Hinge-less Slider Mechanism for Mobile Device Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices face challenges in providing easy access to increasing functionality and features due to ergonomic limitations, particularly in data entry and navigation, as existing designs often compromise on usability and compactness.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication device with a hinge-less slider mechanism featuring a tapered profile and angular slider faces that allow the cover and base to slide relative to each other, providing ergonomic benefits and improved access to controls without additional mechanical components, such as hinges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hinge mechanisms are used to connect cover and base, then the device can open and close, but the device becomes thicker and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hinge mechanism entirely from the device structure. The cover and base are connected without any traditional hinge components, eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining the sliding functionality needed for access to controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into a base component and a cover component that can slide relative to each other. This segmentation allows independent movement of the cover to access controls without requiring a complex hinge mechanism to connect the two segments.
2Volume of moving object
If the device is made compact, then portability improves, but access to controls and functionality becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to slide dynamically between a closed position (for compactness) and an open position (for access to controls). This dynamic configuration allows the device to transition between compact and accessible states, maintaining both portability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the cover (hinge movement), the patent uses linear sliding movement in another dimension. The cover slides horizontally relative to the base, providing access to controls while maintaining a compact vertical profile when closed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more functionality and features are added, then device capability increases, but ergonomics and usability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding cover mechanism serves multiple functions: it protects the display when closed, provides access to controls when opened, and maintains a compact form factor. This universal mechanism supports increased functionality without compromising ergonomics, as all features remain accessible through the single sliding action.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device comprising a base and a cover operatively coupled with a hinge-less slider mechanism and configured to move on an angle between a closed position and an open position. The base includes a keypad which is accessible when the cover is in the open position and the cover includes a display module for facilitating telephony and data functions such as email, text messaging, web browsing and voice calling. According to an embodiment, the mobile device is configured to provide a thinner profile in the open position which provides the ergonomic feel of a thinner mobile device.