Slide Hinge Mechanism for Dual-Housing Mobile Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices with two-part form factors face challenges in providing both compactness and sufficient user interface surfaces, as existing designs often require users to compromise between hidden and extended interface elements, limiting versatility and usability.
Innovation Solution
A connection mechanism comprising a first hinge member, a slide plate, a second hinge member, first hinge arms, and second hinge arms, allowing the device to transition between closed, open, flat, and tilted configurations by combining sliding and rotational motions, enabling a compact and extended user interface surface with minimal gap and allowing for dual display usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a two-part form factor is used to provide sufficient user interface surfaces, then the user interface area is improved, but the device compactness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate housing sections (first housing section with user input section, second housing section with display) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the device to provide a large user interface surface when opened while maintaining a compact form when closed, as each section can be optimally sized for its specific function without compromising overall portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism enables dynamic reconfiguration of the device between multiple states (compact closed position, extended open position, flat configuration, and tilt configuration). The housing sections can transition between these configurations, allowing the device to adapt its form factor based on usage requirements - compact for portability, extended for maximum user interface access.
2Volume of moving object
If the device is designed to be compact and easy to carry, then the portability is improved, but the user interface surface area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into two housing sections with distinct functions (input and display), each section can be minimized in size for portability while the combined interface area remains sufficient when the sections are positioned in the open or flat configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a three-dimensional compact stacked configuration to a more spread-out configuration when opened, effectively utilizing spatial arrangement to maximize user interface surface area without increasing the carried volume. The flat configuration specifically addresses this by positioning both sections in the same plane for optimal interface access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing two-part designs are used, then the device can be opened to extend interface elements, but the user must compromise between hidden and extended interface elements
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism provides dynamic control over interface element accessibility, allowing users to select from multiple configurations (compact, open, flat, tilt) depending on their immediate needs. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need to compromise, as users can position the housing sections to optimize access to either the display, the user input section, or both simultaneously in the flat configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables compact storage, supports extended interface access, provides flat configuration for simultaneous access to both interfaces, and allows tilting for media consumption. This multi-functionality ensures that all interface elements are always accessible in an optimized manner regardless of the chosen configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first housing section, a second housing section, and a connection mechanism between the housing sections. The connection mechanism includes a first hinge member, a slide plate, second hinge member, a first hinge arm, and a second hinge arm. The first hinge member includes an elongated opening. The slide plate is attached to the second housing section. The second hinge member is connected to the slide plate. The first end of the first hinge arm is connected to the first housing section. The second end of the first hinge arm is connected to the second hinge member. The first end of the second hinge arm is connected to the first hinge member at the elongated opening. The second end of the second hinge arm is connected to the second hinge member.