Nested Display Housing for Clamshell-Tablet Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current computing systems lack a seamless integration of clamshell computers and tablet computers, which are typically separate and not physically combinable, leading to separate storage, transportation, and charging requirements, as well as separate application installations and updates.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a processor, memory, a first display housing with a recess, and a second display housing that can translate out of the recess to expose a portion of its display surface adjacent to the first display, using sensors to generate position signals for controlling the rendering of information on the second display based on its position, allowing for a combined clamshell and tablet computer form factor with shared display functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If clamshell computer and tablet computer are kept as separate devices, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but it requires separate storage, transportation, and charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a clamshell computer and tablet computer into a single integrated system. The tablet computer is received within the clamshell computer housing, with its display positioned adjacent to the clamshell display. This merging allows both devices to be physically combined while maintaining separate functionality, eliminating the need for separate storage, transportation, and charging of two distinct devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system provides multi-functionality by enabling the clamshell computer and tablet computer to operate both independently and together. The system can function as a clamshell computer alone, as a tablet computer alone, or as a combined system with expanded display and computing capabilities, making it adaptable to various usage scenarios.
2Area of stationary object
If the second display is fully exposed from the recess, then the display area is maximized, but the compact storage capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tablet computer is nested within the clamshell computer housing, with its display positioned in a recess. The second display can be translated between a retracted position (fully nested) and an exposed position (partially or fully extended from the recess). This nesting arrangement allows the system to achieve a compact form factor when the tablet is retracted while still providing access to the full display area when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The second display is designed to be dynamically positionable, translating between retracted and exposed states. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt its configuration based on usage requirements - compact when stored and expanded when the full display area is needed, resolving the contradiction between compactness and display size.
3Reliability
If separate application installations and updates are required for each device, then device independence is maintained, but user time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the position of the second display and provide feedback to the control circuitry. Based on this position information, the system can automatically adjust rendering parameters, interface layouts, and application behaviors. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual configuration and reduces maintenance time while preserving device independence through position-based functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A system can include a processor; memory accessible to the processor; a first display housing that includes a first display, a first display surface and a recess; a second display housing that includes a second display, a second display surface, where the second display housing is translatable at least partially out of the recess to expose at least a portion of the second display surface adjacent to the first display surface; a sensor that generates a position signal for position of the second display; and circuitry that controls rendering of information to the second display based at least in part on the position signal.