Multi-axis retention assembly
The patent relates to securely storing an input device relative to a computing device. One example can include a housing and a trough defined in the housing and configured to receive at least a portion of an input device. This example can also include a pair of opposing levers that are contained in the trough when the trough is empty and that pivot proud out of the trough around and against the input device installed in the trough.
1. A device, comprising:
a housing defining a volume between opposing first and second surfaces;
electronic components positioned in the volume;
an input device configured to communicate with the electronic components; and,
a multi-axis retention assembly positioned in the first surface and configured to releasably retain the input device at least partially in the volume utilizing a pair of opposing levers that are configured to pivot out of the volume when contacted by the input device in the volume and the pair of opposing levers are configured to create a retention force on the input device that is generally parallel to the first surface.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the multi-axis retention assembly defines a trough that extends from the first surface into the volume and wherein the pair of opposing levers are positioned proximate to the trough.
3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the multi-axis retention assembly comprises first magnetic elements and the input device includes second magnetic elements and the first and second magnetic elements generate a perpendicular retention force and create the contact between the pair of opposing levers and the input device in the volume.
4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the pair of opposing levers that are contained within the volume when the input device is removed from the volume.
5. The device of claim 4 , wherein the pair of opposing levers rotate above the first surface and contact the input device when the input device is installed in the trough forced to contact the pair of opposing levers by magnetic attraction between the first magnetic elements of the multi-axis retention assembly and the second magnetic elements of the input device.
6. The device of claim 5 , wherein the pair of opposing levers contact more than half of a thickness of the input device when the input device is installed in the trough.
7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the perpendicular retention force causes the pair of levers to automatically deploy around the input device as the input device is pulled into the trough by the perpendicular retention force.
8. The device of claim 6 , wherein the input device includes selectors and wherein the pair of levers include recesses that align with the selectors to avoid contacting the selectors.
9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the input device is configured to communicate user input received on the input device to the electronic components.
10. The device of claim 9 , wherein the input device comprises a stylus, a mouse, or earbuds.
11. A device, comprising:
a housing;
a trough defined in the housing and configured to receive at least a portion of an input device; and,
a pair of opposing levers that are contained in the trough when the trough is empty and portions of the pair of opposing levers pivot proud out of the trough around and against the input device when the input device is installed in the trough and contacts the pair of opposing levers.
12. The device of claim 11 , wherein a depth of the trough is less than a thickness of the input device, and wherein a depth of the trough increases as the pair of opposing levers pivot proud out of the trough.
13. The device of claim 11 , wherein the input device includes an external selector and wherein a profile of the pair of opposing levers is configured to avoid contacting the external selector.
14. The device of claim 11 , wherein the pair of opposing levers comprises a single pair of opposing levers or multiple pairs of opposing levers.
15. The device of claim 11 , wherein the pair of opposing levers contact a majority of a length of the input device.
16. The device of claim 11 , further comprising magnetic elements positioned under the trough and configured to align with corresponding magnetic elements of the input device.
17. The device of claim 16 , wherein the trough is formed in a first surface of the housing and wherein the magnetic elements under the trough and the magnetic elements of the input device create the contact between the input device and the pair of opposing levers and create a retention force on the input device normal to the first surface.
18. The device of claim 17 , wherein the pair of opposing levers creates a retention force on the input device that is parallel to the first surface of the housing.
19. The device of claim 11 , wherein the pair of levers function as a switch that is open when the trough is empty and that is closed when the input device is installed in the trough.
20. A device, comprising:
a housing;
a trough defined in the housing; and,
a pair of opposing levers that define upper inwardly facing edges that are contained within the trough and the upper inwardly facing edges are spaced away from one another when the trough is empty and when an input device is installed in the trough and contacts the pair of opposing levers the upper inwardly facing edges are configured to move toward one another and against the input device.