Clamshell Auxiliary Display Rotation via Cover Notch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamshell electronic devices, such as notebooks, do not allow users to access information like time, weather, or messages when the cover is closed, as the display faces the keyboard in this orientation.
Innovation Solution
A clamshell electronic device with an auxiliary display unit and an orientation adjustment mechanism, where the auxiliary display unit is positioned on the device body and can rotate between orientations, allowing information to be visible through a cover notch even when the cover is closed, and synchronized with the main display when opened.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the display is disposed only on the cover, then the device structure is simple, but the user cannot access information when the cover is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is divided into two independent parts: a main display on the cover and an auxiliary display unit on the device body. This segmentation allows the auxiliary display to provide information access independently when the cover is closed, while the main display handles full functionality when the cover is open, thus improving information accessibility without requiring a complete redesign of the entire display system.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary display unit acts as an intermediary between the user and the device information when the cover is closed. It provides a simplified interface for accessing key information (time, weather, messages) without requiring the user to open the cover and interact with the main display, thus improving ease of operation for frequent information checks.
2Ease of operation
If the auxiliary display unit is added on the device body, then information can be accessed when closed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary display unit is designed to be rotatable between a first orientation (visible through cover notch when closed) and a second orientation (visible when cover is open). This dynamic positioning allows the same display unit to serve dual purposes: providing information access when closed and integrating with the main display when open, thereby improving information accessibility while minimizing the need for additional permanent structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary display unit serves multiple functions: it displays information when the cover is closed (visible through cover notch), and it continues to display information when the cover is open (in conjunction with the main display). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate display systems for different states, thereby improving information accessibility while controlling device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the cover covers the device body completely, then the device is compact, but the auxiliary display cannot be visible
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed with a localized opening (cover notch) at a specific position rather than being completely closed. This local modification allows the auxiliary display unit to be visible through the notch when the cover is closed, providing display visibility in the closed state without significantly increasing the overall cover coverage area or compromising the compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to make the display visible by opening the cover (changing the cover's spatial state), the solution uses the cover notch to provide visibility through a different spatial path - from the exterior environment through the notch to the auxiliary display on the device body. This dimensional approach allows display visibility while maintaining the cover's closed protective function.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamshell electronic device is provided. The clamshell electronic device includes a device body, a cover, an auxiliary display unit and an orientation adjustment mechanism. The cover pivots on the device body, and the cover includes a cover notch. The auxiliary display unit is disposed on the device body, wherein the auxiliary display unit is adapted to be rotated between a first unit orientation and a second unit orientation. The orientation adjustment mechanism is connected to the cover and the auxiliary display unit, wherein when the cover is in a first cover orientation relative to the device body, the cover covers the device body, and the auxiliary display unit is in the first unit orientation and corresponds to the cover notch.The user can obtain information such as time, weather or messages directly via the auxiliary display unit in the the cover notch.