Multi-Display Hinge Assembly for Coplanar Expandable Screens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices with clam-shell designs face limitations in providing an extendable viewing area without sacrificing graphical content quality, as single touchscreen displays require page scrolling or reducing image size due to limited screen space and virtual keyboard input consuming significant screen real estate.
Innovation Solution
A multi-display hinge assembly connects multiple display housings via a tension hinge, allowing rotation from a stacked to a locked coplanar position, increasing the viewing and work surface by aligning adjacent displays side-by-side, providing a larger display area while maintaining graphical content quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If multiple display housings are connected via hinge assembly, then viewing area is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly allows display housings to be nested within each other when collapsed, with each housing containing the hinge mechanism and connection points for additional housings. This nesting approach enables multiple displays to be integrated into a compact form factor, increasing viewing area while maintaining a portable, space-efficient design when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system is divided into multiple independent display housings that can be individually controlled and positioned. Each housing contains its own display panel and is connected through the hinge assembly, allowing the system to segment the viewing area into manageable units that can be expanded or collapsed as needed, thereby increasing total viewing area without permanently increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If display housings are allowed to rotate freely, then ease of operation is improved, but stability of the object's composition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly incorporates dynamic characteristics that allow the display housings to rotate freely during operation, providing ease of adjustment and positioning. The hinge mechanism enables smooth movement between different angles and configurations, allowing users to easily adjust the viewing area and orientation according to their needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly includes pre-designed locking mechanisms and structural features that automatically engage when the display housings reach desired positions. These preliminary structural actions ensure that once the housings are positioned, they remain stable and maintain their composition, preventing unintended movement while preserving ease of operation during adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a multi-display hinge assembly. According to one embodiment, the multi-display hinge assembly includes a first housing and second housing in addition to a hinge that rotatably connects the first housing with the second housing. Still further, a coupling element is configured to join an edge of the first housing with an edge of the second housing when the first housing and the second housing are placed along the same plane.