Slider Flip Mechanism for Mobile Device Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices face ergonomics challenges due to increased functionality, requiring improved user access and control mechanisms that are not adequately addressed by existing designs.
Innovation Solution
A slider flip mechanism that allows a mobile device's cover to slide and flip relative to its base, enabling easy access to controls and features without needing to be fully opened, with a hinge and slide member configuration that includes a C-channel for linear movement and 180-degree rotation, allowing the device to be manipulated into various positions for user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device is fully opened to access controls and features, then user accessibility is improved, but the device cannot be protected and battery cannot be conserved
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a base component and a cover component that can be independently positioned. The cover can be flipped open to expose the slide member with controls, or flipped closed to protect components. This segmentation allows the device to provide either accessibility or protection based on the cover position, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device protection.
2Ease of operation
If the device is fully opened to use features, then feature accessibility is improved, but battery life is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a dynamic cover position system where the cover can be flipped to different positions (closed, partially open, fully open). This allows users to access features only when needed by flipping the cover, rather than keeping the device continuously open. The dynamic positioning enables energy conservation when features are not in use while maintaining accessibility when required.
3Ease of operation
If the slide member is always exposed, then control access is improved, but the device structure becomes more vulnerable
Solution Approach 1:
The cover component acts as an intermediary between the user and the slide member with controls. When the cover is flipped closed, it protects the vulnerable slide member and controls from damage. When flipped open, it allows access to the controls. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing protection when not in use while maintaining accessibility when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile device comprising a first component, a second component and a slider flip mechanism configured to operatively couple the first and second components. The first component may be configured with keys and the second component may be configured with a display. According to an embodiment, the slider flip mechanism comprises a hinge and a slide member, and is configured for sliding the second component relative to the first component from a slide-in position to a slide-out position, for example, to expose one or more of the keys. The slider flip mechanism is configured to also allow flipping of the second component relative to the first component from a flipped-closed position to a flipped-open position, for example, to expose the display. According to an embodiment, the slide member includes a camera component and is configured to protect and/or deactivate the camera component when the slide member is in the slide-in position.