Slidable Keypad Covering Display Region
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices with touch-sensitive displays face limitations in user input and output due to space constraints, necessitating a separate input device that can be used without obstructing the display or damaging it when folded.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device design featuring a slidable keypad portion that can move between a closed position to cover a region of the display and an open position to expose more of the display, allowing for adjustable screen size and improved user interaction by aligning the display and keypad surfaces for seamless transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate keypad device is added to provide additional input functionality, then user input capability is improved, but device space and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the display and keypad into a single integrated device structure. The keypad portion is integrated within the display housing, allowing both functions (display and input) to coexist in one device without requiring separate components, thereby improving input capability while managing device space efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The keypad portion is designed to be movable between a retracted state (within the display housing) and an extended state (protruding from the display). This dynamic configuration allows the keypad to provide additional input functionality when needed while minimizing space occupation when not in use, resolving the contradiction between input capability and device space
2Area of stationary object
If the display is made larger to improve output, then display area is increased, but device size and portability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The display is designed with a movable keypad portion that can be retracted into or extended from the display housing. When the keypad is retracted, the full display area is accessible and appears larger. When the keypad is extended, it provides additional input functionality. This dynamic design allows the display to maintain a large apparent area while the device remains compact and portable
3Adaptability or versatility
If the keypad is made movable to adjust display visibility, then user interface flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable keypad is integrated within the display housing structure, combining the keypad mechanism with the display assembly. This integration reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate movable components, while still providing the flexibility to adjust between display visibility and keypad accessibility through a unified structure
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one aspect, there is provided a portable electronic device, including a first portion having a display, and a second portion slidably coupled to the first portion. The first portion and second portion are sized and shaped so that the second portion can move between a closed position, wherein a first region of the display is exposed and a second region of the display is covered by the second portion, and an open position wherein the first and second regions of the display are exposed. The first portion may be a display portion and the second portion may be a keypad portion having a keypad.