Multi-Panel Hinge Mechanism for Configurable Display Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable wireless devices have limited display screens, restricting the amount of content that can be displayed and reducing user interaction due to their small form factor.
Innovation Solution
A multi-panel device with rotatably coupled display panels that can configure into various forms, from a fully extended widescreen view to a compact form factor, minimizing gaps between panels and allowing uninterrupted display, enabling adaptive user interfaces based on configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the display screen size is increased to provide more content display area, then the user interaction richness is improved, but the device form factor becomes larger and less portable
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is divided into multiple independent panels that can be folded relative to each other. This segmentation allows the total display area to be increased while the folded form factor remains compact, as the panels can be arranged in a folded configuration for portability and unfolded for expanded display space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension (folding depth) to resolve the contradiction between display area and form factor. By folding the panels along hinge lines, the device can achieve a compact thickness when folded while providing a large unfolded display area, effectively utilizing spatial dimensionality to reconcile the conflicting requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple display panels are coupled with a hinge, then the device can provide configurable interfaces, but gaps may appear between panels during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is designed to be dynamic, allowing the panels to rotate and adjust to different configurations. The hinge enables smooth transitions between folded and unfolded states, maintaining adaptability while managing the gap issue through controlled movement and positioning mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-panel device with a configurable interface is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the device includes a hinge rotatably coupled to a first panel of the device via a first pin and rotatably coupled to a second panel of the device via a second pin. The first pin is engaged within a slot of the first panel to enable a lateral movement of the first panel relative to the second panel such that the first panel has a first range of motion relative to the second panel when the hinge is in an extended configuration and a second range of motion when the hinge is in a retracted configuration. The first range of motion is larger than the second range of motion.