Stowable Keyboard Hinge Mechanism for Dual Screen Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual screen electronic devices, such as laptops, lack a physical keyboard, leading to a compromised typing experience and requiring users to carry and set up separate external keyboards, which is inconvenient for storage and transportation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of example hinges that allow a physical keyboard to be stowed between the halves of a closed dual screen electronic device, integrating it as part of the device and enabling easy transportation and intuitive use, with the keyboard being removably couplable to the screens and capable of multiple positions, and a system that dynamically adjusts the user interface based on the keyboard's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical keyboard is integrated into the dual screen device, then the typing experience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The physical keyboard is nested within the dual screen device structure, specifically positioned to be stowable between the two screens when closed. This allows the keyboard to be integrated into the device without requiring additional external carrying cases or separate accessories, thereby improving typing experience while managing device complexity through space-efficient nesting.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard assembly serves multiple functions: it provides physical keyboard input when needed, can be stowed away to maintain a compact device profile, and integrates with the dual screen structure. The keyboard may also serve as a structural element within the device, potentially providing support or framing functions in addition to its input function.
2Ease of operation
If a physical keyboard is integrated into the dual screen device, then external keyboard carrying is eliminated, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is nested within the space between the two screens of the dual screen device. When the device is closed, the keyboard can be stowed in this internal space, eliminating the need for separate carrying cases or external storage. This nesting approach allows the keyboard to be integrated without significantly increasing the overall device volume beyond what is already required for the dual screen configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard integration utilizes the third dimension (depth/thickness) of the device by positioning the keyboard between the two screens. This allows the keyboard to be stored within the device's internal volume rather than requiring additional lateral or vertical space, thereby maintaining a compact device profile while improving keyboard portability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the keyboard is made removably couplable to the screens, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability of connection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard assembly is designed with dynamic coupling mechanisms that allow it to be removably attached to the screen assemblies. This enables the keyboard to be positioned at multiple locations (e.g., attached to either screen or stored between screens) while maintaining secure connection during use. The dynamic nature of the coupling allows for both adaptability in positioning and reliability in connection when the keyboard is attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard system is segmented into separate components that can be independently positioned and attached. The keyboard may be detachably coupled to either screen assembly or stowed between screens, allowing flexible configuration. This segmentation provides adaptability for different usage scenarios while maintaining reliable connections through dedicated coupling mechanisms at each attachment point.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, articles of manufacture, and methods have been disclosed that include example hinges that enable a physical keyboard to be stowed between halves of a closed electronic device with dual screens. An example device includes a first screen, a second screen, a first hinge pair, and a second hinge pair. The first hinge pair and the second hinge pair enable 360 degrees of rotation between the first screen and the second screen. The device also includes a physical keyboard that is couplable to a plurality of positions on at least one of the first screen or the second screen.