Portable Information Device Hinge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information devices, such as laptops, are limited in functionality due to their compact design, making it difficult for users with disabilities or those with stained hands to open and close the display chassis without direct manual manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A portable information device with hinge mechanisms and an external operation portion that allows for turning the chassis without manual handling, combined with a docking device that includes a driving portion to facilitate the operation of the hinge mechanisms, enabling hands-free opening and closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a portable information device is designed to be lightweight and compact, then portability is improved, but the functions are limited and it becomes difficult to operate without direct manual manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
A docking device is introduced as an intermediary between the user and the portable information device. The docking device includes a driving portion that can operate the hinge mechanisms without requiring the user to directly manipulate the chassis, thus resolving the contradiction between compact design and ease of operation for users with disabilities or stained hands
2Ease of operation
If an electric opening and closing mechanism is mounted in the portable information device, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electric opening and closing mechanism is extracted from the portable information device and placed in the docking device instead. This allows the portable information device to remain thin and simple while still providing automated chassis operation capability when docked, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If a docking device is provided to extend functions, then adaptability is improved, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a charging/docking station and as an operator for the hinge mechanisms. By combining multiple functions in a single device, the system achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information device has a configuration in which a body chassis and a display chassis are turnably coupled by hinge mechanisms. The portable information device is provided with an operation portion operable from the outside and a power transmission portion provided between the operation portion and the hinge mechanism and transmitting an operating force to the operation portion to the hinge mechanisms to turn the body chassis and the display chassis.