Gear and Cam Mechanism for Retractable Keyboard Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retractable keyboards in 2-in-1 Information Handling Systems (IHS) face challenges in seamlessly transitioning between laptop and tablet modes, particularly in disabling keys to prevent accidental inputs and maintaining a thin profile, as existing mechanisms may not effectively lock keys in a retracted position or provide smooth tactile feedback during mode changes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a gear mechanism and cam system that translates the rotation of the display device into a displacement force on a keyboard support plate, which in turn actuates the retractable keys between extended and retracted positions, using a crank or pin mechanism to ensure smooth operation and disable key inputs when in tablet mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the keyboard keys are retracted to reduce thickness and disable inputs for tablet mode, then the device thickness is reduced and accidental inputs are prevented, but the key actuation smoothness and tactile feedback are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a simple mechanical retraction system with a cam mechanism that translates rotational motion into controlled linear displacement. The cam profile is specifically designed to provide smooth key retraction and extension, ensuring that the tactile feedback remains pleasant even though the keys are retractable. This mechanical substitution resolves the contradiction by adding complexity to the actuation mechanism to maintain operational smoothness while achieving thickness reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the cam mechanism to control the retraction characteristics of the keys. By adjusting the cam's radius, eccentricity, and profile shape, the system achieves smooth transitions between extended and retracted states. This parameter optimization allows the keys to retract fully for tablet mode while maintaining smooth actuation feedback when needed.
2Device complexity
If a simple mechanical retraction mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the key locking reliability in retracted position is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a simple mechanical retraction system with a cam mechanism that provides inherent positioning reliability. The cam's geometric design ensures that the keys are precisely positioned in both extended and retracted states, eliminating the need for additional locking components. This substitution maintains simplicity while improving reliability through the precision of the cam profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is designed to automatically hold the keys in their retracted position through the geometry of the cam profile itself, without requiring external locking mechanisms. The cam's shape creates natural mechanical stops that prevent key displacement, making the system self-locking and reliable while keeping the overall mechanism simple.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the keys are disabled in tablet mode, then accidental inputs are prevented, but the user experience during mode transitions is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by automatically retracting the keys before the tablet mode is fully activated. The cam mechanism begins the retraction process as the user rotates the display, so that by the time tablet mode is engaged, the keys are already in the retracted position. This prevents accidental inputs while making the mode transition seamless and pleasant, as the key retraction occurs naturally during the rotation motion rather than requiring a separate disabling action.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide mechanisms for actuating the retraction of the keys of a retractable keyboard based on the angle of the rotation of a coupled display, such as in a 2-in-1 IHS (Information Handling System) that may be operated as a tablet or a laptop. In a first mode, where the display of the IHS is in a laptop configuration, the provided mechanisms actuate the retractable keys to their extended positions allowing use of the IHS as a laptop. As the user rotates the display to various tablet configurations, the provided mechanisms actuate the keycaps to a second mode, in which the keycaps are retracted and may be further disabled to promote use of IHS as a tablet. Certain embodiments utilize a gear and cam mechanism to link the rotation of the display to the actuation of the keycaps. Certain other embodiments utilize a gear and crank mechanism.