Orientation-Specific Actuator for Multi-Function Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computing devices require multiple buttons for different functions, leading to increased complexity, user confusion, and mechanical failure risks, as functions are not adaptable based on device orientation.

Innovation Solution

A single orientation-specific actuator that changes functionality based on the device's orientation, allowing the same actuator to perform different functions when the device is closed versus open, such as powering up, unlocking, and controlling power states, by varying the actuator's height and stroke depending on the device's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple buttons are used for different functions, then each function can be accessed independently, but device complexity increases and mechanical failure risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidnumber of buttons

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single button that performs multiple functions based on device orientation. When the device is closed, the button serves as a power button; when opened, it becomes a wake/sleep button. This multi-functionality approach consolidates what would traditionally require separate buttons, reducing device complexity while maintaining full functionality across different usage states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The button's function dynamically changes based on the device's orientation state. The system detects whether the device is closed or open and automatically assigns appropriate functionality to the button. This dynamic adaptation allows one static physical component to serve multiple operational roles, resolving the contradiction between having dedicated buttons for each function and minimizing the total number of buttons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple buttons are used for different functions, then each function can be accessed independently, but user confusion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiduser confusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The button's function dynamically changes based on the device's orientation state. The system detects whether the device is closed or open and automatically assigns appropriate functionality to the button. This dynamic adaptation allows one static physical component to serve multiple operational roles, resolving the contradiction between having dedicated buttons for each function and minimizing the total number of buttons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The button's behavior is context-dependent, with different local qualities assigned based on device state. In the closed state, it exhibits power-button characteristics; in the open state, it exhibits wake/sleep button characteristics. This contextual adaptation ensures users intuitively understand the button's function based on the current device configuration, eliminating confusion while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple buttons are used for different functions, then each function can be accessed independently, but mechanical failure risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmechanical failure risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple button functions into a single physical component. Instead of having separate power buttons, wake buttons, and sleep buttons that could each fail independently, one button handles all these functions based on device orientation. This consolidation reduces the total number of mechanical components, thereby reducing the overall probability of mechanical failure while preserving full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a single button that performs multiple functions based on device orientation. When the device is closed, the button serves as a power button; when opened, it becomes a wake/sleep button. This multi-functionality approach consolidates what would traditionally require separate buttons, reducing device complexity while maintaining full functionality across different usage states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3721317B1Orientation specific control

Publication Date: 2024.02.14 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~3B

AI summary

The description relates to orientation specific control of computing devices. One example can include an orientation specific actuator for controlling functionality of a computing device. The example can include providing a first functionality related to a first orientation of the computing device in response to engagement of the orientation specific actuator. The example can also include providing a second functionality in response to engagement of the orientation specific actuator in a second orientation of the computing device.