Tablet Cover with Sensor-Activated Keyboard and Media Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tablet computers, while portable and easy to use, lack the functionality of more robust computing devices like laptops, particularly in tasks such as word processing, and often require external keyboards for efficiency, but existing solutions do not seamlessly integrate input devices with orientation and configuration detection for optimal use.
Innovation Solution
A protective cover system for tablet computers that includes a housing with a processor, a slot for upright configurations, and sensors to detect the presence and orientation of the tablet, activating an integrated keyboard and media controls based on the tablet's position, and deactivating them when not in use, thereby enhancing usability and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a physical keyboard is attached to a tablet computer to improve word processing functionality, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the keyboard, media controls, and tablet support into a single integrated protective cover assembly. The keyboard is embedded in the cover rather than being a separate attachment, merging multiple functions (protection, input, media control) into one unified device that reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover serves multiple functions: it protects the tablet, provides physical keyboard input for word processing, offers media playback controls, and supports the tablet in various orientations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate accessories, resolving the contradiction between enhanced functionality and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If sensors are added to detect tablet orientation and presence to activate appropriate controls, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect tablet presence and orientation, then autonomously activates or deactivates the appropriate controls (keyboard or media controls) without user intervention. This self-service approach improves ease of operation while keeping the control logic simple and integrated.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides feedback about tablet presence and orientation to the control system, which then adjusts the active controls accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to different usage scenarios, improving operability while maintaining simple sensor-based detection.
3Productivity
If the keyboard is activated based on tablet orientation detection, then the productivity is improved, but the loss of energy increases due to continuous sensor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor operates periodically to detect tablet presence and orientation only when needed (e.g., when the cover is opened or closed), rather than continuously. The system activates the appropriate controls based on these periodic detection events, improving productivity while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the sensor dormant between detection cycles.
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
The system provides a seamless integration of input devices with the tablet, optimizing its use by activating the appropriate controls based on orientation, enhancing usability and functionality, and ensuring efficient power management by turning the tablet on and off as needed.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor can be disposed in the slot and may be one of a mechanical switch, magnetic reed switch, optical switch, touch sensitive switch, resistive sensor, temperature sensitive switch, or pressure sensitive switch.
Implementation Method 2
The sensor can be disposed in the slot and may be one of a mechanical switch, magnetic reed switch, optical switch, touch sensitive switch, resistive sensor, temperature sensitive switch, or pressure sensitive switch.
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, a protective cover includes a housing having a surface, and a latch mechanism hingeably coupled to the housing. The latch can include a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side configured to couple to and secure an input device to the surface of the housing. The latch can be configured to rotate, via the hinge coupling, between a first configuration and second configuration. In the first configuration, the top side of the latch can be flush with the surface of the housing and the bottom side embedded within the housing such that the latch does not protrude from the housing. In the second configuration, the latch can be rotated relative to the first configuration and protrude from the housing. The latch can be operable to be rotated open from the first configuration to the second configuration via the hinge coupling.