SMA-Driven Keyboard Module Nesting for Smartphone Appearance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Smartphones with touch panels face challenges in balancing key-in capability and appearance unity due to the need for additional modules like keyboards, which require mechanical designs that accommodate expansion and retraction efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A driving system utilizing shape memory alloy (SMA) members and recovery members, controlled by sensors and processing modules, to expand and retract modules such as keyboards within the smartphone housing, maintaining appearance unity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional modules such as keyboards are added to smartphones, then key-in capability is improved, but appearance unity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey-in capabilityVSAvoidappearance unity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard module is nested within the smartphone housing, allowing it to be stored inside the device body when not in use. The module can be pushed into the housing and locked in a contained state, making the smartphone maintain a unified appearance without external protrusions. When needed, the module can be extended outward for use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The keyboard module is designed to be dynamically movable between two states: extended outward for use and retracted into the housing for storage. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt its configuration based on user needs, providing key-in functionality when required while maintaining a clean appearance when the module is retracted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Length of moving object

If mechanical designs accommodate module expansion and retraction, then module mobility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule mobilityVSAvoidmechanical design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex traditional mechanical drive systems with shape memory alloy (SMA) members that utilize thermal actuation. The SMA members can change their shape and length in response to temperature changes, providing the necessary force to extend and retract the keyboard module without requiring motors, gears, or other complex mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes changes in the physical parameters of shape memory alloy materials, specifically their phase transition properties. By controlling temperature changes, the SMA members can transition between different states (extended and contracted), thereby controlling the module's position. This parameter-based control simplifies the mechanical design compared to traditional actuation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables users to operate expanded modules like keyboards while ensuring the modules are contained within the housing when not in use, preserving the smartphone's unified appearance.

Implementation Method 1

The processing module supplies power to the first SMA member for heating the first SMA member when receiving the first sensing signal from the at least one sensor, such that the first SMA member deforms to drive the first module to move away from the housing to an expanding position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy deformation: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

The at least one first recovery member connects the first module and the housing for driving the first module to move toward the housing so as to be in a containing position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentUS9203939B2Driving system for driving first module to move with respect to housing and electronic device therewith

Publication Date: 2015.12.01 WISTRON CORP

AI summary

A driving system includes a sensor, a shape memory alloy member, a processing module and a recovery member. The sensor is installed on a housing, and the shape memory alloy member is connected to a module and the housing. The processing module is coupled to the sensor and the shape memory alloy member. The processing module supplies power to the shape memory alloy member when the processing module receives a sensing signal from the sensor, such that the shape memory alloy member is heated to deform for driving the module to move away from the housing. The recovery member is connected to the housing and for driving the module to get closer to the housing.