Rotating Cover Keyboard Accessory with Magnetic Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional accessory devices for electronic devices often restrict the design and layout flexibility by requiring the device to be in direct contact with the keyboard or support surface, limiting user interaction and orientation options.
Innovation Solution
The accessory device features a rotatable design with a cover section and keyboard section, using magnetic coupling and hinge assemblies to suspend the electronic device, allowing it to 'float' above the keyboard while maintaining interaction capabilities and incorporating electrical contacts for charging and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic device is placed in direct contact with the keyboard or support surface, then the device is stable and easy to support, but the design and layout flexibility is restricted and user interaction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A support surface is introduced as an intermediary element between the electronic device and the keyboard. The support surface can be positioned at various distances from the keyboard, allowing the device to be suspended in different orientations without direct contact with the keyboard. This mediator enables flexible positioning and orientation adjustments while maintaining device stability through magnetic coupling with the keyboard.
2Ease of operation
If the electronic device is suspended without direct contact with the keyboard, then user interaction and orientation options are enhanced, but the device requires a more complex support mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical support system is replaced with a magnetic coupling mechanism. Magnets embedded in the keyboard and corresponding magnetic elements in the device enable contactless support and positioning. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical contact structures while providing flexible positioning and orientation capabilities through magnetic attraction and repulsion forces.
3Volume of moving object
If the device is held close to the keyboard for compact design, then the accessory device size is reduced, but the device contacts the keyboard limiting interaction space
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is designed to be dynamically positionable relative to the keyboard through rotational movement enabled by hinge assemblies. This allows the support surface to transition between different angles and distances from the keyboard, providing multiple orientation options while maintaining a compact overall structure. The dynamic adjustment capability enables the device to be positioned optimally for different user interactions.
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
This design enhances user interaction by providing flexible orientation and spacing between the electronic device and keyboard, while ensuring secure positioning and enabling charging and data communication without direct contact, thus improving usability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
using magnetic coupling and hinge assemblies to suspend the electronic device, allowing it to 'float' above the keyboard
Implementation Method 2
The second section may further include a second hinge coupled to the first segment and the second segment, the second hinge defining a conduit
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory device with a cover and keyboard section is described. The keyboard section includes a keyboard and a touchpad, while the cover section includes multiple segments. The cover section orients the electronic device such that a user can access the electronic device, the keyboard, and the touchpad. The cover section is rotationally coupled to the keyboard section by one or more hinge assemblies (including clutches and springs), allowing the cover section and the electronic device to rotate relative to the keyboard section. The cover section includes a first and second segment rotationally coupled together. To further adjust the electronic device, the first segment remains coupled to the electronic device, allowing the first segment and the electronic device to rotate relative to the second segment. The cover section can then suspend the electronic device over the keyboard section, and the electronic device does not contact the keyboard section.