Hinge Input Device for Clamshell Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clamshell portable electronic devices face challenges in providing a clean aesthetic design and preventing unintentional button presses due to function buttons protruding from the side edges, which can interfere with the device's appearance and user interaction.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating input devices on the hinge member of the device, which are electrically coupled using flexible connectors or mechanical switches that activate or deactivate based on the device's position, allowing for a cleaner design and reducing unintended button presses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If function buttons are placed on the side edges of the device, then the device provides necessary input functionality, but the buttons protrude and create an unclean aesthetic design
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is relocated from the side edge (one-dimensional placement) to the hinge member, utilizing the third dimension of device depth. This allows the buttons to be positioned on the inner surface of the hinge, invisible from the front view, achieving a clean aesthetic while maintaining full input functionality through the same button controls.
2Ease of operation
If function buttons are placed on the side edges of the device, then the device provides necessary input functionality, but the protruding buttons can be unintentionally pressed during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is nested within the hinge member structure, specifically on the inner surface that is not visible or accessible during normal device handling. This nesting protects the buttons from unintentional presses while keeping them accessible when the user intentionally opens the device to the intermediate position for input.
3Shape
If input devices are incorporated in the hinge member, then the aesthetic design is improved and unintentional presses are reduced, but the electrical coupling becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible printed circuit board is used to electrically couple the input device on the hinge member to the main device body. This flexible circuit allows the hinge to flex and move while maintaining electrical connectivity, solving the coupling complexity issue through a flexible connection that accommodates the mechanical movement of the hinge.
4Shape
If input devices are incorporated in the hinge member, then the aesthetic design is improved and unintentional presses are reduced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge member serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical folding connection between front and back portions, houses the input device on its inner surface, and maintains electrical connectivity through the flexible circuit. This multi-functionality consolidates several components into one structure, reducing overall device complexity despite the added functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device, including a first portion, a second portion hingedly coupled to the first portion so that the first and second portions are movable between an open position and a closed position, and a hinge member coupled to the first portion and second portion adjacent the hinged end of the first and second portions. The hinge member includes at least one input device therein.