Pivoting Display and Keyboard Position Sensing for Mode Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern notebook computers do not adequately meet the diverse needs of users, as they often lack flexibility in usage modes and screen configurations.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device with two display modules, a keyboard device, a sensing unit, and a control unit, where the sensing unit detects the keyboard's position relative to the second display module and outputs a signal for the control unit to adjust the display image accordingly, allowing for different usage modes such as extended screen, virtual touch pad, and handwriting interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a notebook computer has a fixed screen and keyboard configuration, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot meet diverse user needs for different usage modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable display system where the second display module can pivot between multiple positions (first position for extended screen mode, second position for virtual touch pad mode, third position for handwriting interface mode). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the device to adapt to different usage modes without requiring multiple separate devices, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by making the structure changeable rather than fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The second display module serves multiple functions depending on its position: it extends the primary display when in the first position, provides a virtual touch pad when in the second position, and creates a handwriting interface when in the third position. This multi-functionality allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the keyboard device is fixed in position, then the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the device cannot switch between different usage modes
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard device is designed to be movable rather than fixed, capable of shifting between multiple predetermined positions corresponding to different usage modes. This dynamic positioning capability, enabled by the pivoting mechanism and sensing system, allows the device to adapt to different configurations while maintaining acceptable manufacturing precision through standardized position detection
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing unit detects the position of the keyboard device and provides feedback to the control unit, which then automatically adjusts the display configuration accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system compensates for minor positioning variations and ensures accurate mode switching without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, thus reducing the burden on manufacturing precision while maintaining adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple display configurations are implemented, then user needs are better met, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into a first display module and a second display module that can be independently controlled and positioned. This segmentation allows each module to perform specific functions in different configurations, enabling multiple display modes through the coordinated arrangement of separate components rather than requiring a completely reconfigurable single structure
Solution Approach 2:
The second display module is pivotally connected to the first display module, allowing it to be nested or integrated with the primary display structure when not in use. This nesting approach minimizes the overall form factor and reduces mechanical complexity by utilizing the existing display structure as part of the pivoting mechanism, rather than requiring entirely separate components for each display mode
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
Enables users to switch between various usage modes based on the keyboard's position, enhancing the device's functionality and adaptability to meet individual needs.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing unit configured to sense a position of the keyboard device relative to the second display module so as to output a sensing signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable electronic device (100) is provided and includes a first display module (102), a second display module (104), a keyboard device (106), a sensing unit (108) and a control unit (110). The second display module (104) is pivotally connected to the first display module (102). The sensing unit (108) is configured to sense a position of the keyboard device (106) relative to the second display module (104) to output a sensing signal. The control unit (110) is configured to control a displaying image of the second display module (104) according to the sensing signal.