Palmrest Keyboard Controller Decoding for Motherboard Space Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional portable information handling systems face challenges with keyboard interconnects, including large and complex ribbon cables that occupy valuable motherboard space, require unique keyboard designs for different chassis, and have difficult assembly processes that can lead to damaged or improper connections.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a keyboard controller into the palmrest assembly, using a serial bus to transmit keystroke data, and implementing a loopback diagnostic system to simplify assembly and ensure connection integrity, while allowing for decoupling of keyboard design from motherboard design to enable reuse across multiple chassis and regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional ribbon cable connection is used to connect the keyboard to the motherboard, then the keyboard can be connected to the motherboard, but the ribbon cable occupies valuable motherboard space and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard controller is extracted from the motherboard and placed in the palmrest assembly, separating the keyboard connection function from the motherboard. This eliminates the need for a large ribbon cable connector on the motherboard, reducing both the area occupied and the complexity of the interconnect structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The palmrest assembly acts as an intermediary between the keyboard and the motherboard. It contains the keyboard controller and provides a reduced-connector interface to the motherboard, serving as a mediator that simplifies the connection path and reduces the complexity of the ribbon cable interface.
2Ease of manufacture
If a traditional ribbon cable connection is used, then the keyboard can be connected to the motherboard, but the assembly process becomes difficult and connections may be damaged or improper
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the keyboard assembly, the palmrest assembly with integrated controller, and the motherboard connection. This segmentation allows for simpler, more reliable connections at each interface level, with the palmrest connector providing a reduced interface that is easier to assemble and less prone to damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If unique keyboard designs are created for different chassis, then the keyboard can be optimized for each chassis, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard controller in the palmrest assembly provides universal functionality across different chassis types. The standardized interface and integrated controller design allow the same keyboard assembly to be used with multiple different motherboard configurations and chassis designs, eliminating the need for custom keyboard designs for each platform.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system, user interface components thereof, and methods of user control interface and assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment a keyboard assembly, including a large plurality of contacts for a keyboard matrix, connects directly to a palmrest assembly. The palmrest assembly includes a keyboard controller, which decodes keystrokes and then passes the decoded keystrokes to, e.g., an I/O controller on the motherboard of the portable information handling system. This results in greatly improved layout and usage of the motherboard routing spaces, improved reliability, and simplified assembly.