Retractable Keypad Lockout for Pocket-Safe Handhelds

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld electronic devices face issues such as unintended key actuation and loss of memory cards due to their portable nature, which can lead to accidental activation or loss when carried in pockets or purses.

Innovation Solution

The device features a mechanism that allows the keypad to be disabled in a retracted configuration, using a combination of mechanically offset actuators and domes, or through software routines, to prevent unintended inputs, and incorporates a card holder that secures memory cards, preventing their removal during accidental drops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the device is made portable and compact, then it can be easily carried in pockets or purses, but the keys can be inadvertently actuated during carrying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidkey actuation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a movable body that can shift between a first position (keys accessible) and a second position (keys protected). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the device to transition from a portable state to a protected state, preventing inadvertent key actuation during carrying while maintaining ease of access during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the device is made portable, then it can be carried conveniently, but memory cards and other items can be lost if the device is dropped

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoiditem security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the device into separable components: a body containing the keys and a retracting portion that can be removed. This segmentation allows the retracting portion (containing valuable items like memory cards) to be securely stored separately when not in use, preventing loss during device handling or dropping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the keypad is always active for easy access, then input is convenient, but unintended inputs occur during carrying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeypad accessibilityVSAvoidunintended key actuation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a preliminary protective action by providing a retracting portion that can be positioned to cover the keys before carrying occurs. This preliminary shielding prevents unintended key actuation during transport, while allowing full keypad accessibility when the device is in use and the retracting portion is positioned away from the keys.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8199032B2Handheld electronic device that has a keypad which can be rendered ineffective, and associated method

Publication Date: 2012.06.12 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

An improved handheld electronic device is movable among a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration. Several different exemplary embodiments are described, some having two members, others having more. In one embodiment, certain features or objects are unavailable in a retracted configuration but are available in a deployed configuration or an overtravel configuration. A method of responding to predetermined events comprises detecting a movement of a handheld electronic device away from a first configuration toward a second configuration without reaching the second configuration.