Rotatable Display Latch Mechanism Preventing Full Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Convertible laptops face challenges in maintaining structural integrity and preventing damage when transitioning between operation modes, as existing mechanisms do not adequately prevent closure to a fully folded position, which can lead to mechanical stress and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism is introduced that includes a fixed shaft and a latch mechanism disposed along the back side of the base member, which, when activated, prevents the device from being closed to a fully folded position by making contact with the shaft and limiting rotation, thus preventing damage to the coupling mechanisms between the display and base members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the display member is allowed to rotate freely between tablet and laptop modes, then the device versatility is improved, but the risk of mechanical damage increases when closed to a fully folded position
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is activated in advance when the computing device transitions to tablet mode, preventing the display member from being closed to a fully folded position. This preliminary protective action occurs before any potential damage can occur, blocking the harmful closure motion while allowing free rotation between operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the display member and the base member. It mediates the rotation motion by allowing it during mode transitions but blocking it when the device is in tablet mode, thus protecting the coupling mechanisms from damage while maintaining operational versatility.
2Strength
If a latch mechanism is added to prevent full closure, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is segmented into a separate latch mechanism that operates independently from the main hinge and coupling mechanisms. This modular approach allows the latch to be activated only when needed (in tablet mode) without interfering with normal laptop operation, thereby providing structural protection with minimal impact on overall device complexity.
3Stress or pressure
If the latch mechanism prevents full closure, then mechanical stress is reduced, but the ease of operation is worsened due to additional activation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is merged with the existing mode transition process. As the user rotates the display member from laptop mode to tablet mode, the latch is automatically activated as part of the same motion sequence, rather than requiring a separate activation step. This integration maintains ease of operation while still providing mechanical stress protection.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D
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, a display member rotatably connected at a second end of the support member opposite the first end, and a latch mechanism disposed along a back side of the base member, When the computing device is to change from a first operation mode to a second operation mode, the display member is to depress the latch mechanism to make contact with the fixed shaft.