Foldable Computing Device With Dual Hinge Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional notebook computers have fixed screen sizes, making them inconvenient for both portability and long-term use due to size and weight limitations.

Innovation Solution

A foldable computing device with a host case, two enclosures pivotally connected via hinges, and a flexible display panel that can be folded to 0° or 360°, providing multiple usage modes such as notebook, pad, presentation pad, and closed modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the screen size of traditional notebook computer is increased to improve long-term usability, then the display area is improved, but the portability and weight are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display system is segmented into multiple independent display panels (first display panel and second display panel) that can be folded relative to each other. This allows the total display area to be increased while the individual panel sizes remain manageable for portability. The display panels can be configured in different arrangements (side-by-side, stacked, or folded) to provide large display area when needed and compact form when portable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display configuration is made dynamic through foldable joints that allow the display panels to change their relative positions and orientations. The display panels can be folded to different angles or completely folded back, transforming the device from a compact portable state to an expanded large-display state. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same physical device to provide both small and large display areas as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If the screen size of traditional notebook computer is increased to improve long-term usability, then the display area is improved, but the portability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display system is segmented into multiple independent display panels that can be folded relative to each other. This allows the total display area to be increased while the individual panel sizes remain manageable for portability. The display panels can be configured in different arrangements (side-by-side, stacked, or folded) to provide large display area when needed and compact form when portable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display configuration is made dynamic through foldable joints that allow the display panels to change their relative positions and orientations. The display panels can be folded to different angles or completely folded back, transforming the device from a compact portable state to an expanded large-display state. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same physical device to provide both small and large display areas as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the screen size of traditional notebook computer is fixed to simplify design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different usage scenarios is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign complexityVSAvoidusage mode adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display system is designed with universal functionality through foldable joints that enable multiple usage configurations. The same physical hardware (display panels and connecting joints) can be arranged in different configurations (side-by-side for multitasking, stacked for presentation mode, or folded back for compact storage). This multi-functionality allows a single device design to adapt to various usage scenarios without requiring separate specialized devices.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The display configuration is made dynamic through foldable joints that allow the display panels to change their relative positions and orientations. The display panels can be folded to different angles or completely folded back, transforming the device from a compact portable state to an expanded large-display state. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same physical device to provide both small and large display areas as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250036169A1Foldable computing device
Publication Date: 2025.01.30 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20250036169A1 patent drawing
  • US20250036169A1 patent drawing
  • US20250036169A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is a foldable computing device, comprising, a host case; a first enclosure pivotally coupled to the back side of the host case via a first hinge; a second enclosure pivotally coupled to the front side of the first enclosure via a second hinge; a flexible display panel attached to the first enclosure and the second enclosure; and a locking unit arranged between the first enclosure and the second enclosure, which is configured for locking the first enclosure and the second enclosure together after the second enclosure being opened from the first enclosure, or, unlocking the first enclosure and the second enclosure before the second enclosure being closed onto the first enclosure.