Rotatable Translational Display Hinge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional convertible PCs face limitations in stability and user interface when transitioning from laptop to tablet mode, as the keyboard and touchpad can scratch or damage when placed on a surface, and they do not provide the same user experience as traditional PCs or tablets.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a rotatable and translational display unit, featuring a hinge mechanism and track system that allows the display to move between forward and rearward positions, maintaining electrical connections through conductive strips, enabling seamless transitions between laptop and tablet modes while ensuring the display unit can be positioned to avoid direct contact with the keyboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the display unit is fixed directly to the base unit in conventional convertible PCs, then the structure is simple, but the keyboard and touchpad come into direct contact with the hard surface when placed on a desk, decreasing stability and increasing likelihood of scratching or damaging the keyboard and touchpad
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit is separated from the base unit by introducing a hinge mechanism and track system, allowing independent movement and positioning. This segmentation enables the display unit to be detached from direct contact with the surface while the base unit remains stable, protecting the keyboard and touchpad from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
A hinge mechanism and track system are introduced as intermediary components between the display unit and base unit. These intermediaries enable controlled movement and positioning, allowing the display unit to be raised or translated to avoid direct contact with hard surfaces, thereby protecting the keyboard and touchpad without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display unit is made rotatable and translational movable through a hinge mechanism and track system, then the device can transition between laptop and tablet modes seamlessly, but the electrical connection maintenance becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. Conductive strips are positioned to maintain contact with contact pads on the hinge mechanism throughout the range of motion, allowing the display unit to move between laptop and tablet modes while continuously maintaining electrical connectivity without requiring complex disconnect/reconnect mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement and potential separation of the display unit from the base unit, which could be seen as a source of connection instability, is converted into a benefit by using sliding contact pads along conductive strips. This design ensures that movement is facilitated while electrical connection is maintained throughout the entire range of motion, turning the potential harm of movement into the benefit of versatile positioning.
3Ease of operation
If the display unit is positioned in fixed locations only, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the user experience is limited as the display cannot be optimally positioned for different viewing angles or configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit is designed with dynamic positioning capability through the hinge mechanism and track system, allowing it to move freely between forward and rearward positions while maintaining electrical connection. This dynamic design provides users with flexibility to optimize display positioning for different viewing angles and configurations without requiring multiple fixed mounting points or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The device comprises a display unit, memory to store program instructions, a processor to execute the program instructions in connection with operating the electronic device, a base unit and a hinge mechanism connecting the display unit to the base unit. The display unit is translationally movable along the base unit between forward and rearward positions. The display unit is rotationally movable, through the hinge mechanism, between open and collapsed positions.