Textured Pattern Surface for Computing Device Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable computing devices with smooth surfaces make it difficult for users to distinguish between the top and bottom sides, leading to improper handling and increased risk of accidental drops or falls.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a textured pattern on the outer surface of the base portion of the computing device, which provides a clear indication of the top and bottom sides and enhances gripping, thereby improving user handling and structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a smooth surface is used on the computing device, then the device has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture, but users cannot distinguish between top and bottom sides leading to improper handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface simplicityVSAvoiddevice orientation identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by providing a textured pattern on only one surface (the bottom surface of the base portion) while keeping the top surface smooth. This creates an asymmetric configuration that allows users to easily distinguish between the top and bottom sides through tactile feedback, thereby improving ease of operation without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of operation

If a textured pattern is added to the surface, then users can distinguish top and bottom sides and gripping is enhanced, but the surface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice orientation identificationVSAvoidsurface structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing a textured pattern only in specific locations (on the bottom surface of the base portion) rather than across the entire device. This localized approach provides the necessary orientation identification and gripping enhancement while minimizing the overall complexity of the device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If a textured pattern is added to the surface, then gripping is enhanced for carrying and using, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovegrippingVSAvoidsurface processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The textured pattern is applied asymmetrically only to the bottom surface, which is the area most critical for gripping during carrying and use. This asymmetric placement optimizes gripping performance while limiting the manufacturing complexity to only the necessary region, rather than requiring textured processing across the entire device surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3968125B1Textured pattern surface for a computing device
Publication Date: 2025.03.26 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP3968125B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3968125B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1E
  • EP3968125B1 patent drawingFigure 1F

AI summary

Example implementations relate to a display portion including a display and a base portion rotatably attached to the display portion. The base portion may include a first cover portion, at least one fastener, a second cover portion attached to the first cover portion by the at least one fastener, the second cover portion including a textured pattern on a surface of the second cover portion, the textured pattern extending in a direction along a longitudinal line, the textured pattern including alternating concave ridges and convex channels, and at least one foot pad member disposed on at least one concave ridge of the textured pattern, the at least one foot pad member extending in the direction along the longitudinal line, the at least one foot pad member being configured to cover at least a portion of the at least one fastener.