Dual Foldable Display Hinges for Compact Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display devices lack the flexibility to provide a large, continuous display area while maintaining a compact footprint, especially in closed orientations, which limits their usability and portability.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring two foldable display housings coupled to a base housing via hinge assemblies, allowing for various orientations, including closed, intermediate, and open planar configurations, which can provide a combined display area greater than the base housing while maintaining a compact footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If conventional display devices use a fixed single-plane structure, then the device structure is simple, but the display area is limited and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is divided into multiple independent housings (base housing, first foldable display housing, second foldable display housing) that can be separated and reconfigured. Each housing contains its own display panel, allowing the total display area to be distributed across multiple segments that can be arranged in different spatial configurations through the hinge assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assemblies enable dynamic reconfiguration of the display device, allowing transitions between closed, intermediate, and open planar configurations. This dynamic structure permits the display area to be expanded when needed while maintaining a compact form factor when portability is prioritized, resolving the contradiction between fixed structure simplicity and display area flexibility.
2Area of moving object
If the device is designed with a compact footprint for portability, then the device is easy to transport, but the continuous display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable display housings can be nested within or adjacent to the base housing when in closed or intermediate configurations, creating a compact overall footprint. The displays are arranged in a nested-like configuration where the foldable portions can be folded back against the base, minimizing the external dimensions while preserving the full display area for when expansion is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement through hinge assemblies, allowing the display area to be distributed across multiple planes and dimensions. When expanded, the displays form a large continuous area across multiple housings; when contracted, the same displays are arranged in a compact three-dimensional configuration that minimizes footprint while maintaining access to the full display area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device uses multiple foldable display housings, then the display area is expanded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assemblies are designed to provide multiple functions: they enable folding, support the displays in various orientations (closed, intermediate, open planar configurations), and facilitate transitions between different usage modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic hinge assemblies allow the device to adapt to different usage scenarios by enabling smooth transitions between closed, intermediate, and open configurations. This dynamic capability provides versatility for different tasks (portability, viewing, working) without requiring multiple static structures, thereby managing complexity through a unified dynamic system.
Data Source
AI summary
A device can include a processor; memory accessible to the processor; a base housing; a first foldable display housing that includes a first foldable display; a first hinge assembly that couples the first foldable display housing to the base housing; a second foldable display housing that includes a second foldable display; and a second hinge assembly that couples the second foldable display housing to the base housing.