Multi-Fold Computing Device Hinge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing devices with fixed footprints are suboptimal for use in limited spaces and can be cumbersome when held with one hand, as they lack ergonomic flexibility and are prone to key damage from external contact.
Innovation Solution
A computing device design featuring a palm rest housing that is foldable, allowing the keyboard and touchpad to be oriented in various configurations, including a clamshell, tablet, and planar modes, with hinge assemblies incorporating elastomeric elements and magnetic components for adjustable positioning and enhanced grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the device uses a fixed footprint design, then the structure is simple and stable, but the device is cumbersome and prone to key damage from external contact
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into three separable housing portions: display housing, keyboard housing, and palm rest housing. These portions can be independently positioned and oriented relative to each other through hinge assemblies, allowing the device to transition between multiple configurations (clamshell, tablet, planar modes) while maintaining structural integrity through magnetic coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assemblies enable dynamic reconfiguration of the device by allowing relative movement between housing portions. The magnetic components provide adjustable positioning that can be easily changed by the user, transforming the device from a static fixed-footprint design to a dynamic multi-configuration system that adapts to different usage scenarios.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the keyboard and touchpad are exposed in a fixed configuration, then the device is easy to access, but the keys are vulnerable to external contact and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The palm rest housing can be dynamically repositioned relative to the keyboard housing through the second hinge assembly, allowing users to fold it over the keyboard to protect keys from external contact when not in use, while maintaining easy accessibility when the device is in active usage mode.
3Ease of operation
If the device is designed for one-handed operation, then the portability is improved, but the device requires reduced footprint which conflicts with full keyboard functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The palm rest housing can be folded over and nested onto the keyboard housing, reducing the overall device footprint to approximately half its extended size. This nested configuration maintains full keyboard functionality while enabling one-handed portability and storage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design provides an adjustable footprint, reduces key exposure to external contact, enhances ergonomic usability, and allows for efficient one-handed operation in various orientations, improving user experience and device durability.
Implementation Method 1
hinge assemblies incorporating elastomeric elements and magnetic components for adjustable positioning
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus can include a processor; memory accessible by the processor; a display housing that includes a display operatively coupled to the processor; a keyboard housing; a palm rest housing; a first hinge assembly that operatively couples the keyboard housing to the display housing; and a second hinge assembly that operatively couples the palm rest housing to the keyboard housing.