Dual-Screen Linkage Structure for Portable Multitasking Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Single-screen portable electronic devices fail to effectively support multi-tasking scenarios, necessitating a device that enhances usability and visibility for improved efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A portable electronic device featuring a linkage mechanism where two ends of a first link are pivotally connected to a first display and a second display, allowing the first display to be opened relative to the base while the second display is tilted on the first display, improving visibility and usage efficiency through a single operational step.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single-screen portable electronic device is used, then the device structure is simple, but the multi-tasking capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-tasking capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display system is segmented into a first display and a second display that can be independently operated. The second display is positioned between the base and the first display, allowing simultaneous use of both screens for multi-tasking operations without requiring a completely new device architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second display is nested between the base and the first display, with the linkage mechanism integrated within the existing device structure. This nesting approach adds multi-tasking capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the second display is added between the base and the first display, then the visibility and usage efficiency are improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage efficiencyVSAvoidlinkage mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage mechanism combines the functions of supporting the second display and enabling its tilting motion into a single integrated structure. The first link connects the first display to the second display, while the second link connects the second display to the base, merging multiple support functions into one cohesive mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The linkage mechanism serves multiple functions: it supports the weight of the second display, enables tilting motion for visibility adjustment, and coordinates the movement between the first display and the second display. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function

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

3Illumination intensity

If the second display is tilted on the first display through linkage mechanism, then the visibility is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay visibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The second display is designed with dynamic tilting capability through the linkage mechanism, allowing it to adjust its angle relative to the first display. This dynamic positioning improves visibility by enabling the second display to be tilted toward the user, and the patent specifies that the tilting angle can be adjusted within a range of 0 to 45 degrees

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the first display and the second display, providing the necessary mechanical connection and motion control. The first link and second link work together as intermediary components to enable the tilting motion without requiring direct connection between the displays and the base

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3923116B1Portable electronic device
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 PEGATRON
  • EP3923116B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3923116B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP3923116B1 patent drawingFigure 1D

AI summary

A portable electronic device includes a base, a first display, a second display, and a linkage mechanism. The first display is pivotally connected to the base, and the first display is movable to be opened or closed relative to the base. The second display is located between the base and the first display. The linkage mechanism includes at least one first link. Two ends of the first link are pivotally connected to the first display and the second display, respectively. When the first display is opened relative to the base, the at least one first link rotates to drive the second display to move up relative to the base. When the first display is closed relative to the base, the at least one first link rotates in an opposite direction to drive the second display to move down to be accommodated between the first display and the base.