Foldable Electronic Input Device for Expanded Touch Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable electronic devices lack a fully integrated handwriting touchpad with sufficient touch space, requiring external devices and limiting user convenience for drawing or writing due to their compact size.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic input device with a first and second body, capable of a folded and unfolded mode, integrating into a portable device, where the second and third input areas combine to form a larger touch area when unfolded, allowing for convenient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the touch input area is enlarged to provide sufficient space for drawing or writing, then the user convenience is improved, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is divided into a first body and a second body that can be folded relative to each other. The first body includes a first surface with a first input area and a second surface with a second input area, while the second body includes a third surface with a third input area. This segmentation allows the device to provide a large total input area when unfolded while maintaining a compact folded form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The input device utilizes three-dimensional folding to transition between compact and expanded states. When unfolded, the second body extends from the first body to provide additional input area in a direction perpendicular to the folded state, effectively increasing the available touch space without proportionally increasing the device's footprint when stored.
2Area of stationary object
If an external handwriting touchpad is used to provide sufficient touch space, then the drawing or writing capability is improved, but the device complexity and portability are worsened due to additional baggage
Solution Approach 1:
The handwriting touchpad functionality is merged directly into the portable electronic device by integrating the foldable input device with the display device and computing device. The first input area, second input area, and third input area are all electrically connected to the computing device, eliminating the need for separate external handwriting devices while providing sufficient touch space for drawing or writing.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable input device serves multiple functions: it provides a large input area for handwriting and drawing when unfolded, and can be folded into a compact form that integrates seamlessly with the portable electronic device when not in use. The device also includes both a first input area on the first surface and a second input area on the second surface, offering versatile input options.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable electronic input device having a folded mode and an unfolded mode is provided. The foldable electronic input device includes a first body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface and a second body having a third surface. A first input area and a second input area are disposed on the first surface and the second surface, respectively. The third input area is disposed on the third surface. When in the folded mode, the second body is located directly below the first body and the third surface faces the second surface. When in the unfolded mode, the first body is located beside the second body, the second surface forms a plane with the third surface, and the second input area and the third input area constitute a fourth input area. A portable electronic device including the foldable electronic input device is also provided.