Reversible Tablet Folio with Symmetrical Magnet Arrays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Tablet computers face challenges with damage from dropping due to their small size and light weight, and typing is difficult due to the lack of haptic response from graphical keyboards, which often require supplementary cases or wireless keyboards that do not easily adapt to various usage orientations.
Innovation Solution
A reversible folio device with a tablet shell and pivotally coupled keyboard that provides multiple configurations, including a cover, keyboard, and reading configuration, using symmetrical and non-symmetrical magnet arrays to enable reversible attachment and multi-directional connection, converting unidirectional connections into reversible ones, and incorporating a channel with a symmetrical magnet array to facilitate these configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a unidirectional magnetic connection is used to attach the keyboard to the tablet, then the connection is simple and reliable, but the device cannot be used in multiple orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs both symmetrical and asymmetrical magnet arrays. The asymmetrical magnet array on the tablet shell engages with the symmetrical magnet array on the keyboard, enabling the keyboard to be attached in multiple orientations (landscape and portrait) while maintaining a simple connection mechanism. This resolves the contradiction by allowing versatility in usage orientation without significantly increasing connection complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a graphical keyboard is used on the tablet, then the device remains thin and portable, but typing lacks haptic response and requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is segmented from the tablet body, allowing it to be attached only when needed for typing. The tablet maintains its thin profile when the keyboard is not attached, while users gain access to a physical keyboard with haptic feedback when the keyboard cover is attached. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between typing experience and device thickness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective case is added to the tablet, then damage from dropping is reduced, but the device becomes harder to grasp and hold
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard cover is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing users to pivot it to different angles including a reading configuration that provides ergonomic support. The cover can be positioned to extend backward for reading comfort or forward for typing, adapting to different user needs. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction between protection and ease of grasping by allowing the cover to be configured for optimal handling in different scenarios.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the keyboard is permanently attached to the tablet, then connection reliability is high, but the device loses flexibility in configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connection acts as an intermediary between permanent attachment and complete separability. The symmetrical and asymmetrical magnet arrays create a connection that is reliable when engaged but allows for easy detachment and reattachment in different orientations. This magnetic intermediary resolves the contradiction by providing both connection reliability and configuration flexibility.
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
The solution provides enhanced protection, improved typing experience, and better handling of tablet computers by allowing multiple orientations and configurations, including a stand mode, while addressing the limitations of unidirectional magnetic connections and the need for supplementary accessories.
Implementation Method 1
A first symmetrical magnet array is disposed in and carried by the channel... A second symmetrical magnet array is carried by the proximal edge of the tablet shell... The proximal edge of the tablet shell couples the tablet shell, and thus the tablet computer, both physically and magnetically to the channel and the first magnet array of the keyboard.
Data Source
AI summary
A reversible folio for a tablet computer has a tablet shell with a cavity removably receiving the tablet computer. A keyboard is pivotally and removably coupled to the tablet shell. A channel is pivotally coupled to an edge of the keyboard. An interior of the channel removably receives the proximal edge of the tablet shell, and has a profile mating with a profile of the tablet shell. The channel and proximal edge have first and second symmetrical magnet arrays, respectively. The proximal edge of the tablet shell physically mates with the channel of the keyboard, and the second magnet array of the tablet shell magnetically mates with the first magnet array of the channel, in both a first orientation and an opposite second orientation.