Convertible Security Housing for Portable Computers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a secure housing solution for portable computers that prevents access to basic settings and data while allowing users to view content, and protects the device from damage during transportation and use, particularly in environments like flights where loaned tablets are used to access entertainment networks.
Innovation Solution
A convertible security housing that locks in a closed state, covering the control button to restrict access to settings, using an electrical plug contact for voltage supply only, and keeping data interfaces inaccessible, while maintaining access to essential controls like volume and playback buttons, and providing mechanical, heat, and moisture protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the housing covers the control button and data interfaces, then access to settings and data is restricted, but the computer cannot be charged or have data transferred
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple removable covers: a first cover for the control button and a second cover for the data interface. This segmentation allows independent access to each function - the control button remains covered for security while the data interface can be selectively accessed for charging and data transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing transitions from a fully closed secure state to an dynamically opened state at the data interface when charging or data transfer is needed. The removable second cover allows the system to adapt between security mode and connectivity mode, enabling the computer to be charged and have data transferred while maintaining overall protection.
2Reliability
If the housing is completely closed for security, then access to control button and data interfaces is prevented, but the computer cannot be operated or charged
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple removable covers: a first cover for the control button and a second cover for the data interface. This segmentation allows independent access to each function - the control button remains covered for security while the data interface can be selectively accessed for charging and data transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable covers act as intermediaries between the user and the protected components. Users can remove the second cover to access the data interface for charging and data transfer, and remove the first cover to access the control button, thereby operating the computer while maintaining security through the housing structure.
3Reliability
If the cable and plug contact are contained in the housing, then mechanical damage is avoided, but the electrical interface is not accessible for charging
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple removable covers: a first cover for the control button and a second cover for the data interface. This segmentation allows independent access to each function - the control button remains covered for security while the data interface can be selectively accessed for charging and data transfer operations.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
A secure housing (10) for a portable computer (12), which has a screen (14), operating keys (18, 20, 22) and at least one connector (24), can be transferred from an open state to a closed state. In order to protect the computer (12) and the data stored thereon, the secure housing (10) can be locked in the closed state and conceals at least one operating key (18) of the computer while the screen (14) is exposed.