Rotating Panel Hinge Mechanism for Accessible Buttons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable information terminals have limited rotation angles of their display apparatus, making it difficult to operate in folded states without external exposure of buttons and requiring separate stands for vertical support, and struggle with displaying files containing images and text on small screens.
Innovation Solution
A portable information terminal design featuring rotatable first and second panels connected by a hexahedral connecting unit with button units, allowing for various orientations and configurations, including the ability to stand on a surface without external stands, and utilizing dual display units for improved viewing of images and text.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the portable information terminal is operated in a folded state, then the terminal can be compact for carrying, but the buttons on the lateral surface are not externally exposed and become inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the button unit from the lateral surface of the display apparatus to the connecting unit that joins the first and second panels. This spatial relocation to a different dimension (the connecting structure between panels) allows buttons to remain accessible even when the terminal is folded, resolving the contradiction between compactness and operability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional hinge coupling is used, then the display apparatus can be rotatably coupled with the second panel, but the rotation angle is limited to approximately 180 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection structure into multiple segments: the connecting unit with button unit, and the hinge coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows the hinge to provide rotational movement while the connecting unit maintains structural integrity and button accessibility, enabling greater display orientation flexibility without excessive complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the portable information terminal is operated in a folded state, then the terminal can be supported vertically on a flat surface, but a separate stand or rest is required
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting unit serves multiple functions: it joins the first and second panels, houses the button unit for operation, and provides a surface that enables vertical support when the terminal is folded. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate stands while maintaining vertical support capability.
4Volume of moving object
If a small display apparatus is used, then the terminal can be compact, but files containing images and text are difficult to view on the small screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the three-dimensional folding configuration to create multiple viewing angles and orientations. By allowing the display apparatus to be positioned at various angles relative to the keyboard panel, users can view files more comfortably in different lighting and viewing conditions, improving the viewing experience despite the small screen size.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information terminal is provided which includes: a first panel with a first flat board unit including a first accommodating unit and a first hinge unit; a connecting unit including a button unit on one or more surfaces thereof, a first portion of the connecting unit configure to be accommodated in the first accommodating unit so as to be rotatably connected to the first hinge unit; and a second panel which includes a second flat board unit with a second accommodating unit for accommodating a second portion of the connecting unit, and a second hinge unit configured to be rotatably connected to another side of the connecting unit.