Detachable Display Member With Rotatable Support Hinge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current portable computing devices are limited in their ability to adapt to different form factors, restricting user flexibility and ergonomic comfort as content creation and consumption needs change.

Innovation Solution

A detachable display member rotatably coupled to a support member, with a base member including an input device and a hinge system that allows for multiple form factor configurations, enabling the display member to be positioned at various angles and detached for use as a tablet device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a portable computing device uses a fixed form factor design, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the device cannot adapt to different user needs and environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveform factor adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: a display member and a base member that can be detached from each other. The display member can function independently as a tablet device, while the base member provides input capabilities. This segmentation allows the device to adapt between laptop and tablet form factors without requiring a completely different design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display member is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as the display component when attached to the base member in laptop mode, and as a standalone tablet device when detached. The hinge system also provides multiple configuration options including folded, extended, and angled positions, enabling the same component to fulfill different ergonomic needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a portable computing device uses a detachable display member with hinge system, then the device can adapt to multiple form factors, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveform factor adaptabilityVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the display member and base member, providing a controlled connection that maintains electrical continuity while allowing relative movement. The hinge includes electrical contacts that ensure reliable data and power transmission during rotation and positioning, reducing the risk of connection failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge system is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing rotation and adjustment while maintaining connection integrity. The electrical contacts within the hinge are positioned to maintain contact during rotational movement, ensuring that the connection remains reliable throughout the range of motion required for different form factor configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the display member is detached for tablet use, then the device portability is improved, but the electrical connection between components is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage mode flexibilityVSAvoidconnection management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection functionality is extracted from the permanent structure and integrated into the detachable hinge system. This allows the connection to be present when needed (attached state) and absent when not needed (detached state), providing flexibility without requiring complex permanent wiring that would constrain the detachable design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This configuration allows for versatile use in laptop, tablet, and convertible modes, enhancing user ergonomics and productivity by accommodating different user preferences and environments.

Implementation Method 1

The support member is rotatably coupled to the base member at a hinge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the first channel, the second channel in combination with the electrically conductive interface member are configured to accommodate an electrically conductive connection between the base member and the display member to provide a communications medium as well as supply power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3049883B1Detachable display member with support member
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP3049883B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3049883B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3049883B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A support member may be rotatably coupled to a display member and detachably coupled to a base member. The support member may be positionable to form an angle with the display member.