Tri-fold Mobile Terminal with Multi-functional Hinge for Compact Keyboard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable mobile communication terminals face a challenge in providing a larger display screen size and full function keyboard while maintaining a compact size, as existing designs do not allow for the reduction of device size when both standard communication and advanced keyboard functionalities are required.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication terminal design featuring a main body element, a second body element, and a third body element that fold in a stacked relationship, with a multi-functional hinge member allowing for various pivot axes to enable the display and keyboard to be exposed in different operative positions, including a 90° rotation of the display, to accommodate both communication and keyboard functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable keyboard is provided with a panel that rotates between two positions to expose keys on both sides, then full function keyboard capability is achieved, but the display screen and communication keypad remain non-foldable preventing device size reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into three separate body elements (main body, middle body with display, and end body with keyboard) that can be folded independently. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its function while enabling compact folding, resolving the contradiction between providing full keyboard functionality and maintaining compact device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional planar layout to a three-dimensional folded structure. By stacking body elements in multiple layers and using hinge mechanisms, the device achieves compact form factor when folded while maintaining full functionality when unfolded, effectively utilizing spatial dimensions to resolve the size-functionality contradiction.
2Volume of moving object
If the device is designed with multiple body elements stacked in a folded relationship, then compact size is achieved, but the complexity of the hinge and folding mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides rotational movement for the display body element, supports the stacked configuration of multiple body elements, and enables both compact folding and full functionality. This universal hinge design consolidates multiple functions into a single mechanism, reducing overall device complexity while achieving compact size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the display and keyboard are exposed in different operative positions through folding, then both communication and keyboard functions are accessible, but the ease of operation between different positions becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic folding mechanisms that allow smooth transitions between different operative positions. The hinge member enables the middle body element to rotate and the end body element to flip, dynamically adjusting the configuration to expose the display and keyboard in accessible positions. This dynamic design maintains ease of operation by allowing intuitive transitions between communication and keyboard modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile communication terminal comprises three body elements connected by a multi-functional hinge member for movement from a closed folded operative position to a flipped open first operative position revealing a display carried by one body element and a first keypad carried by a second body element and to a folded keyboard flipped open position revealing an arrangement of keys carried by the third body element and the second body element on the side opposite the first keyboard. The first body element carrying the display is rotated in a plane parallel with the plane of the display to reveal the display for usage with the flipped open folded keyboard in a second operative position.