Ultrathin Touchpad with Lightguide for Dual Mode Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems face space constraints due to the need for both touchpad and numerical keypad (numpad) inputs, which increases device size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A touchpad assembly comprising a glass layer, a lightguide layer, and a printed control board (PCB) that is selectively configurable by the user to operate as either a touchpad or a numpad, with the lightguide layer displaying graphics to indicate the mode of operation and the PCB processing user inputs, while structural adhesives and materials like graphene stiffen the assembly for mechanical stability and minimal thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both touchpad and numpad inputs are included in portable information handling systems, then user input functionality is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The touchpad assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by allowing users to switch between touchpad mode and numpad mode. The same physical assembly serves dual purposes through software configuration and lightguide display changes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated numpad hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The touchpad assembly dynamically changes its operational mode between touchpad and numpad configurations. The lightguide layer dynamically displays different graphics to indicate mode changes, and the system adapts its input processing based on the selected mode, providing versatility without fixed physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both touchpad and numpad inputs are included in portable information handling systems, then user input functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touchpad and numpad functions into a single integrated assembly. The glass layer, lightguide layer, and PCB are combined into one unit that can operate in either mode, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal touchpad assembly replaces what would traditionally require separate touchpad and numpad components. The assembly's functionality is programmatically switched between modes, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining input versatility.
3Length of moving object
If ultrathin design is implemented, then device portability is improved, but mechanical stiffness and resistance to shear bending deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly uses composite material construction with a glass layer, lightguide layer, and PCB bonded together using structural adhesives. This composite structure provides enhanced mechanical strength and resistance to shear bending while maintaining an ultrathin profile, as the combined layers distribute stresses more effectively than single-material constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the thickness and material properties of each layer to achieve the desired balance between ultrathin design and mechanical strength. By carefully selecting layer thicknesses and material characteristics, the assembly maintains minimal thickness while achieving adequate resistance to shear bending through the combined structural properties of the composite construction.
Data Source
AI summary
A touchpad assembly for an information handling system allows a user to select and switch between using the touchpad assembly as a touchpad to drag, drop, scroll and select items on a display and using the touchpad assembly as a numerical keypad to enter data for processing by the information handling system.