Movable Plate Mechanism for Laptop Sub-Display and Vent Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic apparatuses with sub-displays integrated into the rear of the keyboard device on a laptop PC are not user-friendly due to interference with the main display and cooling vents, compromising both usability and external appearance.
Innovation Solution
A movable plate is integrated into the rear of the keyboard device, which turns upward and inclines when the main display is opened, allowing for better visibility of the sub-display and positioning the vent hole under the plate, thus keeping it out of sight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a sub-display is installed flat on the back side of the top surface of the main body chassis, then the electronic apparatus can be made thinner, but the sub-display becomes difficult to view and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The movable plate is designed to dynamically change its orientation from a flat position (when the display chassis is closed) to an inclined position (when the display chassis is open). This dynamic adjustment allows the sub-display to be hidden when not in use, maintaining a thin profile, and easily viewable and operable when the device is being used.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable plate with the sub-display is nested within the main body chassis in a space-efficient manner. When closed, the plate lies flat against the chassis, utilizing the available space without adding to the overall thickness. When opened, the plate rotates to provide an ergonomic viewing angle for the sub-display.
2Temperature
If a vent hole is provided on the top surface of the main body chassis for cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the external appearance is impaired due to the exposed vent hole
Solution Approach 1:
The movable plate dynamically covers the vent hole when the electronic apparatus is closed, hiding it from view and maintaining a sleek appearance. When the display chassis is opened, the movable plate rotates upward, automatically uncovering the vent hole to allow air intake for cooling. This dynamic behavior ensures both aesthetic appearance and effective cooling without requiring separate control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable plate serves dual functions: it acts as a cover for the sub-display and simultaneously serves as a movable cover for the vent hole. The plate's motion is self-driven by the opening/closing action of the display chassis, automatically revealing or hiding the vent hole based on the device's state without requiring additional actuators or control systems.
3Ease of operation
If the movable plate is positioned to improve sub-display visibility, then user-friendliness is enhanced, but the vent hole may become blocked affecting cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The movable plate's position is dynamically linked to the state of the display chassis through the drive mechanism. When the display chassis is open, the drive mechanism automatically rotates the movable plate to an inclined position that optimizes sub-display visibility. When the display chassis is closed, the movable plate returns to a flat position that covers the sub-display but uncovers the vent hole. This dynamic coupling ensures that cooling is never blocked, as the plate only covers the vent hole when the device is closed and not in use.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus is disclosed. The electronic apparatus includes a first chassis having a keyboard device on its top surface; a second chassis having a display on its front surface; a hinge mechanism connecting the first chassis and the second chassis; a movable plate disposed in the rear of the keyboard device on the top surface of the first chassis, and is configured to be turnable in a direction of moving its rear end up and down centering on a rotating shaft provided on its front end; and a drive mechanism that causes the movable plate to turn in conjunction with a turning motion of the first chassis and the second chassis through the hinge mechanism.