Convertible Tablet Hinge and Transparent OLED Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Convertible tablet devices face adoption lag due to complex conversion mechanisms between notebook and tablet modes, which are unreliable and increase manufacturing costs, making them uncompetitive.

Innovation Solution

A convertible tablet device with a simple hinge mechanism that allows seamless rotation between modes, featuring a transparent OLED display that adjusts transparency and image orientation automatically or manually, enabling touch screen functionality on both sides for enhanced usability and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex conversion mechanisms are used to enable mode switching, then the device can operate in both notebook and tablet modes, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidconversion mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate panels (display panel and input panel) that can independently rotate and fold. This segmentation allows each panel to move freely without complex conversion mechanisms, as each panel can be folded independently along its own hinge axis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of movement by allowing panels to rotate about their own axes in addition to the traditional clamshell opening/closing motion. This enables the display panel to rotate 180 degrees and the input panel to rotate independently, creating tablet mode without complex conversion mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex conversion mechanisms are used to enable mode switching, then the device can operate in both notebook and tablet modes, but manufacturing expense increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing expense

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the device into two independent panels with separate hinges, the patent simplifies the manufacturing process. Each panel can be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to complex conversion mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex mechanisms to transform a notebook into a tablet, the patent inverts the approach by using simple independent folding of panels to achieve both modes. The tablet mode is achieved by folding panels together rather than transforming a complex structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex conversion mechanisms are used, then mode conversion is achieved, but reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode conversionVSAvoidconversion mechanism reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Segmenting the device into two independent panels with separate hinges allows each panel to move independently without complex interactions. This reduces mechanical wear and failure points, improving reliability compared to complex conversion mechanisms that require multiple moving parts to work together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamic independent folding of panels rather than rigid complex conversion mechanisms. The panels can be folded at any angle and locked in place, providing reliable mode conversion that is easier to manufacture and more durable in the long run.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a user-friendly and reliable mechanism for switching between modes, improving user experience and device longevity by simplifying the conversion process and enhancing functionality with touch screen interaction on both sides.

Implementation Method 1

The display panel 104 may be set to a transparent state in which light is permitted to pass through the back surface of the display panel 104

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS9791943B2Convertible computing device

Publication Date: 2017.10.17 INTEL CORP

AI summary

An apparatus may include a first panel having a first user interface that includes a keyboard. The apparatus may also include a second panel coupled via a hinge to the first panel in a clamshell structure. The second panel may include a first display side to present information in a first display mode when the apparatus is arranged in an open position, and a second display side to present information in a second display mode when the apparatus is arranged in a closed position. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.