Removable Keyboard Multi-Form Factor IHS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile Information Handling Systems (IHS) devices lack versatility in use cases and display postures, and they often compromise on display size and portability.
Innovation Solution
A multi-form factor IHS with a removable keyboard that includes dual displays capable of various postures, such as laptop, tablet, and book modes, and features a hinge system and sensor integration to dynamically adjust user interface features based on the physical arrangement of the displays and keyboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical keyboard is integrated into the display area, then keyboard functionality is provided, but the display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is segmented from the main display body and can be positioned independently. The keyboard may be placed on the second display or positioned alongside it, allowing the first display to maintain its full area while keyboard functionality is provided separately. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the keyboard function from the primary display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the displays - either on top of the second display (vertical stacking) or alongside it (horizontal arrangement). This dimensional repositioning allows the keyboard to occupy space that does not directly reduce the first display area, effectively adding keyboard functionality without proportionally reducing the primary display real estate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual displays are used to provide versatility in postures, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second display serves multiple functions: it can act as a secondary display for extended workspace, a keyboard support surface, or be folded back to provide structural support in tablet mode. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile adaptability across different usage scenarios without requiring entirely separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard is merged with the second display assembly, where the keyboard may be physically attached to or positioned on the second display. This merging reduces overall device complexity compared to having completely separate keyboard and display components, while still providing the versatility of adjustable postures through the hinge system.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of a multi-form factor Information Handling System (IHS) with a removable keyboard are described. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, an IHS may include a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory having program instructions stored thereon that, upon execution by the processor, cause the IHS to: identify a physical arrangement of: (i) a first display, (ii) a second display coupled to the first display, and (iii) a keyboard; and execute an operation associated with the physical arrangement.