Folding Mobile Terminal 2-Axis Hinge Pointing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding mobile terminals with a 2-axis hinge unit cannot operate key functions when folded, as the pointing device is either obstructed by the large display unit or cannot be accommodated due to space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A mobile terminal design featuring a 2-axis hinge unit with an exposed portion housing a pointing device, such as a fingerprint sensor, that allows control of the terminal and enables operations even when folded, using position detection means to manage the relative positions of the housings and a lock unit for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the display unit is made large to provide sufficient display area, then the display quality is improved, but the pointing device cannot be accommodated in the upper housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the pointing device from the traditional 2D plane of the housing surface to a 3D location on the hinge unit extension. By placing the pointing device on the exposed portion of the hinge unit that protrudes from the folded terminal, the design utilizes the third dimension (depth/protrusion) to accommodate the pointing device without increasing the footprint of the housing, thereby resolving the space conflict between large display and pointing device accommodation.
2Volume of moving object
If the terminal is folded to provide compact portability, then the compactness is improved, but the key operation unit becomes inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pointing device function from the lower housing key operation unit and relocates it to the exposed hinge unit. This extraction allows the pointing device to remain accessible and operational even when the terminal is folded, as it is now positioned on the external hinge structure rather than being confined within the lower housing where it would be obstructed by the folded upper housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic operational configuration where the pointing device's position and accessibility change relative to the folded state. The hinge unit's rotation and extension provide dynamic access to the pointing device, allowing users to operate it from various angles when the terminal is folded, maintaining ease of operation despite the compact folded form factor.
3Ease of operation
If the pointing device is placed in the lower housing to enable operation, then the operation accessibility is improved, but the pointing device occupies large area of the key operation unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pointing device from the lower housing key operation unit and relocates it to the hinge unit. This extraction removes the pointing device's area occupation from the key operation unit, freeing up space in the lower housing while maintaining pointing device functionality through the hinge-mounted position that remains accessible during folded operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding mobile telephone includes a 2-axis hinge unit. The end portion of the 2-axis hinge unit is constantly exposed outside the mobile telephone. The exposed portion includes input elements. The input elements can be, for example, a pointing device. The pointing device can be operated regardless of the positions of the housings of the communications terminal. The telephone includes position detection elements for detecting the relative positions of the housings. The control unit can control the operation of the terminal based on the relative positions of the housings. The position detection elements includes a magnet and a magnetic sensor. The input elements can be a fingerprint sensor.