Retractable Foot Mechanism for Laptop Thermal and Ergonomic Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Convertible laptops face challenges in maintaining thermal performance and ergonomic typing surfaces due to their design, which often compromises between laptop and tablet modes, leading to reduced airflow and user comfort.
Innovation Solution
A retractable foot mechanism that extends from the base member to provide angled support and increase airflow, linked to the hinge via a cam system, ensuring automatic extension in laptop mode and retraction in tablet mode, utilizing mechanical, magnetic, or flexible materials for contact and motion control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the computing device uses a flush design in tablet mode, then the device maintains a compact and sleek appearance, but thermal performance deteriorates due to reduced airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a retractable foot mechanism that changes the device's configuration based on operating mode. In laptop mode, the foot extends to create an angled support that increases airflow and improves thermal performance. In tablet mode, the foot retracts to maintain a flush design. This dynamic adjustment allows the device to optimize both thermal performance and aesthetic appearance depending on the operational context.
2Temperature
If the computing device provides angled support in laptop mode, then thermal performance and ergonomic typing experience improve, but the device complexity increases due to the retractable mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable foot mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides angled support for improved ergonomics during typing, increases airflow for better thermal performance, and maintains a flush design when retracted. By integrating these multiple functions into a single mechanism, the patent reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable foot mechanism is designed to automatically extend and retract based on the device's operating mode without requiring user intervention. The mechanism self-adjusts to provide the appropriate configuration, reducing the need for additional control systems and simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the computing device transitions between laptop and tablet modes, then versatility and user interaction improve, but thermal performance deteriorates due to compromised airflow design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by using a retractable foot mechanism that automatically adjusts the device's configuration based on the operating mode. When transitioning from tablet mode to laptop mode, the foot extends to create an angled support that opens up airflow pathways, improving thermal performance. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to maintain versatility across different operating positions while optimizing thermal management for each mode.
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 thermal performance by increasing airflow and provides a more ergonomic typing experience in laptop mode while maintaining a flush design in tablet mode, improving user interaction and device usability across operating positions.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic member that maintains contact between the retractable foot and the cam
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein provide a computing device. One example computing device includes a display member and a base member rotatably connected to each other via a hinge. The computing device includes a retractable foot to extend from a bottom surface of the base member when the display member is to be rotated open from a closed position to a first operating position.