Laptop Lateral Display Extension via Pin and Ball Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laptop users face difficulties in setting up multiple displays due to the portable and compact nature of laptops, making it challenging to connect additional screens, especially outside of a home environment.
Innovation Solution
A laptop computing device with an internal casing that stores and extends secondary displays laterally from the primary display, featuring a hinge and locking mechanism for adjustable positioning, and an add-on component that allows for additional display attachments, accommodating various laptop sizes and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple display screens are connected to a desktop PC, then the computing environment is improved, but the portability and compactness of laptop computers is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary displays are nested within the internal cavity of the primary display assembly. The housing of each secondary display fits inside the primary display's internal cavity, allowing multiple displays to be stored in a compact, space-efficient manner when not in use, thereby maintaining portability while enabling multi-display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary displays are designed to be dynamically extendable and retractable. They can be extended laterally from the primary display when needed and retracted into the internal cavity when not in use. This dynamic configuration allows the device to transition between compact and expanded states, resolving the contradiction between multi-display capability and portability.
2Ease of operation
If secondary displays are stored inside the primary display's internal cavity, then portability is maintained, but the ease of operation for extending and securing displays is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism employs spring-loaded locking pins that automatically engage with corresponding holes on the primary display housing when the secondary displays are extended. The springs provide automatic locking action without requiring manual intervention, thereby simplifying the operation while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pins act as intermediary elements between the secondary displays and the primary display housing. These pins extend from the secondary displays and mate with holes on the primary display, providing a simple mechanical connection that facilitates easy extension and retraction while reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the internal cavity is made large enough to house at least two secondary displays, then multi-display capability is improved, but the compactness and portability of the laptop is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary displays are arranged to extend laterally from the primary display in a horizontal dimension rather than stacking vertically. This lateral arrangement optimizes the use of available space within the internal cavity, allowing two secondary displays to be accommodated without significantly increasing the overall device volume, thereby maintaining portability while enabling multi-display capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to easily expand their computing environment with multiple displays, enhancing usability and flexibility, whether through lateral, vertical, or horizontal configurations, while maintaining portability and compatibility with different laptop sizes.
Implementation Method 1
One or more spring-loaded locking pins extending from a top and bottom of the secondary displays align and lock into corresponding holes on the casing within the internal cavity of the primary display
Implementation Method 2
A hinge to which a respective secondary display attaches enables dynamic and adjustable positions for the secondary displays to enhance user experiences while operating the computing device
Implementation Method 3
The pin is substantially centrally located on the hinge and has a ball joint that is received inside a receiving socket in the secondary display. The ball joint enables 360° rotational movement of the secondary display about the pin's axis
Data Source
AI summary
A portable laptop computing device includes an internal casing that stores secondary displays which extend outward from the device's primary display to thereby increase the amount of displays a user can view while operating the device. The secondary displays are positioned inside a casing of the primary display which is large enough to house at least two displays. The two displays are connected to a hinge which is configured to provide inward and outward movement and rotational movement of the secondary display about 360°. The system can also be implemented with an expansive ecosystem of interoperable components, including an add-on component from which secondary displays can extend, vertical screen adapters which can replace the customary horizontal configuration, a stand to which the add-on component can connect, and a horizontal screen adapter that connects with the stand to provide a convenient three-display set-up when used with the add-on component.