Case Study: Lenovo achieves stiffer, more durable ThinkPads and improved keystroke feel with Dassault Systemes' Abaqus FEA

Lenovo ThinkPads Get Tougher and More Sensitive with Abaqus FEA

Lenovo turned to Dassault Systemes’ SIMULIA Abaqus FEA to tackle a core product challenge: making ThinkPad notebooks lighter and sleeker without sacrificing durability or the signature keystroke “feel.” Engineers needed to predict and eliminate flex that could damage motherboards and displays, evaluate composite materials and layups for covers, and validate designs early to cut development time and prototyping costs.

Using Dassault Systemes’ Abaqus, Lenovo ran end-to-end simulations (drop, shock, vibration, static pressure, motherboard strain and keystroke behavior) that closely matched physical tests — including load cases of 400–3,200 g. Analysis showed horizontal CFRP lay-up reduced deformation, validated a patented CFRP/GFRP joint, and guided Shinai revisions (reducing contact stress from 8.4 MPa in the Kodachi to 2.2 MPa and avoiding the Kodachi’s 5.8 mm rear-cover deformation in problem areas). Keystroke simulations (0.6–1.2 N) also matched test results. The Dassault Systemes solution delivered faster development, fewer prototypes, lower costs and more reliable ThinkPads.

Lenovo

Zhifeng Xin

Lenovo