Foldable Display Device with Hinge Assembly for Reduced Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laptop computing devices have limitations in flexibility and usability, particularly in terms of footprint and ergonomic design, which can affect user interaction and viewing angles, especially when transitioning between closed and open orientations.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a folding case with a flexible display that spans across a fold region, allowing for multiple orientations and a reduced footprint, incorporating a processor, memory, and a keyboard, with a hinge assembly that enables curvature and adjustable grip sizes for improved usability and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional laptop structure with rigid display and keyboard housings is used, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability in terms of orientations and footprint are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible display component that can bend and conform to different orientations, replacing the traditional rigid display assembly. This flexible display is integrated into a folding case structure that allows the device to transition between multiple configurations (closed, open, tent, and tablet modes) while maintaining structural integrity through the folding mechanism design
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a dynamic folding case with a hinge assembly that enables continuous adjustment between different orientations and angles. The keyboard housing and display housing can pivot relative to each other, allowing the device to adapt its configuration based on user needs while maintaining stability through controlled mechanical movement rather than fixed rigid connections
2Area of stationary object
If the device is folded to reduce footprint, then portability is improved, but the risk of key contact with the display increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding case design creates a three-dimensional folded configuration rather than a flat collapsed state. When folded, the keyboard housing and display housing form an angled structure where the keyboard keys are positioned in a different spatial plane, separated from the display surface by the folding geometry, thus eliminating direct contact while achieving compact footprint
3Ease of operation
If a flexible display spanning the fold region is used, then usability and viewing angles are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible display serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the primary viewing surface, acts as a structural element that spans and connects the fold region, and enables various viewing angles and orientations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing complexity while enhancing usability
Data Source
AI summary
A device can include a folding case that includes a fold region that defines a first portion and a second portion of the folding case; a housing disposed on the first portion of the folding case where the housing includes a processor, memory operatively coupled to the processor, and a keyboard operatively coupled to the processor; and a flexible display operatively coupled to the processor and disposed in part on the first portion of the folding case and disposed in part on the second portion of the folding case.