Dual-Directional Sliding Hinge for Compact Multi-Function Portables
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Portable devices with touch panels face limitations in providing multiple functions within a limited volume, as relying solely on touch panels is insufficient to accommodate increasing functionality demands.
Innovation Solution
A dual directional sliding hinge system that allows two casings to slide relative to each other, featuring different sliding distances in each direction, enabling the user to selectively utilize various functioning units while minimizing the device's volume when folded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional touch panel design is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot provide multiple functions within limited volume
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional modules including a cover assembly with display, a base assembly with keyboard, and intermediate assemblies with additional functioning units. These segmented modules can be independently configured and combined through the sliding hinge mechanism, allowing multiple functions to be packed into a compact volume by arranging functions in spatial segments rather than integrating them into a single monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding hinge mechanism introduces a new dimension of motion (sliding along the hinge axis) in addition to the conventional opening/closing rotation. This additional degree of freedom allows functioning units to be accessed and configured in three-dimensional space, enabling more functions to be packed into the same footprint by utilizing the sliding dimension to layer or stack functional elements rather than arranging them only in planar dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functioning units are added to increase device functionality, then the device provides more functions, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate assemblies containing additional functioning units are designed to be nested within or adjacent to the cover and base assemblies. When the device is closed, these intermediate assemblies with their functioning units (such as cameras, sensors, or additional input devices) are positioned within the overlapping volume of the cover and base, effectively nesting multiple functional layers within the same external footprint, thus adding functionality without increasing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding hinge mechanism makes the configuration of functioning units dynamic rather than static. Users can slide the intermediate assemblies to different positions along the hinge axis to access different functioning units as needed. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the same physical space to serve multiple functional purposes at different times, effectively packing more functions into the same volume by temporal and spatial multiplexing of the sliding mechanism.
3Volume of moving object
If the device is designed with smallest volume when folded, then the portability is improved, but the access to functioning units becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate assemblies are pre-positioned within the closed device configuration, with their functioning units already arranged and ready for use. When the user opens or slides the device, the functioning units are immediately accessible without requiring additional assembly or configuration steps. This preliminary arrangement ensures that even in the compact closed state, all functioning units are pre-configured and can be quickly accessed by simple sliding motions, maintaining ease of operation while preserving compact volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding hinge mechanism acts as an intermediary that mediates between the compact closed state and the expanded open state. It provides a smooth transition path that allows users to access functioning units at any position along the sliding trajectory, not just at the fully open position. This intermediary mechanism enables partial opening or sliding to access specific functioning units while maintaining a more compact configuration than fully opening, thus balancing volume reduction with ease of access to different functioning units.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual directional sliding hinge is mounted in a portable device with a cover, a first base and a second base and has a main panel, a first sliding unit, a second sliding unit. The main panel is attached to the cover. The first sliding unit is attached to the first base. The second sliding unit is attached to the second base. When the first and second sliding units slide at the closing position, the cover and the first and second bases are folded to have a smallest volume. Since the first and second sliding units have different sliding distances when sliding to different directions, the functioning units on the first and second bases are revealed alternatively. Therefore, the user can decide to use different functioning units as desired.