Rotating Dock Structure for Multi-Posture IHS Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile Information Handling Systems (IHS) devices lack versatility in display postures and often compromise between portability and performance, with conventional 2-in-1 devices having an uncomfortable form factor and limited display area.

Innovation Solution

A dock for a multi-form factor IHS featuring a base, plateau, and arm that rotates and tilts, with magnetic devices and positioning nibs for attaching displays, allowing various display postures and configurations, including laptop, tablet, and dual-display modes, and enabling dynamic User Interface (UI) features based on posture and keyboard position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If conventional mobile IHS devices are designed for portability, then weight and size are reduced, but display area and performance are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice weightVSAvoiddisplay area
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The dock provides multiple display postures (laptop mode, tablet mode, dual-display mode, presentation mode) and functions (display support, magnetic attachment, keyboard positioning) within a single device structure, allowing users to expand display area and performance without carrying multiple separate devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Length of moving object

If conventional mobile IHS devices are designed for portability, then device size is reduced, but versatility in display postures is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoiddisplay posture versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The dock incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including a rotatable arm with tilt capability, magnetic devices that can be positioned at different locations, and a positioning nib system that allows the same physical structure to accommodate multiple display postures and configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A single dock structure serves multiple functions: supporting tablets, notebooks, and 2-in-1 devices; providing various display angles and orientations; enabling magnetic attachments at different positions; and supporting different keyboard configurations, all within a compact form factor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Force

If magnetic devices are positioned to mate with the magnetic device in the plateau, then attachment strength is improved, but positioning precision must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning nib acts as an intermediary mechanical guide that works in conjunction with the magnetic device. The nib provides physical alignment and location constraints, while the magnetic device provides attachment strength, together solving both positioning precision and attachment force requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enhances versatility by providing multiple display postures with reduced size and weight, offering adaptable UI features and efficient use of display area through magnetic attachments and sensor-driven adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

The plateau may include a magnetic device. The magnetic device may be positioned in the plateau in a direction perpendicular to the proximal edge of the plateau.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3894982B1Dock for a multi-form factor information handling system (IHS)
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 DELL PROD LP
  • EP3894982B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3894982B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3894982B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Embodiments of a dock for a multi-form factor Information Handling System (IHS) are described. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a dock may include: a base, a plateau configured to receive an IHS, and an arm coupling a distal edge of the base to a proximal edge of the plateau, where the arm rotates with respect to the base around a first axis to lift the plateau, where the plateau rotates with respect to the arm around a second axis to tilt the plateau, and where the second axis is parallel with respect to the first axis.