Asymmetric Foldable Display Keyboard Row for Function Key Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Convertible information handling systems face inefficiencies due to reduced key size and vertical travel in portable housings, leading to hunting and pecking for function keys, which disrupt user workflow and require attention away from displayed images.

Innovation Solution

A flexible display film extends across a hinge and adjacent a mechanical keyboard, presenting a touch function row that accepts inputs, with a timing controller under the keyboard to manage visual images and reduce the vertical stack, allowing for a full keyboard experience with reduced housing thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mechanical keyboard is used in a portable housing, then positive feedback and user friendliness are improved, but the size of keys and vertical travel are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser friendlinessVSAvoidkey size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the flexible display film from the lid portion over the hinge and underneath the main portion to the front surface, creating an additional dimensional space. This allows the touch function row to be positioned on the front surface adjacent to the mechanical keyboard, effectively utilizing the space between the keyboard and hinge without compromising key size or vertical travel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible display film that can be folded and positioned in three-dimensional space, extending from the lid over the hinge to the front surface. This flexible film structure enables the touch function row to be integrated into the portable housing without increasing its footprint, while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If function keys are included in the keyboard, then functionality is improved, but hunting and pecking time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidhunting and pecking time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a touch-sensitive function row that provides immediate visual feedback through the flexible display film. When a user touches a function key, the system responds instantly by executing the corresponding function or displaying relevant information, eliminating the need to visually locate and read key values as with traditional mechanical function keys.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical function keys with a touch-sensitive interface on the flexible display film. This substitution eliminates the need for physical key presses and visual confirmation, allowing users to access function capabilities through intuitive touch interactions while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the flexible display film extends across the hinge, then touch function row integration is improved, but curvature radius management becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration capabilityVSAvoidcurvature radius management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an asymmetric hinge mechanism where the pivot plate rotates off-axis from the hinge axle. This asymmetric configuration allows the flexible display film to follow a controlled curvature path during rotation, managing the curvature radius naturally through the geometric relationship between the pivot plate and hinge axle rather than requiring complex active control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a pivot plate as an intermediary component between the hinge and the flexible display film. This pivot plate serves as a mediator that translates hinge rotation into controlled movement of the flexible display film, managing curvature radius through its geometric relationship with the hinge axle and providing a stable support point for the display film during rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12554335B2Information handling system assymetric display fold to support an adaptive keyboard row

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A portable information handling system couples a flexible display film to a housing lid portion and across a hinge to a housing main portion where the flexible display film couples to a timing controller under a mechanical keyboard coupled to the housing main portion. A touch function row presented at the flexible display film between the hinge and mechanical keyboard accepts function key inputs. Mechanical keys coupled in a row over the flexible display film accept input as depressions detected by a touch detection surface of the flexible display film, switches disposed under the flexible display film or a membrane board disposed over the flexible display film.