Hinged Multi-Display Device With Transparent Mini-Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing devices with hinge assemblies often face issues such as springy keyboard keys disrupting user interaction, the need for multiple devices like separate mice, and limited multitasking capabilities due to single display setups, which can be cumbersome and distracting.
Innovation Solution
A multi-display device with a hinge assembly that transitions between clamshell orientations, featuring a main display and a mini-display, where the mini-display can be visible through a transparent window, allowing for independent operation and notification access without altering the main display's content, and a detachable pointing device like a mouse that can be integrated or used separately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single display is used in conventional computing devices, then the device structure is simple, but multitasking capabilities are limited and user interaction becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into a main display and a mini-display, allowing independent operation of each display unit. The mini-display can show notifications and information separately from the main display content, enabling simultaneous viewing of multiple information streams without cluttering a single display surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The mini-display is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the main display, specifically visible through a transparent window in the display housing. This creates a layered display architecture where information can be accessed at different depths and positions, expanding the effective display real estate without increasing the device's external footprint.
2Loss of information
If notifications and information are shown on the main display, then information accessibility is improved, but the main display becomes cluttered and distracting
Solution Approach 1:
Information is segmented between two display units: the main display handles primary content while the mini-display handles notifications and secondary information. This separation ensures that important information is always accessible without compromising the main display's visual clarity or user focus.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent window acts as an intermediary element that allows the mini-display to be visible through the display housing. This creates a visual pathway for notification information to reach the user without blocking or interfering with the main display content, enabling parallel information access.
3Ease of operation
If separate pointing devices like mice are used, then pointing functionality is provided, but the number of required devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pointing device is merged with the keyboard assembly, forming an integrated input unit. The pointing device can be detached from the keyboard, allowing flexible configuration where the pointing functionality is provided without requiring a completely separate device, thus reducing the total number of components while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard assembly serves multiple functions: it provides keyboard input, houses the pointing device, and can function independently when the pointing device is detached. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated pointing devices while maintaining full pointing functionality when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus can include a processor; memory accessible by the processor; a first housing that includes a first display operatively coupled to the processor; a second housing that includes a keyboard, a second display and a detachable pointing device adjacent to the second display; and a hinge assembly that operatively couples the first housing to the second housing.