Crossfold Computing Device Hinge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable computing devices face challenges in reducing size while maintaining functionality, with limitations in protecting the display and providing a full-sized keyboard, and often require unwieldy protection or complex hinge systems that compromise portability and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A crossfold computing device design utilizing simple, robust hinges that allow for multiple configurations, including a laptop, prone, cell phone, and flat configurations, with interspersed hinge arrangements and low-aspect-ratio keys to facilitate easy transition and protect the display, while maintaining rigidity and supporting multiple angles for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a sliding component is used to extend the visible footprint, then the keyboard width is limited to the width of the closed device, but the device size is reduced for portability
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple sections that can be folded relative to each other. The housing includes a first section and a second section that can be folded along a first axis, while the keyboard is divided into key sections that can fold along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, enabling expansion in both dimensions independently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sliding expansion to two-dimensional folding expansion by introducing folding axes perpendicular to each other, allowing the device to expand not only in width but also in depth, creating a truly full-sized keyboard layout from a compact closed form factor
2Length of moving object
If the device is folded to reduce size, then portability is improved, but the display is exposed to possible breakage without protection
Solution Approach 1:
The display assembly is nested within the housing structure such that when the device is folded along the first axis, the display becomes sandwiched between the first and second sections of the housing, providing protective enclosure during portable storage
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is designed to provide protective cushioning to the display assembly before any external force can cause damage, with the folded configuration itself acting as the protective mechanism by enclosing the display between structural sections
3Adaptability or versatility
If laptop computers are used to provide full sized keyboards and displays, then functionality is improved, but the device becomes heavy and requires unwieldy protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film display assemblies and flexible keyboard structures that can be folded repeatedly, replacing the rigid, heavy construction of traditional laptops with lightweight, flexible components that maintain full functionality while dramatically reducing weight
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex hinge systems are used to enable folding, then versatility of configurations is improved, but friction increases and simplicity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system is designed with universal joints that can accommodate multiple folding configurations through simple rotational movement along perpendicular axes, rather than requiring complex mechanical systems for each specific configuration, achieving multi-functionality through geometric arrangement of simple hinges
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge system allows dynamic reconfiguration of the device into multiple stable configurations (fully folded, partially folded, fully unfolded) through continuous rotational movement, rather than requiring fixed mechanical stops or complex locking mechanisms for each position
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 device achieves a significant increase in area with a small footprint, protects the display in closed configurations, and allows for versatile use scenarios with a compact form factor, supporting both keyboard and display functionality without complex mechanisms, enhancing portability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A first hinge mechanism (114) rotatably connects the keyboard modules (110, 112) to one another. A second hinge mechanism (124) connects the display modules (120, 122) to one another
Implementation Method 2
Third and fourth hinge mechanisms (130, 132) rotatably connect modules (110, 120) and (112, 122), respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device with a keyboard and display is configurable to fold from a compact and protective pocket sized closed configuration to other computing configurations. An embodiment of the device includes dispersed or interspersed hinge mechanisms to enable a cross folding mechanism to configure the device to multiple configurations using only simple hinges. An embodiment of the device further unfolds to a fully flat configuration supported by interspersed feet. Keys of reduced aspect ratio can reduce the footprint of a folded device without reducing the key's sideways spacing. A rotating input pad can supplement the keyboard input without increasing the footprint of the folded pocked sized configuration.