Biaxial Hinge Mechanism for Multi-Mode Handheld Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile phones and PDAs struggle to provide optimal operation modes for both mobile communication and data processing due to limitations in hinge design, leading to inconvenient input methods and physical strain during use.
Innovation Solution
A handheld electronic data processing device featuring a first body with transverse and longitudinal keypads, a hinge seat, and a biaxial hinge system allowing the second body to swivel about three rotational axes, enabling the display screen to face the first body or fold over it, thus allowing for multiple operation modes such as handheld touch, QWERTY keypad entry, and mobile phone operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a one-way hinge is used to couple the flip cover to the host, then the flip cover can accommodate a larger display screen, but the hinge allows the flip cover to swivel only one way, thus limiting the operation mode and creating many inconveniences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a biaxial hinge mechanism that enables the flip cover to dynamically adjust its position along two rotational axes (X-axis and Y-axis), transforming the static one-way hinge into a dynamic multi-position coupling system. This allows the display screen to be positioned in multiple orientations (front-facing, back-facing, side-facing) to support various operation modes including phone mode, PDA mode, and camera mode, thereby resolving the contradiction between screen area and operational versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second rotational axis (Y-axis) in addition to the traditional single axis (X-axis), adding a new dimension of movement to the hinge system. This dimensional expansion enables the flip cover to rotate not only horizontally but also vertically, creating multiple operation modes without compromising the display screen area, thus resolving the contradiction between screen size and functional adaptability
2Area of moving object
If the flip cover is opened for data entry on the keypad, then the display screen area is increased, but the keypad is narrow and suitable for only one hand input operation, so input speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The biaxial hinge enables the flip cover to be positioned at multiple angles and orientations, allowing users to dynamically adjust the device configuration based on input needs. In PDA mode, the flip cover can be positioned to provide optimal viewing angle for the display screen while keeping the full QWERTY keypad accessible, thereby increasing input speed without reducing screen area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates both a phone keypad and a full QWERTY keypad into the host body, making the device universal for both mobile communication and data processing functions. The biaxial hinge allows the flip cover to be positioned to accommodate either keypad type, enabling the device to function as both a phone and a PDA with high input speed for data entry
3Ease of operation
If a stylus is used to operate on the touch screen, then the keypad on the host cannot be hidden behind the display screen, but unconsciously hitting the buttons often occurs and results in interference to the touch screen
Solution Approach 1:
The biaxial hinge allows the flip cover to be dynamically positioned in front of the host body during touch screen operation, effectively hiding the keypad behind the display screen. This dynamic repositioning eliminates the harmful factor of unconscious button pressing while maintaining ease of touch screen operation, as the flip cover acts as a physical shield between the user's hand and the keypad
4Adaptability or versatility
If the display screen is swiveled with its back side folding over the host to provide photo mode, then the mobile phone may be used like a digital camera, but the host and flip cover structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a biaxial hinge mechanism that, while more complex than a single-axis hinge, provides dynamic adjustability along two rotational axes. This dynamic capability enables the display screen to be swiveled to multiple positions including the photo mode configuration where the back side of the display screen faces the user for camera operation, achieving high adaptability with a relatively compact hinge structure
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld electronic data processing device includes a first body, a second body and a hinge seat. The first body has a first keypad and a second keypad located in different directions. The second body has a display screen. The first body and the hinge seat are coupled through a first hinge such that the hinge seat is rotatable relative to the first body about a first rotational axis. The second body and the hinge seat are coupled through a second hinge such that the second body is rotatable about two rotational axes relative to the hinge seat. Thereby the second body may be swiveled relative to the first body about three rotational axes to provide varying operation modes corresponding to different functions.