Foldable Tablet Spine Support for Stable Book-Style Viewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional foldable electronic devices with displays on both portions lack a stable base when oriented in a book posture, limiting their usability on various surfaces without manual support.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a deployable support within the spine or hinge of the electronic device, allowing it to be deployed when needed to hold the device upright or at an angle for comfortable viewing, while maintaining a stowed position for handheld use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a book-style foldable device is used without a base, then it provides flexibility for handheld usage, but it lacks stability when placed on surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandheld usage flexibilityVSAvoidstability on surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is designed to be dynamically deployable, transitioning from a stowed position during handheld use to a deployed position when surface placement is needed. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt its stability characteristics based on the usage context, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is segmented into movable components that can be deployed independently from the main device body. This segmentation allows the support to be integrated into the device without permanently increasing its complexity or interfering with handheld usage, while providing stability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If a deployable support is integrated into the device, then stability on surfaces is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability on surfacesVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is merged with the existing hinge mechanism of the book-style device. By integrating the support functionality into the hinge assembly, the patent avoids adding separate complex mechanisms, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while still achieving improved stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables the book-style folding action and simultaneously houses the deployable support structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the support is always deployed, then stability is maximized, but it interferes with handheld usage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability on surfacesVSAvoidhandheld usability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12216496B2Book style foldable tablet with stand

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

In some embodiments, an electronic device includes a first portion, a second portion, a spine, and a support. The second portion is portion movably connected to the first portion by a hinge. The hinge has a hinge axis, and the spine is connected to the hinge and oriented parallel to the hinge axis. The support is connected to the spine and has a deployed position and a stowed position. The stowed position is abutting the spine and the deployed position is spaced apart from the spine to support the electronic device on a surface.