Switchable Film Transparent Lid for Tablet Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems face challenges in providing a convenient tablet mode with an integrated keyboard, as existing systems often require unnatural rotations of housing portions, which discourages end users from using the tablet mode due to the lack of a physical keyboard and awkward typing experience.
Innovation Solution
A portable information handling system employs a switchable film between the display and the lid housing portion, transitioning between opaque and transparent states to allow visual images to be visible through the lid in a closed tablet configuration, enabling intuitive tablet interactions without rotating housing portions and maintaining the keyboard within the closed housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the lid housing portion is rotated to tablet mode to expose the display, then the viewing area is increased, but the keyboard becomes inaccessible and the system footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the lid housing portion switchable between transparent and opaque states through a switchable film. This dynamic property allows the lid to function as both a protective cover and a transparent display surface, enabling tablet mode without physical rotation while maintaining keyboard accessibility through the closed housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by altering the optical properties (transparency/opacity) of the lid housing portion through the switchable film. This parameter change enables the lid to transition between blocking light (protective mode) and allowing light transmission (tablet mode), providing a larger viewing area without requiring structural reconfiguration.
2Area of stationary object
If the keyboard is placed at the bottom of the system in tablet mode, then the display area is maximized, but the typing experience becomes unnatural and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a switchable film that changes the optical state of the lid housing portion. This allows the keyboard to remain in its original position within the closed housing while the lid becomes transparent, enabling natural typing posture and experience without compromising display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The switchable film acts as an intermediary element between the display and the external environment. It mediates the interaction by allowing light transmission in tablet mode while maintaining structural integrity and keyboard accessibility, thus resolving the conflict between maximizing display area and maintaining natural typing experience.
3Area of stationary object
If a separate keyboard is provided for tablet mode, then the display area is increased, but the system complexity increases and portability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the lid housing portion serve multiple functions: it acts as a protective cover in closed mode, becomes a transparent display surface in tablet mode, and maintains keyboard accessibility throughout. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate keyboards or additional components, reducing system complexity while maximizing display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the lid housing portion and the display by using a switchable film that allows the lid to function as both structural protection and optical interface. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate keyboard components in tablet mode, reducing overall system complexity.
4Area of stationary object
If the housing is rotated 360 degrees to tablet mode, then the display is exposed, but the keyboard position becomes unnatural and storage footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a switchable film to change the optical state of the lid housing portion. This dynamic property allows the housing to remain in its original closed position while achieving tablet mode functionality through optical transparency, avoiding unnatural keyboard positioning and reducing storage footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by altering the optical properties of the lid housing portion from opaque to transparent. This parameter change enables display exposure without physical rotation, maintaining natural keyboard position and minimizing the space required for storage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a simple and intuitive tablet configuration with an integrated keyboard, enhancing user experience by allowing illumination through the transparent lid and enabling touch inputs on the outer surface, thus encouraging the use of the tablet mode without the need for housing rotation.
Implementation Method 1
A portable information handling system selectively presents visual images in a tablet mode at an outer surface of a closed lid housing portion by transitioning a switchable film disposed between a display film and the lid housing portion opaque and transparent
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system presents visual images in a tablet configuration having a housing in a closed position by passing the visual images through a switchable film having a transparent state and out an upper surface of housing. The housing opens to a clamshell configuration to expose the display at the inner housing surface and presents display visual images against an opaque state of the switchable film. A graphics processor or timing controller adjusts the visual image orientation based upon whether the display is viewed from the inner surface or outer surface.