Multi-function Device Split Cover Keyboard Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Designing a user interface for multi-function electronic devices like smartphones that efficiently accommodates both a large display and a full function keyboard is challenging due to space competition between the keypad and display, particularly when providing a wide array of functions.

Innovation Solution

A multi-function electronic device with a two-part slidable cover that protects the display and features a full QWERTY keyboard, where the keyboard is mounted on the cover and the display is touch-sensitive, allowing maximum space allocation for both components and visibility through a transparent window.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a full function keyboard is provided on the device, then the keyboard functionality is improved, but the display area is reduced due to space competition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyboard functionalityVSAvoiddisplay area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is divided into two separate parts that can slide independently. Each cover part can be positioned to expose different portions of the display, allowing the keyboard to be mounted on the cover while still providing access to the display area when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover parts are made slidable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic repositioning. The cover parts can move between closed and open positions, and can be positioned at intermediate locations to balance keyboard accessibility and display visibility based on user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the cover is made closed to protect the display, then the display protection is improved, but the display visibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay protectionVSAvoiddisplay visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is segmented into two parts that can be positioned independently. This allows one part to remain closed for protection while the other part can be opened to expose the display, providing both protection and visibility simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the cover have different functions - one portion can be closed for protection while the other portion can be opened for display access. The transparent window provides localized transparency in specific areas to allow display visibility through the cover structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Area of stationary object

If the display area is maximized, then the viewing area is improved, but the keyboard space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidkeyboard space

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard is mounted on the movable cover rather than being integrated into the fixed body. This moves the keyboard from the two-dimensional display plane to a separate three-dimensional space on the cover, allowing both maximum display area and full keyboard functionality to coexist.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS7397658B2Multi-function electronic device with split cover

Publication Date: 2008.07.08 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD

AI summary

In a multi-function electronic device, consists of a display mounted on the device and a two part cover with each cover part slidable on the device in opposite directions for covering and exposing the display. The two part cover is equipped with a full function keyboard.