Invertible Clamshell Notebook Computer with Rotating Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable computing devices, such as tablets and notebooks, lack the ability to seamlessly transition between modes while maintaining functional aspects advantageous for both tablet and notebook use, and often interfere with screen interaction when typing is required.
Innovation Solution
A computing device with a base assembly, lid assembly, and connector that allows for 360-degree rotation and translation, enabling configurations such as closed, easel, and tablet positions, along with retention mechanisms and sensors to manage keyboard and trackpad functionality based on orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tablet computer is used with a touch-sensitive screen for intuitive interaction, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to facilitate content creation requiring typing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device dynamically changes its physical configuration through a connector mechanism that allows the lid assembly to rotate relative to the base assembly, transitioning between tablet mode (screen-facing configuration) and notebook mode (keyboard-facing configuration). This dynamic reconfiguration enables the device to adapt its form factor to different usage scenarios, providing touch interaction when needed and keyboard input when content creation is required
2Adaptability or versatility
If a notebook computer is used in clamshell configuration with keyboard and trackpad, then content creation capability is improved, but interaction with the screen is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically transitions between operational modes by rotating the lid assembly relative to the base assembly. When in notebook mode, the keyboard and trackpad are positioned for typing tasks. When transitioning to tablet mode through the connector mechanism, the screen rotates to face the user, enabling direct touch interaction without keyboard interference
3Adaptability or versatility
If attempts are made to develop computers that can be reconfigured between traditional notebook computer modes and tablet modes, then adaptability is improved, but functional aspects advantageous for both modes are not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The connector mechanism enables smooth dynamic transitions between notebook and tablet modes while sensors detect the current configuration state. Based on the detected mode, the system automatically adjusts functional aspects such as enabling or disabling the keyboard and trackpad, ensuring that only relevant input methods are active in each mode. This maintains functional integrity and prevents conflicts between different input modes
4Adaptability or versatility
If a computing device allows 360-degree rotation for flexible usage configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is segmented into multiple components: a first hinge portion attached to the base assembly, a second hinge portion attached to the lid assembly, and a connector with third and fourth hinge portions. This segmentation allows the complex 360-degree rotation functionality to be distributed across multiple simpler mechanical elements, making the overall system more manageable and maintainable
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device is provided herein. For instance, the computing device comprises base and lid assemblies, and a connector. The base assembly includes a base housing, a first hinge portion attached to the housing, a keyboard, a touch-based input surface, and an electronic component within the housing. The housing includes a first surface at least partly surrounding the keyboard and touch-based input, and a second opposing surface. The lid assembly includes a lid housing, a second hinge portion, and a display, and includes a first surface at least partly surrounding the display and a second surface opposite the first surface. The connector has a third hinge portion, a fourth hinge portion and a body extending therebetween. The third hinge portion is rotatably affixed to the first hinge portion of the base assembly, and the fourth hinge portion is rotatably affixed to the second hinge portion of the lid assembly.