Double-fold Portable Electronic Device with Segmented Planar Housings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-function portable electronic devices face limitations in maximizing operable surface area while maintaining portability, as flip devices become restrictive with increasing functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A double-fold portable electronic device design featuring three interconnected hexahedral planar housings with specialized joints and recesses allows for a flexible, compact structure that expands to increase surface area for input and output devices, such as display screens and keyboards, while minimizing volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a flip device is used to attach screen to keyboard, then the device can be compact in storage, but the operable surface area is limited when functionalities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into three separate planar housings (first, second, and third housings) that can be folded relative to each other. Each housing can contain different functional components (screen, keyboard, camera, etc.), allowing the operable surface area to be expanded across multiple segments while maintaining a compact folded profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional two-section flip design to a three-section accordion-style foldable structure. This additional dimension of folding allows the device to expand in multiple directions, increasing the total operable surface area while keeping the collapsed volume compact.
2Area of stationary object
If the operable surface is maximized for multiple functions, then more input and output devices can be included, but the device volume increases reducing portability
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into three foldable housings, the patent allows functional components to be distributed across multiple surfaces. When folded, these segments collapse into a compact form; when unfolded, they provide extensive operable surface area for multiple input and output devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic folding joints that allow the housings to transition between compact and expanded states. This dynamic structure enables the operable surface area to be adjusted based on usage needs while maintaining portability when folded.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional flip device structure is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to increasing functionalities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The three-housing segmented structure provides modular flexibility, allowing different functional components to be assigned to different housings. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity through standardized folding joints while enabling high adaptability for various functional configurations (screens, keyboards, cameras, etc.).
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable three-housing structure serves as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple input and output devices across different housings. The same basic structure supports various functional configurations, enhancing versatility without requiring complex manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple-fold portable electronic device is provided. The portable electronic device in one embodiment includes a first, second and third planar sections. The first and second planar sections are connected by a first joint and foldable in relation to each other. The second and third planar sections are connected by a second joint and foldable in relation to each other. Each planar section can include an input device or an output device or both.