Electrochromic Two-Way Display for Laptop-Tablet Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices face challenges in implementing 360-degree hinge rotation for tablet mode while maintaining compact size and allowing user interaction in multiple modes, as existing hinges can be cumbersome and expose input devices, hindering user experience.
Innovation Solution
A two-way display device with electrochromic materials applied to glass panels and an OLED display, allowing the display to be viewed from either side and controlled to become transparent or opaque based on the device's mode, thereby hiding or revealing input devices as needed, and enabling seamless transitions between laptop and tablet modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lid is constructed of opaque material, then the device can be used in tablet mode with the lid closed, but the user cannot interact with the touchscreen display when the lid is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The display device dynamically changes its optical properties from opaque to transparent based on the operational mode. In tablet mode, the display becomes transparent to allow user interaction with the touchscreen when the lid is closed, while in laptop mode it remains opaque for privacy and aesthetic purposes. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between tablet mode usability and touchscreen interaction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device changes its transparency parameter based on operational context. By adjusting the transparency parameter, the system enables user interaction with the touchscreen in tablet mode when the lid is closed, while maintaining opacity in laptop mode. This parameter change allows the same physical structure to serve multiple functional requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hinges are used to allow 360 degree rotation, then the device can be used in multiple modes, but the device size and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional hinge mechanism from the system and replaces it with a magnetic attachment system. The lid is magnetically attracted to the base, allowing it to stay in position without mechanical connection. This extraction of the hinge enables 360-degree rotation and multiple operational modes while significantly reducing device thickness and eliminating mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical hinge system is replaced with a magnetic field-based attachment system. The magnetic force provides the necessary holding strength to maintain the lid in various positions (0 degrees, 180 degrees, 360 degrees) without requiring mechanical joints, bearings, or linkages. This substitution eliminates the thickness and complexity associated with traditional hinges while preserving multi-mode operation capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the display is always opaque, then privacy is maintained, but user interaction with the touchscreen is blocked when the lid is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The display dynamically adjusts its transparency based on the detected operational mode. When the system detects tablet mode operation (lid closed at 0 or 180 degrees), the display becomes transparent to enable user interaction. When in laptop mode (lid open at various angles), the display remains opaque for privacy. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between privacy protection and touchscreen accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors (such as accelerometers or lid position detectors) to determine the operational mode and automatically adjusts the display transparency accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the display is transparent only when needed for user interaction in tablet mode, while maintaining opacity for privacy in laptop mode, thus resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
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
Enables efficient use of computing devices in both laptop and tablet modes by controlling display visibility to conceal input devices when necessary, enhancing user experience and reducing hinge size and thickness, while maintaining functionality across multiple positions.
Implementation Method 1
A computing device can include a base, and a lid coupled to the base. The lid can house a display device including a first electrochromic material, a second electrochromic material, and an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display.
Implementation Method 2
The OLED display can be located between the first electrochromic material and the second electrochromic material.
Data Source
AI summary
In one general aspect, a computing device can include a base, and a lid coupled to the base, the lid housing a display device that includes a first electrochromic material, a second electrochromic material, and an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. The OLED display can be located between the first electrochromic material and the second electrochromic material.