Folding Portable Terminal Hinge Mechanism for Dual-Mode Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding portable terminals with both display and operating sections facing outward cannot be closed with the operating section inward and display section outward, leading to accidental operation and increased size and cost due to the need for sub-displays and cameras.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism linking the operating and display section cases allows for folding configurations where either or both sections can face outward, with imaging and operating means on the cases to enable operation and viewing when folded, and the ability to change shapes for various functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sub-display section is added to check incoming call information or time in closed state, then the terminal can be operated when closed, but the terminal size increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the display section and operating section into a single integrated unit that faces outward when closed. The display section serves both as the main display and as the interface for checking incoming calls and time, eliminating the need for a separate sub-display section. This merging approach maintains operability in closed state while avoiding the size and cost increase that would result from adding a sub-display.
Solution Approach 2:
The display section is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the main display for media content, as the interface for incoming call information, and as the operational interface when the terminal is closed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated sub-displays or sub-cameras, reducing overall terminal size and cost while maintaining full operability in both open and closed states.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sub-camera is added inside the case for videophone function, then videophone can be used in closed state, but terminal size increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the main camera on the outer surface of the display section, allowing it to function as both the main camera for photographing and the sub-camera for videophone calls when the terminal is closed. This eliminates the need for a separate internal sub-camera, reducing terminal size and cost while maintaining videophone functionality in both open and closed states.
Solution Approach 2:
The main camera is designed to perform dual functions: it serves as the primary camera for photographing when the terminal is open, and as the secondary camera for videophone calls when the terminal is closed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated sub-cameras, reducing overall terminal size and cost while maintaining full videophone capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the main camera is made rotatable to face outward or inward, then videophone function can be achieved, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the camera rotatable to adapt to different orientations, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the camera on the outer surface of the display section. This fixed positioning allows the camera to naturally face outward when the terminal is closed, eliminating the need for rotation mechanisms while maintaining videophone functionality. The display section itself provides the orientation adaptation rather than the camera.
4Volume of moving object
If the operating section is folded inside when closed, then the terminal can be carried compactly, but the terminal cannot be operated in closed state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display section and operating section into a single integrated unit that remains on the outer surface when closed. This integration allows the operating section to remain accessible and operational in closed state while maintaining compact form factor. The display section serves as both the interface for viewing information and for operating the terminal, eliminating the need to fold the operating section inside.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding portable terminal which can be changed into a desired shape depending on applications of functions such as a telephone, a digital camera, and the like. A folding portable terminal (1) comprises a case (10) with a display section (11) and a case (20) with an operating section (21), and the cases are foldably linked through a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism comprises a first hinge section (12) formed by providing a first rotation axis at substantially the center of the case (10) that can be rotated about the first rotation axis in the folding or opening direction relative to the case (20); a second hinge section (24) formed by providing a second rotation axis at substantially the upper end part of the case (20) so as to be parallel to the first rotation axis, the case (20) being rotated in the folding or opening direction relative to the case (10); and means (13a) for linking both ends of the first rotation axis and both ends of the second rotation axis. The hinge mechanism enables the display section (11) and the operating section (21) to be folded without being faced each other, and a user can operate the operating section (21) or view the display section (11) in the folded state.