Universal Tablet Folio With Sliding Shelf And Biasing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tablet computers are prone to damage due to their small size and light weight, and typing on them is difficult due to the lack of haptic response from graphical keyboards, with existing cases often requiring custom sizing for specific brands and models, limiting versatility for users with multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A universal folio with pivotally coupled leafs that can accommodate different tablet sizes and brands, featuring a sliding shelf and biasing mechanism to securely hold tablets of varying widths, allowing for easy switching between devices and providing a built-in keyboard with adjustable height support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a custom-sized folio is designed for a specific tablet brand and model, then the fit and protection are optimized, but the versatility for users with multiple different tablets is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The folio is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple tablet sizes and brands. The cover includes a recessed portion with adjustable positioning features that can adapt to different tablet dimensions, allowing a single folio design to serve multiple functions across different device types.
Solution Approach 2:
The folio incorporates movable and adjustable components, including a sliding shelf mechanism and adjustable positioning features in the recessed portion. These dynamic elements allow the folio to adapt its internal dimensions and positioning to match different tablet sizes while maintaining a consistent external structure.
2Weight of moving object
If a graphical keyboard is used on the tablet, then the device remains thin and portable, but typing is difficult due to lack of haptic response and large space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the tablet with a separate physical keyboard by integrating the keyboard into the folio cover. This merging allows the tablet to maintain its thin, lightweight design while the external keyboard provides tactile haptic feedback and compact typing surface, eliminating the need for a large on-screen keyboard.
3Ease of operation
If a wireless keyboard is added to the tablet, then typing capability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is physically integrated into the folio cover structure rather than being a separate wireless device. This merging combines the protection function of the folio with the typing function of the keyboard in a single unified structure, reducing overall complexity compared to adding a separate wireless keyboard system.
Solution Approach 2:
The folio cover serves multiple functions: it protects the tablet, provides a physical keyboard for typing, and includes a recessed portion for secure tablet positioning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate accessories, reducing device complexity while improving typing capability.
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 folio offers secure, adjustable, and versatile protection for multiple tablet sizes and brands, enhancing typing experience with a built-in keyboard and automatic retention, allowing seamless device replacement and use.
Implementation Method 1
Bias means is coupled to the sliding shelf for biasing the sliding shelf towards the fixed top stop
Data Source
AI summary
A folio for use with a tablet computer comprises a pair of leafs pivotally coupled together at a hinge with a keyboard carried by one of the pair of leafs, and another of the pair of leafs carrying the tablet computer and defining a cover for the keyboard in the closed configuration. A fixed top stop is fixed to the cover opposite the hinge and extends outwardly from the cover configured to abut to the tablet computer. A sliding shelf is movably coupled to the cover adjacent the hinge and opposite the fixed top stop to receive the tablet computer thereon in the open configuration. Bias means is coupled to the sliding shelf for biasing the sliding shelf towards the fixed top stop.