Rotatable Display Kickstand with Magnetic Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Convertible laptops face challenges in maintaining stability and rigidity across different operation modes, such as laptop, tablet, and inking modes, where the display member may fall or collapse, compromising user experience and ergonomics.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a mechanism involving friction hinges and a kickstand with magnetic coupling and spring-loaded detent grooves allows the display member to pivot and adjust angles securely, providing stability in laptop and inking modes, and retracting to avoid damage when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the display member is made rotatable to enable convertible operation modes, then adaptability is improved, but stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation modesVSAvoiddisplay member stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The display member transitions from a static fixed-angle configuration to a dynamic rotatable configuration, enabling multiple operation modes (laptop, tablet, inking modes) while maintaining structural integrity through controlled rotational movement around a hinge axis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The computing device is divided into separable members (display member and base member) connected by a hinge, allowing independent movement of each member to achieve different operation modes while maintaining overall device stability through the hinge mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the kickstand is extended to support the display member, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay member stabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The kickstand is nested within the display member structure, allowing it to be stored inside the display member when not in use and extended only when needed to provide support, thereby providing stability functionality without permanently increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The kickstand transitions from a retracted state to an extended state dynamically based on operational needs, providing stability support only when required while maintaining a compact form factor otherwise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution ensures the computing device feels sturdy and rigid across various operation modes, enhancing user interaction and physical ergonomics by preventing the display member from collapsing, while allowing adjustable viewing angles and secure stowage of the kickstand.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic member disposed within the kickstand and magnetically coupleable with the support member to hold the kickstand in the extended position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a spring to bias the kickstand toward the back surface of the display member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

The display member may be rotatably connected to the base member via a friction hinge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3198357B1Computing device with a rotatable display member
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP3198357B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3198357B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3198357B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Examples disclosed herein provide a computing device. One example computing device includes a base member, a support member rotatably connected to the base member at a first end of the support member, and a display member rotatably connected at a second end of the support member opposite the first end of the support member. The computing device includes a kickstand rotatably connected to a back surface of the display member at a first end of the kickstand, and magnetic members to magnetically couple the support member with a second end of the kickstand opposite the first end of the kickstand. When the device is to change from a first operation mode to a second operation mode, the kickstand is to move along the support member via the magnetic coupling.