Rotatable Support Apparatus for Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing external keyboards for tablet computers are often complex, inconvenient to fold, heavy, and costly, with limited support methods leading to poor user experience.

Innovation Solution

An auxiliary apparatus for electronic devices comprising a first body and a second body with rotatably connected support members, allowing the second support member to rotate and snap against the first body to provide adjustable support angles for the electronic device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing external keyboards are made complex to provide support functions, then support capability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented from the keyboard body into a separate auxiliary apparatus with independent support members. This allows the keyboard to remain simple while the auxiliary apparatus provides the support functionality, resolving the contradiction between support capability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary apparatus serves multiple functions: it provides support for the electronic device, enables adjustable viewing angles, and offers folding capabilities. By consolidating these functions into a single auxiliary apparatus rather than integrating them into the keyboard, the solution achieves versatility without increasing keyboard complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing external keyboards are made complex to provide support functions, then support capability is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidproduct weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented from the keyboard body into a separate auxiliary apparatus. This segmentation allows the keyboard to remain lightweight while the auxiliary apparatus, designed specifically for support functions, provides the necessary weight for stability and support capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support functionality is extracted from the keyboard assembly and placed in a separate auxiliary apparatus. This extraction removes the need for the keyboard to bear the weight of support mechanisms, thereby reducing the overall weight of the keyboard product while maintaining support capability through the dedicated auxiliary apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If existing external keyboards have limited support methods, then device complexity is reduced, but user experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experienceVSAvoidsupport methods

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary apparatus incorporates dynamic support methods including adjustable folding angles and rotatable support members that can be positioned at multiple angles. This dynamic adjustability provides diverse support methods and viewing angles, significantly improving user experience while maintaining relatively simple device complexity through standardized mechanical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If existing external keyboards are made complex to provide support functions, then support capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the support function into a separate auxiliary apparatus with standardized connection interfaces, the manufacturing process becomes more modular. This allows for independent manufacturing and assembly of components, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to integrating all functions into the keyboard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary apparatus is designed as a universal support module that can be attached to different keyboard models through standardized interfaces. This universality enables mass production of the auxiliary apparatus itself, reducing manufacturing costs through economies of scale while providing versatile support capability across multiple products.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250138582A1Auxiliary apparatus for electronic device and system of electronic devices

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 LENOVO (BEIJING) LTD

AI summary

An auxiliary apparatus for an electronic device includes a first body and a second body. The second body includes a first support member and a second support member that are rotatably connected. The first support member is rotatably connected to the first body. The second support member is able to rotate in a direction facing the first body to abut against the first body to allow the first support member and the second support member to be in a first attitude snapping toward the first body to support the electronic device carried by the second support member.