Moveable Display Screen Covering Physical Keyboard

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dual display electronic devices, such as laptop computers, often lack a physical keyboard, requiring users to attach external keyboards that are cumbersome and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an electronic device with a moveable display screen that can transition between exposing and covering a physical keyboard, allowing the device to operate in both keyboard mode and dual display mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a dual display device is configured without a physical keyboard, then the device can be thinner and more portable, but users must attach external keyboards which are cumbersome and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidkeyboard accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The second display screen is made moveable between a first position where it does not cover the keyboard and a second position where it covers the keyboard. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the device to switch between keyboard mode and dual display mode, resolving the contradiction between thinness and keyboard accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The moveable second display screen serves multiple functions: it can be positioned to expose the keyboard for typing tasks or moved to cover the keyboard and provide additional display real estate for dual display mode. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for external keyboards while maintaining device portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a moveable display screen is added to enable dual display mode, then the device functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay configuration flexibilityVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard and the second display screen are integrated into a single base structure. The display screen can move to either expose or cover the keyboard, combining two functional elements into one unified component that serves multiple purposes depending on its position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The second display screen serves dual purposes: it provides additional display area when in the second position, and it acts as a cover for the keyboard when not in use. This multi-functionality enhances versatility without requiring separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12204370B2Electronic devices with moveable display screens

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Electronic devices with moveable display screens are described herein. An example electronic device includes a lid having a first display screen and a base. The lid is moveably coupled to the base. The base includes a housing having a top side and a bottom side, a physical keyboard to be accessed on the top side of the housing, and a second display screen moveable between a first position in which the keyboard is exposed and a second position in which the second display screen covers the keyboard.