Multidisplay Portable Device With Stepwise Rotating Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable communication devices have small display screens that are inconvenient for accessing the internet, watching television, or operating online game services, and require separate cradling devices for comfortable viewing.
Innovation Solution
A portable communication device with multiple display units that rotate stepwise via a multi-axis hinge portion, allowing the screens to combine for a larger viewing area and enabling various configurations for different applications, such as a frame or clock display, while also accommodating additional components like data input/output devices and battery packs in the extra space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a single small display unit is used in conventional portable devices, then the device structure remains simple, but the screen size is too small for comfortable viewing and access to internet, television, or online game services
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple independent display units (first display unit on outer side of first housing, second display unit on inner side of first housing, third display unit on outer side of second housing, fourth display unit on inner side of second housing). These segmented displays can be independently controlled and can be combined to form a larger display area, resolving the contradiction between small screen size and simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the second housing with its display units is positioned within or adjacent to the first housing, creating a nested structure. The inner sides of both housings contain display units that can be utilized when the device is in a specific configuration, allowing the nested structure to provide enhanced display functionality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple display units are provided on outer and inner sides of housings, then a large-size screen can be formed when opened, but the device requires a multi-axis hinge portion increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic hinge mechanism that allows the second housing to rotate relative to the first housing along a rotation axis. This dynamic structure enables the display units to be positioned in different configurations - when the housings are separated, the outer side displays are visible, and when brought together, the inner side displays become accessible, providing adaptability for different viewing scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables rotation of the second housing relative to the first housing, allows positioning of display units in different orientations, and facilitates the transition between single display mode and combined large-screen mode. This multi-functional hinge reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
3Ease of operation
If display units are positioned on outer and inner sides of housings, then convenient viewing is achieved in both closed and open states, but additional space is required for housing structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension by positioning display units on both outer and inner sides of the housings. Instead of expanding the display area only in the two-dimensional plane, the invention exploits the z-dimension (depth) by placing displays on opposite faces of the housing structure, allowing convenient viewing whether the device is closed or opened without requiring excessive lateral space.
4Adaptability or versatility
If extra space is utilized for additional components, then device functionality is enhanced, but the device thickness may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests additional components (data input/output devices, speaker device, microphone device, camera module, battery pack, and printed circuit boards) within the existing housing structure and extra spaces. By placing these components in the available voids and utilizing the nested configuration of the dual-housing system, the invention enhances functionality without proportionally increasing device thickness.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a portable communication device including a first housing, a second housing rotatably coupled with the first housing, and a hinge portion provided between the first housing and the second housing to stepwise rotate the second housing toward or away from the first housing, in which display units are disposed on inner and outer sides of the first housing and the second housing, respectively, such that the display units on the inner and outer surfaces of the housings may be used independently or in conjunction to provide for larger display screens.