Dual Screen Phone Hinge Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single and dual-screen handheld computing devices face limitations in efficiently displaying information and receiving user input due to space constraints, leading to user frustration and productivity loss, with dual-screen devices being cumbersome and difficult to maneuver.
Innovation Solution
A dual multi-display handheld computing device with two touch-sensitive screens connected by a hinge, utilizing Hall-Effect sensors to determine relative screen positions and a compact hinge design that minimizes the inter-screen gap, allowing for various orientations and a robust, reduced-size housing that enhances usability and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single display is used in handheld computing devices, then the device maintains a compact form factor, but the display space is constrained making it difficult to interpret actions or results and requiring applications to be squeezed into smaller portions
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple independent display panels (first display panel and second display panel) that can be positioned in different spatial arrangements. This segmentation allows the total display area to be expanded while maintaining a compact device form factor by utilizing three-dimensional space rather than simply increasing the footprint of a single display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional single display to a three-dimensional multi-display arrangement by positioning display panels in different spatial planes and orientations. The hinge mechanism enables the display panels to be arranged in various configurations (side-by-side, above-below, angled), effectively utilizing the third dimension to expand display space without proportionally increasing device volume.
2Ease of operation
If a virtual keypad or user interface is superimposed on the display, then user input capability is provided, but the application area is reduced to an even smaller portion of the display
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented across multiple display panels, with different panels dedicated to different functions. For example, one display panel can be dedicated to displaying application content while another panel displays the virtual keypad or user interface elements. This functional segmentation allows both application display and user input to occur simultaneously without one obscuring the other.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual-screen devices are designed to provide enhanced display space, then versatility is improved, but the device becomes cumbersome and difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism providing dynamic adjustability between the display panels, allowing users to position the panels in different configurations based on their needs. The display panels can be adjusted to various angles and positions, enabling the device to adapt to different usage scenarios while maintaining a manageable form factor that doesn't become cumbersome during operation.
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 provides enhanced power and versatility by efficiently managing screen space, reducing user fatigue, and improving maneuverability while maintaining a compact form factor, thus addressing the limitations of traditional single and dual-screen devices.
Implementation Method 1
one or more Hall-Effect sensor operable, at a selected time, to sense one or more of variations in and a strength of the electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld communication device includes first and second screens, a hinge to rotate the first and second screens between open and closed positions, and a position sensor to determine the relative position of the first and second screens. The position sensor can be a Hall-Effect sensor.