for wrapping around the hand, a protrusion for palm contact, and a through hole for finger insertion. This segmentation allows each part to contribute differently to holding stability, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and secure holding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hand strap transitions from a two-dimensional flat belt to a three-dimensional structure by adding a protrusion that extends toward the rear casing. This dimensional change creates multiple contact points (belt against back of hand, protrusion against palm) significantly increasing the effective contact area and holding reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the hand strap is positioned flat against the rear casing, then the structure is simple, but it is difficult to hold the notebook computer in an inclined position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehand strap configurationVSAvoidinclined holding capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusion has a curved surface that conforms to the natural curvature of the human palm. This curvature allows the palm to make effective contact with the protrusion when holding the device at an incline, enabling comfortable one-handed operation without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Device complexity

If the user holds the notebook computer with edges of casings, then no additional components are needed, but the user cannot securely operate the keyboard with one hand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding mechanismVSAvoidkeyboard input accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hand strap structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the device to the hand, positions the device at an optimal incline for viewing and typing, and stabilizes the device during keyboard operation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate holding and positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 user comfort and stability during one-handed operation, reducing the risk of dropping the device and improving key input accuracy and display visibility.

Implementation Method 1

a belt (16) provided on a rear surface (15) of the rear casing (13), with which the user holds and supports the computer body (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2244155B1Information processor
Publication Date: 2018.10.17 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP
  • EP2244155B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2244155B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2244155B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A notebook computer body (10) is formed of a front casing (11) and a rear casing (13) having a keyboard (12). The computer body (10) is provided on its rear surface (15) with a protrusion (19) having a substantially spherical surface and with a hand strap (16). The hand strap (16) covers the protrusion (19) and has an through hole (18), thereby allowing the user to securely hold the computer body (10) in one hand.