Foldable Electronic Device With Pivotal Connector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in balancing screen size for viewing experience and portability, as their dimensions are often dictated by the display screen, limiting flexibility and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design featuring a pivotally connected foldable display module and input module, allowing the device to open and close, with components that can move relative to each other, reducing overall size for portability while maintaining larger dimensions for use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the display screen dimensions are increased to enhance viewing experience, then the screen size is improved, but the device dimensions and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple separable components including a display module, input module, and connector portions that can be detached and reattached. This segmentation allows the display screen area to be large when needed while the device can be disassembled into smaller portable segments when portability is required
Solution Approach 2:
The connector includes movable portions that enable the display module and input module to dynamically change their relative positions and orientations. The connector can transition between connected and disconnected states, and allow rotational movement, enabling the device to adapt between large-screen configuration and compact portable configuration
2Length of moving object
If the device is made compact for portability, then device dimensions are reduced, but the display screen area and viewing experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The display module can be positioned to overlap with the input module when connected, creating a nested arrangement that reduces the overall device footprint. The flexible connector allows the display module to be folded back or positioned compactly while remaining functional, enabling portable carrying without permanently reducing display area
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device structure is made flexible and foldable, then portability is improved, but structural stability and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector includes cushioning elements and flexible portions that are pre-designed to absorb mechanical stress and protect the connection between display module and input module during folding and unfolding operations. This beforehand cushioning prevents damage to the structural integrity while enabling flexible configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates flexible circuit boards, flexible cables, and elastomeric materials that maintain electrical and mechanical connections while accommodating folding and bending. These flexible components preserve structural reliability through repeated flexing cycles while enabling the adaptability of foldable configurations
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for a foldable electronic device and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a foldable display module for an electronic computing device. The foldable display module includes a left display module portion that is foldable relative to a right display module portion. The apparatus further includes a foldable input module for the electronic computing device. The foldable input module includes a left input portion that is foldable relative to a right input portion. The apparatus further includes a connector that pivotally connects the foldable display module to the foldable input module such that the foldable display module is capable of pivotally opening and closing relative to the foldable input module.