Offset Swivel Hinge for Dual-State Portable Electronic Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable electronic devices, such as clamshell phones, are unable to provide access to the primary display screen and key sets when in a closed state, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a second offset swivel axis that allows the device to rotate relative to the first fold axis, enabling two closed states: one where the screen is accessible and another where both the screen and keys are accessible, by offsetting the swivel axis from the centerline of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device is closed to protect the display screen and keys, then protection is improved, but accessibility and usability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly enables dynamic reconfiguration of the device between closed and open states, allowing the display screen and keys to transition between protected and accessible positions. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing both protection when closed and accessibility when opened.
2Ease of operation
If the device is opened to access the display screen and keys, then accessibility is improved, but protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly allows the device to dynamically transition between closed (protected) and open (accessible) states, enabling users to access the display screen and keys when needed while maintaining protection when closed.
3Device complexity
If a conventional hinge assembly is used, then device complexity is reduced, but functionality in closed state is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly provides dynamic movement capability that enables multiple operational states (closed and open), increasing the device's versatility without significantly complicating the overall structure.
4Shape
If the swivel axis is centered, then structural symmetry is maintained, but accessibility to keys in closed state is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By offsetting the swivel axis from the centerline of the device, the invention creates an asymmetric configuration that enables the display screen to be accessible in the closed state while the keys remain protected, resolving the contradiction between symmetry and accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device is provided including a first section having at least one key; and a second section pivotally connected to the first section by a movable connection, the second section having a display on a first side of the second section. The movable connection comprises a pivotal connection and a swivel connection. The pivotal connection comprises a first fold axis, wherein the first section and the second section are adapted to rotate relative to each other about the first fold axis. The swivel connection comprises a second offset swivel axis which is offset from a centerline of the second section, wherein the first section and the second section are adapted to rotate relative to each other about the second offset swivel axis. The swivel axis being offset from a centerline of the second section enables the device to achieve two different closed states, a first closed state in which the display on the first side of the second section faces an interior of the device, and a second closed state in which the display is visible, facing outwards from the device. At least a portion of the at least one key is accessible for use in conjunction with the display when the device is in the second closed state, in accord with aspects of the device's design and purpose.