Tablet Keyboard Case with Sensor-Activated Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tablet computing devices are vulnerable to damage and lack a full-size physical keyboard experience, with on-screen virtual keyboards offering limited tactile response and usability.

Innovation Solution

A tablet keyboard case with a hinge mechanism and sensors that automatically turns the keyboard on and off based on the case's configuration, allowing for a full-size typing experience and enhanced usability by coupling with the tablet's sleep/wake sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protective case is added to the tablet device, then protection from damage is improved, but device portability and convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from damageVSAvoidportability and convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard is merged with the protective case, creating a single integrated unit that provides both protection and typing functionality. The case serves dual purposes: protecting the tablet from damage while housing a full-size physical keyboard for enhanced typing experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective case is designed with multiple functions: it protects the tablet device, houses a full-size keyboard, and can be configured in different positions (typing position, viewing position, closed position). This multi-functionality addresses both protection needs and typing needs without requiring separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an on-screen virtual keyboard is used, then device functionality is maintained, but tactile response and typing experience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidtactile response and typing experience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The physical keyboard acts as an intermediary between the user and the tablet device. Instead of directly interacting with the on-screen virtual keyboard, users type on the physical keyboard which then transmits inputs to the tablet, providing tactile feedback while maintaining full device functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a full-size physical keyboard is added to the tablet case, then typing experience is improved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetyping experienceVSAvoidcase structure and components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard is integrated into the case structure rather than being a separate add-on. The case is divided into a first cover for holding the tablet and a second cover for housing the keyboard, with attachment mechanisms that connect them, creating a unified structure that reduces overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The case is segmented into functional portions: a first cover for tablet protection, a second cover for keyboard housing, and attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If the keyboard is always on, then typing readiness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetyping readinessVSAvoidkeyboard energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard's operational state is dynamic rather than static. The keyboard turns on automatically when the case is opened to the typing position and turns off when the case is closed or repositioned, adapting its state to the user's needs and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Sensors detect the case configuration and provide feedback to control the keyboard's power state. When sensors detect that the case is in the typing position, they trigger the keyboard to turn on; when the case is closed or in viewing position, the keyboard turns off, creating an automatic feedback-based power management system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9715254B2Tablet keyboard case and method of providing the same

Publication Date: 2017.07.25 BELKIN INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A case for a tablet computing device can include a first cover configured to hold the tablet computing device. The first cover can include a first attachment mechanism. The case can include a second cover. The second cover can include a keyboard, one or more second attachment mechanisms, and/or one or more sensors. The first attachment mechanism can be configured to couple with the one or more second attachment mechanisms to hold the case in an open keyboard configuration such that the keyboard is uncovered and a screen of the tablet computing device is uncovered. The keyboard can be turned on when the one or more sensors detect that the case is in the open keyboard configuration.