Rotatable Laptop Housings with Removable Input Device Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laptop computers with additional display devices often displace physical input devices like keyboards due to space constraints, limiting the available display area and input flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A laptop design featuring a first and second housing with rotatable display devices and external electrical contacts that power and communicate with a removable input device, allowing for increased display area while maintaining input functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If an additional display device is added to the laptop computer, then the display area is increased, but the physical input device space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the input device functionality into two segments: a primary input device integrated into the laptop and a secondary removable input device. This segmentation allows both display devices to coexist while maintaining input capabilities through the removable device that can be attached when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the solution from the two-dimensional plane of the laptop surface to the third dimension by using a removable input device that attaches vertically or at an angle to the laptop body, utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal display area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a removable input device is added to maintain input functionality, then input flexibility is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The removable input device is designed with universal functionality that can work with the laptop in multiple configurations. It serves both as a physical keyboard for input and as a power-receiving device through integrated electrical contacts, combining multiple functions in a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable input device includes its own power source or power-receiving capability through integrated electrical contacts, allowing it to be self-powered without requiring additional power management infrastructure in the laptop, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical contacts are provided for power transmission, then power delivery to removable device is enabled, but manufacturing precision requirements are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are designed with dynamic compensation features that allow for slight misalignments during attachment. The contact mechanism can flex or adjust position to ensure reliable electrical connection even when manufacturing tolerances vary within acceptable ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates protective features such as contact guards, flexible contact elements, or alignment guides that compensate for manufacturing variations before the electrical connection is made, ensuring reliable power transmission despite variations in manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An example apparatus Includes a first hinge, a first housing having a hinge region and a support panel, where the support panel is to extend from the hinge region. The apparatus also Includes a first display device rotatably coupled to the support panel via the first hinge, a second housing having a set of external electrical contact to provide power to a removable input device, a second hinge to rotatably couple the first housing to the second housing, and a second display device fixedly coupled to the second housing.