Extendable Connecting Link for Dual Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge mechanisms in mobile consumer devices are complex, obtrusive, and do not allow dual displays to open side-by-side, limiting the ability to form a larger display surface while occupying valuable space.
Innovation Solution
An extendable connecting link system that includes interlocking link sections with integrated cams, allowing the device to adjust length and rotate, enabling dual displays to open to 180 degrees and form a larger surface while routing electrical connections internally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hinge mechanisms are used to connect housing parts, then the device can open and close, but the mechanism becomes complex and obtrusive, taking up space that would otherwise be used for display
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting link is divided into multiple sections (first link section and second link section) that can slide relative to each other. This segmentation allows the hinge mechanism to achieve the required motion while reducing overall complexity and space requirements compared to traditional multi-component hinges.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical interconnection is routed through an interconnection channel that is formed when the link sections are slide-engaged. This nesting approach integrates the electrical connection pathway within the mechanical structure itself, eliminating the need for separate cable routing and reducing overall mechanism complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hinge mechanisms are used, then the device can position displays, but the mechanism is obtrusive and prevents dual displays from opening side-by-side to form one larger display
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting link incorporates sliding link sections that can dynamically adjust their relative positions. This dynamic capability allows the mechanism to accommodate the full 180-degree opening required for dual displays to form a larger side-by-side display surface, whereas conventional fixed-length hinges would obstruct this configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a simple rotational hinge to a multi-dimensional system combining rotation with linear sliding motion. This additional degree of freedom enables the displays to achieve a larger effective area by opening fully to 180 degrees without the mechanical obstruction that would exist in a conventional hinge design.
3Volume of moving object
If the device is made smaller for portability, then it is more convenient to carry, but the display surface becomes smaller
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding link sections provide dynamic length adjustment, allowing the device to maintain a compact form factor when closed while enabling full expansion to 180 degrees when open. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the device to be small for portability yet provide large display surface area when in use.
4Area of stationary object
If the connecting link is made extendable to allow full 180-degree opening, then dual displays can form a larger surface, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical interconnection is merged with the mechanical structure by routing it through the interconnection channel formed by the slide-engaged link sections. This integration eliminates the need for separate cable management systems and reduces overall mechanism complexity despite the extended motion capability required for large display surface area.
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments of an extendable connecting link, a first link section attaches in a first housing part of a device and a second link section attaches in a second housing part of the device. The first and second link sections interlock and slide-engage relative to each other. An interconnection channel routes an electrical interconnection between the first housing part and the second housing part of the device, where the interconnection channel is formed when the first and second link sections are slide-engaged. The first and second link sections also slide relative to each other to increase or decrease a length of the extendable connecting link.