Out-of-plane configuration-adjusting mechanism, system, and method
US8210065B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Configuration-adjusting mechanisms include linkages interconnecting first and second layers of a sheet material. The linkages have hinges positioned and oriented to cause motion of at least a portion of the linkages out of a plane of the first and second layers when the mechanisms are actuated. An apparatus, system, and method include one or more of the mechanisms for changing a contour of a surface provided by a cover overlying the mechanisms. An array of mechanisms or mechanisms corresponding to an array of positions on the surface may be selectively actuated to change the contour or texture of the surface. The array of mechanisms for changing the contour can provide user interface buttons selectively actuated by the mechanisms, which cause the buttons to emerge from the surface. A reconfigurable contour may be provided by selectable sets of the buttons associated with respective functions of a control panel, for example.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.