Sliding Input Device Cover for Tablet Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard cases for tablet computers often provide limited adjustability and stability at high viewing angles, requiring heavy or expensive components like friction hinges and counterbalance weights, which compromise functionality and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A sliding input device mountable to a folio case with a hinge mechanism that allows the input device to translate and rotate with the electronic device, maintaining stability and accessibility of the input device across a wide range of viewing angles without the need for counterbalance weights or expensive components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional keyboard cases use friction hinges and counterbalance weights to maintain stability at high viewing angles, then stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterbalance weights to offset the torque generated by the display at high viewing angles. The weights are positioned to create a counteracting moment that balances the display's weight, enabling stable positioning at various angles without requiring complex friction hinges. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining stability through a relatively simple counterweight mechanism rather than complex friction-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism is designed to be movable and adjustable, allowing the keyboard case to dynamically adapt to different viewing angles. The hinge enables continuous adjustment rather than fixed positions, and the system can transition smoothly between different angular configurations. This dynamic design maintains stability across a range of angles without requiring complex mechanical structures for each specific angle.
2Stability of the object's composition
If keyboard cases use friction hinges and counterbalance weights to maintain stability, then stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The counterbalance weights are integrated into the keyboard case structure using standard manufacturing techniques. The weights can be molded as part of the case or attached using conventional methods, avoiding the need for expensive precision-machined friction hinges. This approach maintains stability while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If the input device is fixed relative to the case, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adjustability of viewing angles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is mounted to the case through a hinge mechanism that enables rotational movement. This allows the input device to adjust to different viewing angles while maintaining a relatively simple fixed-mount structure. The hinge provides the necessary degrees of freedom for adjustment without requiring complex adjustable mounting mechanisms, thus balancing manufacturing simplicity with adaptability.
4Ease of operation
If the input device translates with the electronic device during rotation, then accessibility of the input device is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is integrated with the case structure through the hinge mechanism, combining the case and input device into a unified assembly. As the electronic device rotates, the hinge causes the input device to translate and rotate accordingly, maintaining its accessibility. This merged design achieves coordinated movement without requiring separate complex mechanisms for each component.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing system includes an electronic device, a cover or case for the electronic device, and an input device that is slidably movable yet attached to the cover or case. By positioning the electronic device on top of the input device, rotation of the electronic device which changes its vertical viewing angle also translates the input device. These can provide improved overall possible viewing angle adjustability, increased system stability at high viewing angles, laptop-like opening and closing behavior, lighter weight, and implementation using low-cost components.