Sliding Display Hinge Mechanism for Ergonomic Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld mobile communication devices face challenges in ergonomics and usability due to the limited size, where the display screen is often obstructed by the user's hands during data entry, and there is a need for efficient textual data input and navigation control within a compact design.
Innovation Solution
The device features a display member that tilts upward to an ergonomic angle relative to the keypad member, allowing the screen to remain exposed while providing a trackball for navigation and using either full or reduced alphabetic keyboards with disambiguation software for character discrimination, ensuring easy data entry and navigation without obstructing the screen view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the display member is tilted upward to an ergonomic angle, then user ergonomics and screen visibility are improved, but the connection hinge becomes a weak point in the construction
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between display member and keypad member is divided into multiple linkage members (first linkage member and second linkage member) connected by pivot joints, distributing the mechanical stress and improving overall reliability while maintaining the ergonomic tilt angle
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the display member and keypad member, providing a robust connection that can accommodate the ergonomic angle without creating a weak point, as the linkage members are designed to work together to support the tilted position
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the display member covers the keypad when closed, then unintentional key actuation is prevented, but the display is obstructed during data entry
Solution Approach 1:
The display member is designed to be movable relative to the keypad member, transitioning between a closed position that prevents unintentional actuation and an open position that provides full display visibility during data entry, allowing the system to adapt to different operational states
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 4a
AI summary
Handheld mobile communication devices according to the disclosure have a closed position, in which the display member of the device covers at least a portion of the keys of the keypad member of the device, and an open position, in which the keys are accessible and the device is operated. When the display member is in the open position, it forms an ergonomically desirable angle (e.g., on the order of about 155°) relative to the keypad member. However, unlike clamshell-type cellular phones, the display member does not simply flip open about a conventional pivot joint. Rather, it moves from the closed position, where it is parallel and adjacent to the keypad member, to the open, angled position through a sliding/sweeping motion; through an eccentric, "up-and-over" rotational motion; or through a combination sliding/"up-and-over" motion.