Portable Electronic Device Latch Mechanism for Detachable Keyboard and Stand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable electronic devices, such as tablet computers, lack integrated solutions for easily engaging and releasing expanded functions like keyboards and support stands, leading to inconvenient operation and accidental disengagement due to lack of a unified securing structure.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device design featuring a main body, an expanded element, a support device, and a latch device with a single latch mechanism that allows for the engagement and disengagement of the expanded element and support device, using a driving element with a roulette and guide post to control the movement of latch elements, enabling seamless integration and separation of functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tablet computer is provided with separate keyboard module and support bracket, then expanded functions are available, but device complexity increases and operation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the keyboard module and support bracket into a single integrated expanded device that can be detached from the tablet computer. This integration reduces the number of separate components while maintaining both keyboard and support functions, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated expanded device serves multiple functions - it can be used as a keyboard for input operations and as a support bracket to prop up the tablet at various angles. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If separate latch mechanisms are used for keyboard module and support bracket, then each component can be secured independently, but operation becomes cumbersome and accidental disengagement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single latch mechanism that simultaneously secures both the keyboard module and support bracket to the tablet computer. This unified latching system ensures reliable securing of all expanded components while allowing users to engage or disengage all components with a single operation, improving ease of use and preventing accidental disengagement.
3Ease of operation
If external keyboard docks are used with tablet computers, then keyboard input capability is provided, but portability is reduced and carrying becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated expanded device with keyboard and support functions is designed to be detachably connected to the tablet computer, allowing it to be carried separately when not in use. The compact integrated design enables easy attachment and detachment, maintaining portability while providing keyboard input capability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device having a main body, an expanded element, a support element, and a latch device is disclosed. The main body has a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface has a first accommodating slot and a second accommodating slot. The expanded element detachably connects to the first accommodating slot and the expanded element has at least one expanded function. The support element is accommodated in the second accommodating slot and has a folded state and a support state. The latch device having a first latch element for engaging with the expanded element and a second latch element for engaging with the support element is movably connecting to the main body. When the latch device moves to a first position, the engagement with the expanded element is released. When the latch device moves to a second position, the engagement with the support element is released.