Multi-display Mobile Device with Foldable Slidable Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile devices with multiple displays lack a flexible design that allows for efficient multitasking and compact storage, as they often require multiple devices or complex mechanisms to manage multiple screens effectively.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device comprising a first portion slidably and foldably coupled to a second portion, with multiple display screens that can be configured to fold and slide, allowing for a compact form factor and enhanced multitasking capabilities, including a 'picture frame' mode for digital display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple displays are provided in a mobile device, then multitasking capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultitasking capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device is divided into multiple separable portions (first portion, second portion, third portion) each containing display screens. These portions can be folded and slid relative to each other, allowing the device to present multiple displays for multitasking while maintaining a compact form when folded. The segmentation enables independent control of each display portion while reducing overall device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple displays are provided in a mobile device, then productivity is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs a nested structure where the first portion containing display screens is slidably coupled within the second portion, which itself is foldably coupled to the third portion. When folded, the portions nest within each other creating a compact form factor. When unfolded and slid to operational positions, multiple displays are exposed to enhance productivity through simultaneous viewing and interaction with multiple screens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Volume of moving object

If foldable and slidable mechanisms are implemented, then compact storage is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompact storageVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates dynamic mechanisms including foldable joints and slidable couplings that allow the portions to transition between compact folded states and expanded operational states. The slidable coupling enables smooth transitions between positions, and the foldable connections allow easy collapse to compact form. These dynamic elements maintain ease of operation through intuitive mechanical movements while achieving compact storage when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2469804B1Multi-display mobile device
Publication Date: 2012.09.12 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2469804B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2469804B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2469804B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobile device comprising a first portion and a second portion is provided. In at least one embodiment, the first portion comprises a first part providing at least a first display screen, and a second part providing at least a second display screen. The first part may be foldably coupled to the second part to allow the first part to fold with respect to the second part about a first folding axis. The second portion comprises a third part providing at least a third display screen. The first portion is slidably coupled to the second portion, and at least one of the first portion and the second portion comprises one or more coupling elements configured so that the second part of the first portion is foldable with respect to the third part of the second portion about a second folding axis. In one embodiment, the first, second and third parts are folded to resemble a picture frame comprising multiple digital displays.