Abstract:
A tablet information handling system detachable base couples with a tablet information handling system by inserting a trapezoidal-shaped support into a trapezoidal-shaped opening of the tablet information handling system. The smaller perimeter of the support has room to fit in the larger perimeter opening of the tablet information handling system for ease of insertion, yet the support snuggly fits into the opening after complete insertion. A latch couples the support with an inclined lower surface so that pulling on the tablet information handling system without releasing of the latch translates into a more secure latch coupling. A latch release timer allows one-handed detachment by maintaining the latch in a released position for a predetermined time after latch release actuation.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates in general to the field of portable information handling systems, and more particularly to a portable information handling system detachable support and attachment device, such as a tablet-to-docking station attachment interface for media stand, charging stand, monitor or keyboard supports. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems. 
         [0005]    Portable information handling systems tend to increase end user productivity because end users can interact with information on the go. For example, end users often carry small-sized tablet information handling systems, such as smartphones, to access e-mail and the Internet through wireless interfaces, such as wireless wide area networks (WWAN) and wireless local area networks (WLAN). Generally, tablet information handling systems provide greater portability by using a touchscreen display as both an input and an output device so that the housing does not have to include a keyboard. Although a touchscreen input device, such as a displayed keyboard, provides improved portability for an end user by reducing the size and weight of the information handling system, displayed input devices tend to have limited productivity when compared against traditional input devices, such as mechanical keyboards. In order to improve productivity at tablet information handling systems, end users often turn to peripheral keyboards, such as docking station devices that include a keyboard and support the tablet in a vertical orientation similar to that of a conventional clamshell laptop information handling system. End users tend to appreciate the familiarity of the clamshell laptop configuration with the option of detaching the display portion for use as a tablet. 
         [0006]    One difficulty with detachable keyboard docking stations for tablet information handling systems is that the tablet information handling systems are often designed to have a minimal footprint that provides decreased structural integrity for securely coupling with a docking station. Often, tablet information handling systems mounted in a vertical orientation over a detachable keyboard tend to wobble in an unstable manner. The wobble is typically increased by the “slop” or extra room designed in the tablet attachment point to make alignment by an end user of a tablet information handling system less difficult. Another difficulty with detachable keyboard docking systems is that the attachment point tends to include unattractive features on both the tablet and keyboard portions in order to obtain a secure connection that readily releases. Besides reducing the physical attractiveness of the system, the attachment and detachment mechanism is often difficult and awkward to use. For example, the small footprint of tablet information handling systems tends to call for small mechanical actuators and locks that are difficult for end users to manipulate. Often, attachment of a tablet to a keyboard base is a blind procedure in which the end user is unable to visually acquire opposing attachment devices, which often include alignment of multiple features simultaneously. End users can become frustrated if complex attachment devices require multiple attempts to engage with a tablet information handling system. Additional frustration often arises when the end user attempts to detach the tablet information handling system from the keyboard using an awkward two-handed operation. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Therefore a need has arisen for a system and method which provides a secure and user friendly base to hold a tablet information handling system in a viewing position. 
         [0008]    In accordance with the present invention, a system and method are provided which substantially reduce the disadvantages and problems associated with previous methods and systems for supporting a tablet information handling system on a base. A support extends upward from the base with a tapered exterior that decreases in size as it extends from the base. The tablet information handling system has an opening that tapers inward in a similar manner to the outward taper of the support so that the support fits readily into the opening and fills the opening as insertion completes to provide a robust support contact. 
         [0009]    More specifically, a tablet information handling system has a processor memory and display disposed in a planar housing to process and present information. An opening at one side of the planer housing accepts a support extending upwards from a base to hold the tablet in a vertical orientation above the base, such as in a clamshell configuration above a keyboard disposed in the base. The support and opening each have a matching trapezoidal shape that provides extra room at initial insertion of the support in the opening yet allows the support to substantially fill the opening upon complete insertion. First and second latches extend from opposing ends of the support with an inclined upper surface that pushes the latch to retract upon initial insertion of the support in the opening. An inclined lower surface of the latch interacts with the tablet information handling system after insertion. The angle of the inclined surface is designed so that any removal force on the tablet causes the latch to tighten and retain the tablet more securely. A latch release interfaces with the latch to retract the latch into the support for removal of the tablet information handling system from the base. A latch release timer maintains the latch in a retracted position for a predetermined time after activation of the release so that an end user can perform removal of the tablet information handling system during the predetermined time without holding the latch release in a released position. After the predetermined time, the latch returns to a retaining position that locks the tablet information handling system in place if the system has not been removed. 
         [0010]    The present invention provides a number of important technical advantages. One example of an important technical advantage is that a tablet information handling system is held in a viewing position over a keyboard base in a secure and user friendly manner. A tapered tab extending from the keyboard base into a tapered opening provides “slop” to allow ease of fit while securing upon full insertion to a tight fit that reduces wobble. One central tab provides an easier manipulation by an end user to insert the tablet with an automatic lock that allows one-handed insertions as well as reversible installation. An angled latch contact face at the point of contact with the tablet increases the tightness at which the latch secures the tablet information handling system if a removal force is applied without activating a release. A timed release tab allows one handed release of the tablet information handling system by holding the release for a time after activation so that the end user does not have to hold the release while pulling on the tablet information handling system. Intuitive alignment, low insertion force, single-handed release and a stable docked position provides end users with a user-friendly solution for converting a tablet information handling system into a laptop-like system and back by attaching and detaching a keyboard base. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The present invention may be better understood, and its numerous objects, features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference number throughout the several figures designates a like or similar element. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  depicts a tablet information handling system aligned to couple with a base support that holds the tablet information handling system in an open clamshell configuration and rotationally couples to provide a full range of motion between a closed position and a fully open position that provide use in a tablet mode while still coupled to the resources of the base; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  depicts a system for supporting a tablet information handling system with opposing trapezoidal-shaped structures; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  depicts a detailed breakout view of a support that integrates with a base to provide a hinged coupling of a tablet information handling system and base; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  depicts a side view of a support latch mechanism that couples the support to a tablet information handling system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    A tablet information handling system is supported above a base with reduced wobble by increasing the effective contact surface of the support with a tapered support and opening. For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personal computer, a network storage device, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The information handling system may include random access memory (RAM), one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic, ROM, and/or other types of nonvolatile memory. Additional components of the information handling system may include one or more disk drives, one or more network ports for communicating with external devices as well as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. The information handling system may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communications between the various hardware components. 
         [0017]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a tablet information handling system  10  is depicted aligned to couple with a base  12  support  14  that holds tablet information handling system  10  in an open clamshell configuration and rotationally couples to provide a full range of motion between a closed position and a fully open position that provide use in a tablet mode while still coupled to the resources of the base. Tablet information handling system  10  has a planar housing  16  that integrates a touchscreen display  18 . When free from base  12 , an end user typically interfaces with a processor and memory disposed in housing  16  by holding housing  16  in one hand and making inputs through I/O devices depicted on display  18 , such as a displayed keyboard. When coupled to base  12 , a keyboard  20  disposed in base  12  provides a mechanical interface to for an end user to make inputs to tablet information handling system  10 . In the example embodiment depicted by  FIG. 1 , support  14  is only one upward extending tab that inserts into an opening of tablet information handling system  10 . A single centrally-located support  14  allows an end user to couple tablet information handling  10  with display  18  facing keyboard  20  in a clamshell configuration or to rotate tablet information handling system  10  so that display  18  faces away from keyboard  20  in a stand configuration. Although  FIG. 1  depicts a tablet information handling system  10 , in alternative embodiments other types of display devices might be supported, such as dumb display that presents information generated with processing components disposed in the base. 
         [0018]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a system is depicted for supporting a tablet information handling system with opposing trapezoidal-shaped structures. Support  14  extends upwards from base  12  with an initial support base perimeter  22  size that is substantially equal to the size of an opening  24  of housing  16  at an outer perimeter  26 . Support  14  extends upwards from base  12  to a distal location having a support distal perimeter  28  that has a size substantially equal to the size of an opening inner perimeter  30  located inside of housing  16 . Substantially equal means that, when support  14  inserts into opening  24  so that opening outer perimeter  26  approaches base  12 , the structure of support  14  contacts the structure within opening  24  to provide a reduced gap clearance so that tablet information handling system  10  is supported above base  12  with reduced wobble. Although the substantially matching opposed structures of support  14  and opening  24  provide a tight fit that increases the structural interaction for reduced wobble, the tapered perimeters of the opposing structures help the initial insertion of support  14  into opening  24  by providing space to align support  14  into opening  24 . In the example embodiment, support  14  has a trapezoidal shape that matches a trapezoidal shape of opening  24 . In alternative embodiments, extra space for initial insertion of support  14  into opening  24  may be provided by tapering one, two or three side walls instead of all four side walls. 
         [0019]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a detailed breakout view depicts a support  14  that integrates with a base  12  to provide a hinged coupling of a tablet information handling system and base  12 . A base coupler  32  at each end of support  14  couples to the base, such as screws. A hinge  34  couples to base couplers  32  and support  14  to support rotational movement of support  14  relative to a base  12 . Hinge  34  allows support  14  to mimic rotational action provided by laptop or convertible information handling systems. A wireless interface  36  is a 60 GHz radio that wirelessly communicates data between a base  12  and a tablet information handling system  10 , such as keyboard inputs made at the base when the tablet information handling system is coupled to support  14 . Alternatively, pogo pins or other types of wired interfaces may be engaged to communication information between tablet information handling system  10  and base  12 , either alone or in combination with wireless interfaces. A thermal interface  38  disposed at the side surface of support  14  provides thermal conductivity for transferring thermal energy from a tablet information handling system to a base through support  14 . For example, a heat pipe interfaced with the processor of the tablet information handling system conducts heat from the processor to the opening where support  14  inserts so that thermal interface  38  conducts the heat out of the tablet information handling system. 
         [0020]    During normal operation, an end user couples a tablet information handling system  10  to support  14  by placing an opening  24  formed in the housing  16  of tablet information handling system  10  over support  14 . As support  14  enters the opening  24 , the surface within the opening  24  presses on an inclined upper surface  40  of a latch  42  located on each end of support  14  to push the latch into support  14 . A biasing force, such as spring, presses each latch  42  outward from support  14  so that each latch  42  couples to a slot in the opening  24  to couple the tablet information handling system  10  to the support  14 . An inclined latch lower surface  44  engages with the housing  16  opening  24  inner surface slot to prevent removal of tablet information handling system  10  from support  14 . In one embodiment, pulling on tablet information handling system  10  to generate a force against inclined latch lower surface  44  results in translation of the separation force to bias latch  42  out of support  14  so that an attempt to pull tablet information handling system  10  from support  14  provides a more secure attachment. In order to remove tablet information handling system  10  from support  14 , an end user actuates a latch release  46  that translates the end user&#39;s input to retract latch  42  into support  14 . In one embodiment, a latch release timer applies an actuation of latch release  46  to retract latches  42  for a predetermined time, such as 5 or 10 seconds, before releasing latches  42  to extend from support  14 . A latch release timer provides for one-handed release of a tablet information handling system by allowing the end user to retract latches  42  with one hand at latch release  46 , let go of latch release  46 , then lift tablet information handling system  10  from support  14  using the same hand. If the end user fails to lift tablet information handling system  10  before expiration of the predetermined time, then latches  42  automatically bias outward to re-secure tablet information handling system  10  to support  14 . 
         [0021]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a side view depicts a support  14  latch mechanism  48  that couples support  14  to a tablet information handling system  10 . Latch mechanism  48  couples with latch release  46  so that actuation of latch release  46  causes latch actuators  50  to compress towards each other and pull latches  42  into support  14 . A latch release timer  52  holds latch actuators  50  in the compressed positions by pulling latch actuators  50  towards each other for a predetermined time, such as for 5 or 10 seconds. Latch release timer  52  maintains latch actuators  50  in a compressed position after latch release  46  is actuated and released by an end user until the predetermined time has lapsed. After the predetermined time, latch release timer  52  releases latch actuators  50 , which bias outward to push latches  42  out of support  14 . As an example, latch release timer  52  is a mechanical device, such as a fluid damper or a spring-loaded friction lever that moves at a desired rate until a release point is reached. In alternative embodiments, alternative types of mechanical timers or electromechanical devices, such as solenoids or shape memory alloy wires under the management of a processor in base  12 , may be used to keep latches  42  retracted for a desired time followed by an automated release. 
         [0022]    In the example embodiment depicted by  FIG. 4 , latches  42  are hinged devices that compel tablet information handling system  10  to remain in support  14  when a user attempts to pull on tablet information handling system  10  in a latched position. An upward force applied to the latch lower surface  44 , such as might occur if a latched tablet information handling system is lifted away from support  14 , is translated through the double hinge so that latch  42  is pulled outward and away from support  14 , resulting in a downward pull by latch  42  on the tablet information handling system. In the example embodiment, are hinged on one axis with the location of the axis relative to the angle of the bottom contact surface of the latch operating to translate upward force on the tablet into a securing motion of the latch. Magnets  54  disposed along hinge  34  pull downward on a tablet information handling system as the system aligns to insert on support  14 , to aid an end user in accurately attaching the tablet to the support without visual cues. 
         [0023]    Although the present invention has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.