Portable Electronic Device Sliding Rotation Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable electronic devices face issues with pivot wear due to overuse in flip-type designs and ergonomic discomfort in sliding-type designs, where the first and second bodies are parallel, leading to user discomfort during long-term use.

Innovation Solution

A portable electronic device design incorporating a guiding assembly with a sliding rod, a guiding part, and a first elastic element, allowing the first body to slide and rotate relative to the second body via a pivot, forming an angle between the two bodies, thus enhancing ergonomics and convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a pivot is used to allow the first body to rotate relative to the second body in a flip-type design, then the device can be opened to form an angle for better ergonomics, but the pivot is easily destroyed due to overuse and requires a rotating room that occupies large space

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveergonomicsVSAvoidpivot durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation mechanism is divided into two independent parts: a sliding rod for linear motion and a pivot for rotation. The guiding part slides along the sliding rod to separate the sliding function from the rotating function, reducing the burden on the pivot and improving durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding part acts as an intermediary between the sliding rod and the pivot. It first slides along the sliding rod and then engages with the pivot, enabling a smooth transition from linear to rotational motion and protecting the pivot from direct stress

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a pivot is used to allow the first body to rotate relative to the second body, then the device can be opened to form an angle for better ergonomics, but a rotating room should be prepared which occupies large room

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveergonomicsVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation mechanism is divided into two independent parts: a sliding rod for linear motion and a pivot for rotation. The guiding part slides along the sliding rod to separate the sliding function from the rotating function, reducing the burden on the pivot and improving durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism transitions from pure rotation in one dimension to a combination of linear sliding and rotational motion in multiple dimensions. The guiding part moves along the sliding rod in a linear direction and then rotates around the pivot, creating a more compact overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If the first body and the second body are arranged in parallel in a sliding-type design, then the device structure is simple, but users feel uncomfortable after using for a long time due to poor ergonomics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidergonomics

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device transitions from a static parallel arrangement to a dynamic configuration where the first body can slide and rotate relative to the second body. The guiding assembly enables the structure to adapt its shape and angle based on user needs, improving ergonomics while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism transitions from pure rotation in one dimension to a combination of linear sliding and rotational motion in multiple dimensions. The guiding part moves along the sliding rod in a linear direction and then rotates around the pivot, creating a more compact overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 convenient operation without occupying large space and improves ergonomics by allowing the first body to slide and rotate relative to the second body, addressing the limitations of conventional designs.

Implementation Method 1

When the first body slides relatively to the second body, the first elastic element deforms to get an elastic potential energy. When the protrudent block moves the fastening part to separate from the guiding part, the elastic potential energy of the first elastic element releases to allow the first body to rotate relatively to the second body along the pivot.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7583496B2Portable electronic device

Publication Date: 2009.09.01 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC

AI summary

A portable electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a guiding assembly, a first elastic element and a connecting part. The first body has a track portion and a protrudent block, and the second body has a fastening part. The guiding assembly has a sliding rod and a guiding part. The two ends of the sliding rod are fixed at the first body, and the sliding rod passes through the guiding part. The first elastic element connects to the first body and the second body. The connecting part is fixed at the second body. The sliding portion is slidingly disposed at the track portion, and the pivot passes through the guiding part. As a result, not only the first body slide relatively to the second body, but also an angle is formed between the first body and the second body.