Friction hinge

Abstract

Examples disclosed relate to a friction hinge. In one example, a friction hinge includes a first cylinder and an adjacent second cylinder, the first and second cylinders extending from a cylinder base plate. The first finger extends from the finger substrate between the first and second cylinders and includes a distal contact surface biased into contact with the first biasing surface of the first cylinder. A second finger adjacent the first finger extends from the finger substrate between the first and second cylinders and includes a distal contact surface that is biased into contact with the second biasing surface of the second cylinder. A pin extends through holes in the first post, the first finger, the second finger, and the second post.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Some devices include one or more hinges that rotatably couple two substrates for relative movement. Summary of the Invention

[0002] This summary is provided to introduce a series of concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

[0003] Examples of friction hinges and methods for assembling friction hinges for rotatably coupling two substrates are disclosed. In one example, the friction hinge includes a first post and an adjacent second post, the first and second posts extending from a post substrate. A first finger extends from the finger substrate between the first and second posts. The first finger includes a distal contact surface biased to contact a first biased surface of the first post. A second finger, adjacent to the first finger, also extends from the finger substrate between the first and second posts. The second finger includes a distal contact surface biased to contact a second biased surface of the second post. A pin extends through holes in the first post, the first finger, the second finger, and the second post.

[0004] In another example, a computing device includes a first substrate and a second substrate movably coupled to the first substrate via a friction hinge. The friction hinge includes a first cylinder and an adjacent second cylinder, the first cylinder and the second cylinder extending from the cylinder substrate. A first finger extends from the finger substrate between the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The first finger includes a distal contact surface that is biased to contact a first biased surface of the first cylinder. A second finger, adjacent to the first finger, also extends from the finger substrate between the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The second finger includes a distal contact surface that is biased to contact a second biased surface of the second cylinder. A pin extends through a hole in the first cylinder, the first finger, the second finger, and the second cylinder.

[0005] In another example, a method of operating a friction hinge includes a post base plate rotatably coupled to a finger base plate, the method including positioning the post base plate in a first angular orientation relative to the finger base plate, wherein the post base plate includes a first post and an adjacent second post extending from the post base plate, and the finger base plate includes a first finger extending from the finger base plate between the first post and the second post. The first finger includes a distal contact surface biased to contact a first biased surface of the first post. The finger base plate also includes a second finger adjacent to and axially spaced from the first finger and extending from the finger base plate between the first post and the second post, the second finger including a distal contact surface biased to contact a second biased surface of the second post, wherein a pin extends through a post hole in the first post, a finger hole in the first finger, a finger hole in the second finger, and a post hole in the second post. The method includes repositioning the post base plate to a second angular orientation relative to the finger base plate, wherein frictional contact between at least a distal contact surface of the first finger and a first biased surface of the first post and between a distal contact surface of the second finger and a second biased surface of the second post causes the post base plate to maintain the second angular orientation relative to the finger base plate.

[0006] In another example, a method of assembling a friction hinge includes providing a cylinder base plate including a first cylinder and an adjacent second cylinder, the first cylinder and the second cylinder extending from the cylinder base plate, and providing a finger base plate including a first finger and an adjacent second finger, the first finger and the second finger extending from the finger base plate. The first finger includes a distal contact surface and an inclined surface between the distal contact surface of the first finger and the finger base plate, and the second finger includes a distal contact surface and an inclined surface between the distal contact surface of the second finger and the finger base plate.

[0007] A first post is inserted at the base of the inclined surface of the first finger, and a second post is inserted at the base of the inclined surface of the second finger. The method further includes sliding the first post along the inclined surface of the first finger toward the distal contact surface of the first finger, and moving the second post along the inclined surface of the second finger toward the distal contact surface of the second finger, thereby biasing the distal contact surface of the first finger against the first post and biasing the distal contact surface of the second finger against the second post. The method includes aligning a first post hole in the first post, a first finger hole in the first finger, a second finger hole in the second finger, and a second post hole in the second post. Then, a pin is inserted through the first post hole, the first finger hole, the second finger hole, and the second post hole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 One example of a computing device utilizing a friction hinge according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 An assembled friction hinge is shown according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 3 An example according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 An enlarged partial view of the fingers and post of a friction hinge.

[0011] Figure 4 Shows the assembly of an example according to the present disclosure Figure 2 An enlarged partial view of the fingers of a friction hinge.

[0012] Figure 5 Shows the assembly of an example according to the present disclosure Figure 4 An enlarged partial view of the fingers of a friction hinge.

[0013] Figure 6 Shows the assembly of an example according to the present disclosure Figure 2 An enlarged partial view of the cylinder of the friction hinge.

[0014] Figure 7 An example according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 6 Another view of the cylinder.

[0015] Figure 8 An example according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 An enlarged partial view of a portion of the fingers and pin of a friction hinge.

[0016] Figure 9 Shows an example insertion according to the present disclosure Figure 2 The friction hinge has fingers that extend from the substrate to the post.

[0017] Figure 10 A post is shown sliding along an inclined surface of a finger, according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 11 A pin is shown inserted through a hole in a post and a finger, according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 12 An assembled friction hinge is shown according to another example of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 13 Shown Figure 12 Another view of the friction hinge.

[0021] Figure 14A and Figure 14B A flow chart illustrating an example method of operating a friction hinge according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 15 A flow chart illustrating an example method of assembling a friction hinge according to examples of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] A wide variety of products and components utilize two substrates that are rotatably coupled via one or more hinges. For example, in the field of computing devices, some tablet computing devices utilize a stand that is rotatably coupled to a display substrate via one or more friction hinges. In laptop devices, one or more friction hinges rotatably couple a display to another substrate that contains one or more input devices, such as a keyboard and trackpad. Some computing devices utilize two or more displays that are rotatably coupled via one or more friction hinges. Many other products and components may utilize friction hinge(s) in a similar manner.

[0024] In some examples, interlocking finger hinges with alternating fingers create frictional resistance to rotation by tightening a nut on each end of a pin to compress the fingers together. In these examples, the nut squeezes the fingers together and creates tension on the pin via mechanical features, such as threads on the pin. In other examples, the hinge can utilize an interference fit with a pin extending through multiple fingers. Each finger clamps onto the pin to create frictional resistance to rotation.

[0025] In these examples, the pin is a potential failure point, and if the pin breaks, all friction on the hinge is gone. Therefore, the pin must be large enough to withstand the forces it will be subjected to during the life of the product. It can be seen that this requirement limits the potential reduction in pin size, thereby preventing the overall thickness of the hinge from being reduced beyond a minimum thickness. In some of these designs, additional components such as fastening nuts also create a more time-consuming and complicated assembly process. In addition, in many of these designs, when the hinge and the two base plates are closed, there is still a "rebound" torque that forces the base plates to open. In these designs, additional closing components are sometimes required to hold the base plates closed, such as a closing mechanism and / or one or more sets of magnets.

[0026] Thus, examples of friction hinges are disclosed that address one or more of the aforementioned issues and reduce or substantially eliminate the forces exerted on the pins. Advantageously, these designs allow for a significant reduction in pin diameter, resulting in a corresponding reduction in the overall thickness of the hinge and corresponding product or assembly. Furthermore, as described in greater detail below, this configuration does not generate torsional rebound forces, thereby allowing the corresponding base plate to remain closed without the need for additional closure components. Furthermore, methods of assembling friction hinges are disclosed that simplify the assembly process.

[0027] In the following discussion, an example computing device is described that employs an example of the hinge and assembly techniques described herein. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the example device and can be used with a variety of devices, whether computing-related or otherwise, that rotatably couple two substrates and have different form factors and functionality. In different examples, a hinge or multiple hinges are used to rotatably couple substrates of a device or component. Furthermore, in the description provided herein, ordinal numbers such as first and second are used for convenience and ease of description and do not indicate any order or arrangement of components.

[0028] Now refer to Figure 1 , one example of a computing device is illustrated in the form of a tablet computing device 4. In other examples, the computing device may take the form of a laptop computing device, a dual-screen mobile computing device, or any other suitable computing device. Figure 1 In the example shown, tablet computing device 4 includes a first substrate 6 including a touch screen display 7 (facing away in this view) and a rear panel 8 facing away from the display. First substrate 6 is rotatably coupled to bracket 9 (second substrate) via a pair of friction hinges 10A and 10B having the same configuration and described in more detail below. In other examples, a single friction hinge 10 or three or more friction hinges 10 may be used to couple the first substrate to the second substrate.

[0029] As described in more detail below and with reference to Figure 2 Each of the friction hinges 10A and 10B includes a finger base plate 14, which includes a plurality of fingers 16, and a cylinder base plate 20, which includes a plurality of cylinders 24. As further described and illustrated below, two fingers 16 are inserted between adjacent cylinders 24 in a repeating pattern across the length of the friction hinge 10. Advantageously, adjacent fingers 16 are configured with intentional interference relative to the two cylinders 24 between which they are inserted. Thus, during assembly, the fingers 16 are biased between the solid cylinders 24 to create a preloaded friction interface. A guide pin 17 is then inserted through the fingers 16 and cylinders 24 to guide the center of rotation.

[0030] In this manner, and in one advantage of the present disclosure, this configuration eliminates the tension applied to the pin in other designs, thereby enabling the size of the pin and other components to be reduced to provide a low-profile friction hinge that can be used in much thinner products and assemblies. Furthermore, an example friction hinge of this configuration can utilize only three components, thereby saving costs compared to more complex hinge designs. Furthermore, as described in more detail below, the simple design of the disclosed configuration makes the assembly process easy and quick, which can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0031] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "adjacent" means that a first component is immediately adjacent to a second component of the same type, without one or more other components of the same type between the first and second components. Figure 3 , the first finger 16 - 1 is adjacent to the third finger 16 - 3 because no additional finger(s) 16 are located between the first finger 16 - 1 and the third finger 16 - 3 .

[0032] Now refer to Figure 2-11 A description of an example friction hinge according to the present disclosure will now be provided. In this example, the friction hinge 10 includes twelve fingers 16 and seven posts 24. In other examples, the friction hinge of the present disclosure can utilize as few as two fingers 16 and two posts 24, or any other suitable number of fingers and posts. Furthermore, in another advantage of the present disclosure, the size of the friction hinge described herein can be easily scaled by adding additional fingers 16 to the finger base plate and corresponding posts 24 to the post base plate.

[0033] It should be understood that the following description of selected fingers 16 and posts 24 applies to each of the fingers and corresponding posts of the friction hinge 10 .

[0034] Now refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this example, the friction hinge 10 includes a first finger 16-1 and an adjacent second finger 16-2 extending from the left side 21 of the finger base plate 14 and axially spaced from the first finger. Figure 3 Shown and referenced Figure 6 The first finger 16 - 2 and the second finger 16 - 3 each extend between a first pillar 24 - 1 and an adjacent second pillar 24 - 2 , the first pillar and the second pillar extending from the pillar base plate 20 .

[0035] As described in more detail below and with reference to Figure 4-7, the first finger 16-1 includes a distal contact surface 38-1 on its contact side 32-1 that is biased into contact with the first biased surface 26-1 of the first post 24-1. Similarly, the second finger 16-2 includes a distal contact surface 38-2 on its contact side 32-2 that is biased into contact with the second biased surface 28-2 of the second post 24-2. The first finger 16-1 and the second finger 16-2 have identical shapes and are rotated 180 degrees relative to each other. In one advantage of the present disclosure, and as further described below, the distal contact surfaces 38 of the fingers 16 are achieved by tilting the contact side 32 of each finger to mate with the post 24, such that the fingers are laterally deflected in the X-axis direction as the post is inserted between every other pair of fingers and moved along the contact side to the distal contact surface 38. This deflection of each finger generates a biasing force that urges the distal contact surface 38 of each finger against the corresponding biasing surface 26 of the post 24, thereby creating a frictional interface that resists rotation of the contact surface relative to the biasing surface. Advantageously, in this manner, when the finger substrate 14 and the post substrate 20 (and corresponding attachment substrate) are rotated to a desired angle and released, the frictional interface of the hinge 10 maintains the substrates at the desired angle.

[0036] In this example, each finger 16 has the same shape. In addition, the fingers 16 are oriented along the longitudinal axis 15 of the finger substrate 14 so that each finger is rotated 180 degrees relative to its adjacent finger(s). For example, referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the first finger 16-1 is rotated 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis 46-1 relative to the second finger 16-2, so that the distal non-contact surface 44-1 of the first finger faces the distal non-contact surface 44-2 of the second finger. In a similar manner, the first finger 16-1 is rotated 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis 46-1 relative to the third finger 16-3. Moreover, as described in more detail below, each pair of fingers 16 positioned between two posts 26 interacts with the posts in the same manner. Thus, in another advantage of the present disclosure, this repetitive configuration of fingers 16 and posts 26 provides a consistent and substantially equal friction interface along the length of the friction hinge 10, balancing and distributing the frictional drag on the hinge.

[0037] Now refer to Figure 5 , the first finger 16-1 further includes a distal non-contact surface 44-1 on the non-contact side 34-1 opposite to the distal contact surface 38-1 thereof. Similarly, the second finger 16-2 includes a distal non-contact surface 44-2 on the non-contact side 34-2 opposite to the distal contact surface 38-2 thereof. Figure 5As shown, the distal non-contact surface 44-1 of the first finger 16-1 and the distal non-contact surface 44-2 of the second finger 16-2 define an opening 54 therebetween. In another potential advantage of the present disclosure, the opening 54 between the adjacent distal non-contact surfaces 44-1 and 44-2 provides space for the first and second fingers 16-1, 16-2 to deflect toward each other during assembly, thereby preloading the fingers to bias their distal contact surfaces 38-1 and 38-2 into the corresponding first and second biasing surfaces 26-1, 28-2 of the first and second posts 24-1, 24-2, respectively.

[0038] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A portion of the finger 16 is depicted in a pre-assembly position prior to assembly. As shown in these figures and with reference to Figure 8 Each finger 16 further includes an inclined surface 40 between its distal contact surface 38 and the finger base 14, wherein each inclined surface forms an inclined angle 50 of less than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 15 of the finger base (see Figure 4 In this example, the tilt angle 50 is 87.7 degrees. In other examples, other suitable tilt angles can be used. Figure 4 The angle of inclination 50 of the inclined surface 40-4 of the fourth finger 16-4 is shown, but it should be understood that the inclined surface 40 of each finger 16 along the finger base 14 forms the same angle of inclination 50 relative to the longitudinal axis 15 of the finger base. Thus, in another potential advantage of this configuration, adjacent inclined surfaces 40 of adjacent fingers 16 form lower receiving spaces that enable insertion of corresponding posts 24 at the bases 42 of the inclined surfaces while also facilitating deflection of the fingers and corresponding biasing preload as the posts move along the inclined surfaces to the distal contact faces 38 of the adjacent fingers.

[0039] For example, reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the width 56 between adjacent bases 42-1 and 42-3 of the inclined surfaces 40-1 and 40-3 of the first finger 16-1 and the third finger 16-3, respectively, is greater than the width 58 of the first post 24-1. In one example, the width 56 between adjacent bases 42-1 and 42-3 is 0.94 mm, and the width 58 of the first post 24-1 is 0.85 mm. In other examples, other suitable widths 56 and 58 may be utilized to accommodate different configurations. In this manner, reference is also made to Figure 9As will be described in greater detail below, this configuration allows the first post 24-1 to be inserted between the first and third fingers 16-1, 16-3 at the bases 42-1 and 42-3 of the inclined surfaces 40-1 and 40-3. In this example, each post 24 has the same width 58, and the width between adjacent bases 42 of the inclined surfaces 40 of each pair of adjacent fingers 16 is the same width 56. Thus, this configuration allows each post 24 to be inserted between corresponding fingers 16 at the bases 42 of the inclined surfaces 40 of the fingers on the friction hinge 20.

[0040] Reference again Figure 5 Adjacent inclined surfaces 40 of adjacent fingers 16 are inclined inwardly toward each other in a manner that reduces the gap between these surfaces in the positive y-axis direction. For example, in another potential advantage of the present disclosure, the gap between adjacent inclined surfaces 40-1 and 40-3 between the bases 42-1 and 42-3 of fingers 16-1 and 16-3, respectively, and their distal contact surfaces 38-1 and 38-3 is gradually reduced to a distance less than the width 58 of the first column 24-1. In this example, the distance 60 between the contact surfaces 38-1 and 38-3 is 0.76 mm. Advantageously, and as described in more detail below, as the first post 24-1 moves along the adjacent inclined surfaces 40-1 and 40-3 to the distal contact surfaces 38-1 and 38-3, the first post biases the distal contact surface 38-1 of the first finger 16-1 in the positive x-axis direction and biases the distal contact surface 38-3 of the third finger 16-3 away from the first finger 16-1 in the opposite negative direction.

[0041] The second post 24-2 interacts in the same manner with the adjacent inclined surfaces 40-2 and 40-5 of the second and fifth fingers 16-2, 16-5, respectively. Thus, as the first and second posts 24-1, 24-2 move toward the distal contact surfaces of the fingers, the second post biases the distal contact surface 38-2 of the second finger 16-2 toward the first finger 16-1 in the negative x-axis direction. Thus, in this configuration, the first post 24-1 deflects the first finger 16-1 toward the second finger 16-2, and the second post 24-2 deflects the second finger 16-2 toward the first finger 16-1.

[0042] As mentioned above, Figure 4 and Figure 5 A portion of the finger 16 is depicted in a pre-assembled position. As described above, the first post 24-1 causes the first finger 16-1 to move from Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first pre-assembly position shown is deflected to Figure 3The first assembled position shown causes the distal contact surface 38-1 of the first finger to exert an axial force on the first offset surface 26-1 of the first cylinder in the negative x-axis direction (see also Figure 6 and Figure 7 ). In a similar manner, the second post 24-2 causes the second finger 16-2 to move from Figure 4 and Figure 5 The second pre-assembly position shown is deflected to Figure 3 This causes the distal contact surface 38-2 of the second finger-shaped member to exert an axial force on the second offset surface 28-2 of the second cylinder in the positive x-axis direction. Figure 3 As shown and described in more detail below, the first and second fingers 16-1, 16-2 (and each of the other fingers 16) are displaced from their respective positions by their corresponding posts 24 as the posts move in the positive y-axis direction to the distal contact surfaces 38 of the fingers. Figure 3 The post 24 can deflect the fingers 16 by 4 degrees from their pre-assembly positions to their post-assembly positions. In other configurations, the post 24 can deflect the fingers 16 by different amounts.

[0043] In this example, and with reference to Figure 6-8 In another potential advantage of the present disclosure, when the first finger 16-1 and the second finger 16-2 are in the first assembled position and the second assembled position, respectively, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the plane of the distal contact surface 38-1 of the first finger 16-1 is substantially parallel to and flush with the plane of the first biasing surface 26-1 of the first post 24-1. Similarly, the plane of the distal contact surface 38-2 of the second finger 16-2 is substantially parallel to and flush with the plane of the second biasing surface 28-2 of the second post 24-2. In this example, these planes are 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 15 of the finger base 14. Advantageously, this configuration ensures that most or substantially all of the surface area of the distal contact surface 38 and the corresponding biasing surface 26 are in contact, providing a smooth friction interface between the surfaces passing through the friction hinge 10.

[0044] In this example, and again referring to Figure 4 To align the distal contact surface 38 with the plane of the first biasing surface 26, each distal contact surface forms a contact angle 52 with respect to the longitudinal axis 15 of the finger base 14 that is less than the tilt angle 50. In this example, the contact angle 52 is 86.0 degrees. Figure 44, which is a perspective view of the distal contact surface 38-4 for the fourth finger 16-4. In other examples, other suitable contact angles 52 that are less than the corresponding angles 50 of the inclined surfaces may be utilized. Advantageously, in this example, the contact angle 52 is selected to coordinate with the amount of deflection caused by the post 24 to produce planar alignment of the distal contact surface 38 and the corresponding offset surface described above. Furthermore, in another potential advantage of the present disclosure, by configuring the inclined surface 40 to have a larger (less severe) angle relative to the longitudinal axis 15 of the finger base 14 than the distal contact surface 38, the inclined surface 40 interacts with the post 24 to provide a gradual lateral offset of the finger 16 as the post moves to the distal contact surface 38 of the finger.

[0045] In other examples, the angled surface 40 and the distal contact surface 38 can have different angles that produce less or greater finger deflection and corresponding biasing force. In some examples, the angled surface 40 and the distal contact surface 38 can have the same angle relative to the longitudinal axis 15 of the finger substrate 14.

[0046] With respect to the above description, it should be understood that each post 24 interacts with the adjacent inclined surface(s) 40 in the same manner throughout the length of the friction hinge 10 .

[0047] As described above, guide pin 17 is inserted through holes in fingers 16 and post 24 to guide the center of rotation of the fingers and post. Advantageously, because this configuration creates a frictional interface by biasing distal contact surface 38 of finger 16 against offset surface 26 of post 24, these configurations allow pin 17 to simply guide the rotation of the fingers and post, and correspondingly reduce or substantially eliminate the forces exerted on the pin. Advantageously, these designs allow the pin diameter to be significantly reduced, resulting in a corresponding reduction in the overall thickness of the hinge and corresponding product or assembly.

[0048] Thus, in this example, the pin diameter 18 of the pin 17 is smaller than the hole in the finger 16 and the post 24. Figure 8 , in this example, the pin 17 has a pin diameter 18 that is smaller than the hole diameter 47-4 of the finger hole 45-4 in the fourth finger 16-4. It should be understood that the hole diameters of the finger holes 45-3, 45-1, 45-2 of the third finger 16-3, the first finger 16-1, and the second finger 16-2 (and the finger holes of the other fingers 16) are the same as the hole diameter 47-4 of the fourth finger 16-4. Similarly and with reference to Figure 7 In this example, the hole diameters of the cylinder holes 25-3, 25-1, 25-2 of the third cylinder 24-3, the first cylinder 24-1, and the second cylinder 24-2 (and the cylinder holes of other cylinders 24) are respectively the same as the hole diameter 47-4 of the fourth finger 16-4.

[0049] In this example, the pin diameter 18 of the pin 17 is 0.6 mm, and the hole diameters of the finger hole 45 and the post hole 25 are 0.65 mm. Advantageously, by reducing the size of the pin 17 relative to the hole, a provision is provided for the pin to move freely within the hole, which enables the aforementioned deflection of the finger 16. Furthermore, in another advantage of the present disclosure, this configuration does not generate torsional rebound forces on the finger 16 or post 24, thereby allowing the corresponding substrate to remain closed without the need for additional closure components.

[0050] In some examples, the friction hinges of the present disclosure may utilize a multi-pivot configuration in which a post base plate includes opposing sides of a post that are rotatably coupled to fingers of an opposing finger base plate using the friction interface described above. Figure 12 and Figure 13 , provides an example of a friction hinge 100 according to this configuration. In this example, the friction hinge 100 includes a post base 120 having a first side 121 and an opposing second side 122. A plurality of posts 124A extend from the first side 121, each post having the same configuration as the posts 24 described above. A plurality of opposing posts 124B extend from the second side 122, each of which also has the same configuration as the posts 24.

[0051] Finger base plate 114 includes a plurality of fingers 116A extending from the base plate and having the same shape and configuration as fingers 16 described above. Two fingers 116A are inserted between adjacent posts 124A in a repeating pattern along the length of friction hinge 100. Adjacent fingers 116A are configured with intentional interference relative to the two posts 124A between which they are inserted, thereby creating a preloaded friction interface in the same manner and configuration as the fingers 16 and posts 124 of friction hinge 10 described above. Guide pins 17A are then inserted through holes in fingers 116A and posts 124A to guide the center of rotation.

[0052] In a similar manner, the opposing finger base plate 115 includes a plurality of opposing fingers 116B extending from the base plate and having the same shape and configuration as the fingers 16 described above. Two opposing fingers 116B are inserted between adjacent opposing posts 124B in the same repeating pattern along the length of the friction hinge 100. Adjacent opposing fingers 116B are configured with intentional interference relative to the two opposing posts 124B between which they are inserted, thereby creating a preloaded friction interface in the same manner and configuration as the fingers 16 and posts 124 of the friction hinge 10 described above.

[0053] For example, and similar to the finger 16 described above, the first opposing finger 116B-1 includes a first relative distal contact surface that is biased into contact with a first relative biasing surface of the first opposing post 124B-1. The second opposing finger 116B-2 is adjacent to and axially spaced apart from the first opposing finger 116B-1 and extends from the opposing finger base 115 between the first opposing post 124B-1 and the second opposing post 124B-2. The second opposing finger 116B-2 includes a second relative distal contact surface that is biased into contact with a second relative biasing surface of the second opposing post 124B-2. The opposing guide pin 17B is then inserted through holes in the opposing finger 116B and the opposing post 124B to guide the center of rotation.

[0054] Thus, and in one potential advantage of this configuration, the multi-pivot friction hinge 100 provides a dual, relative rotational interface that enables the finger substrate 114 and the relative finger substrate 115 (and any other attached substrates or components) to be statically positioned in a variety of angular orientations.

[0055] Now refer to Figure 14A and Figure 14B An example method 200 of operating a friction hinge including a post base plate rotatably coupled to a finger base plate will now be described. Figure 14A and Figure 14B A flow chart describing the method 200 is shown. Figure 1-13 The following description of method 200 is provided with reference to the components shown in FIG.

[0056] It should be understood that the following description of method 200 is provided by way of example and is not intended to be limiting. Figure 14A and Figure 14B . Furthermore, it should be understood that the steps of method 200 may be performed in any suitable order. Furthermore, it should be understood that one or more steps may be omitted from method 200 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that method 200 may also be performed in other environments using other suitable components.

[0057] refer to Figure 14AAt 204, method 200 includes positioning a post substrate in a first angular orientation relative to a finger substrate, wherein the post substrate includes a first post and an adjacent second post, the first post and the second post extending from the post substrate, and the finger substrate includes a first finger extending from the finger substrate between the first post and the second post, the first finger including a distal contact surface biased to contact a first biased surface of the first post, and the finger substrate includes a second finger adjacent to and axially spaced from the first finger and extending from the finger substrate between the first post and the second post, the second finger including a distal contact surface biased to contact a second biased surface of the second post, wherein a pin extends through a post hole in the first post, a finger hole in the first finger, a finger hole in the second finger, and a post hole in the second post. In one example, reference Figure 2 , the pillar substrate 20 is positioned at an angular orientation of approximately 180 degrees relative to the finger substrate 14. In other examples, any suitable angular orientation may be used.

[0058] At 208, method 200 includes repositioning the post substrate to a second angular orientation relative to the finger substrate, wherein frictional contact between at least the distal contact surface of the first finger and the first biasing surface of the first post and between the distal contact surface of the second finger and the second biasing surface of the second post causes the post substrate to maintain the second angular orientation relative to the finger substrate. In one example, referring to Figure 11 , the post base plate 20 is rotated relative to the finger base plate 14 to reposition the post base plate at a second angular orientation of approximately 90 degrees relative to the finger base plate. In other examples, any other suitable angular orientation may be used. Furthermore, as described above, frictional contact between at least the distal contact surface 38-1 of the first finger 16-1 and the first biasing surface 26-1 of the first post 24-1, and between the distal contact surface 38-2 of the second finger 16-2 and the second biasing surface 28-2 of the second post 24-2, causes the post base plate 20 to resist further rotation relative to the finger base plate 14 when the base plate is released, thereby maintaining the second angular orientation relative to the finger base plate 14.

[0059] At 212, method 200 includes wherein the first finger includes a distal non-contact surface opposite its distal contact surface, and the second finger includes a distal non-contact surface opposite its distal contact surface, and the distal non-contact surface of the first finger and the distal non-contact surface of the second finger define an opening between the distal non-contact surface of the first finger and the distal non-contact surface of the second finger. At 216, method 200 includes wherein the first finger and the second finger have the same shape. At 220, method 200 includes wherein the first finger is rotated 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis relative to the second finger.

[0060] Now refer to Figure 14B At 224, method 200 includes, wherein the first cylinder biases the distal contact surface of the first finger in a first direction, and the second cylinder biases the distal contact surface of the second finger in a second direction opposite the first direction. At 228, method 200 includes, wherein the first cylinder deflects the first finger toward the second finger, and the second cylinder deflects the second finger toward the first finger. At 232, method 200 includes, wherein the first cylinder deflects the first finger from a first pre-assembly position to a first post-assembly position, which causes the distal contact surface of the first finger to apply an axial force on the first biasing surface of the first cylinder in a second direction, and the second cylinder deflects the second finger from the second pre-assembly position to a second post-assembly position, which causes the distal contact surface of the second finger to apply an axial force on the second biasing surface of the second cylinder in the first direction opposite the second direction.

[0061] Now refer to Figure 15 , an example method 300 of assembling a friction hinge will now be described. Figure 15 A flow chart describing the method 300 is shown. Figure 1-13 The following description of method 300 is provided with reference to the components shown in FIG.

[0062] It should be understood that the following description of method 300 is provided by way of example and is not intended to be limiting. Figure 15 . Furthermore, it should be understood that the steps of method 300 may be performed in any suitable order. Furthermore, it should be understood that one or more steps may be omitted from method 300 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that method 300 may also be performed in other environments using other suitable components.

[0063] refer to Figure 15 At 304, method 300 includes providing a pillar substrate, the pillar substrate including a first pillar and an adjacent second pillar, the first pillar and the second pillar extending from the pillar substrate. At 308, method 300 includes providing a finger substrate, the finger substrate including a first finger and an adjacent second finger, the first finger and the second finger extending from the finger substrate, the first finger including a distal contact surface and an inclined surface between the distal contact surface and the finger substrate, and the second finger including a distal contact surface and an inclined surface between the distal contact surface and the finger substrate.

[0064] In 312, ref. Figure 9And as described above, method 300 includes inserting a first post at the base of the inclined surface of the first finger and inserting a second post at the base of the inclined surface of the second finger. At 316, reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 As described above, method 300 includes sliding the first post along the inclined surface of the first finger to its distal contact surface, and sliding the second post along the inclined surface of the second finger to its distal contact surface, thereby biasing the distal contact surface of the first finger against the first post and the distal contact surface of the second finger against the second post. At 320, method 300 includes aligning a first post hole in the first post, a first finger hole in the first finger, a second finger hole in the second finger, and a second post hole in the second post. At 324, method 300 includes inserting a pin through the first post hole, the first finger hole, the second finger hole, and the second post hole.

[0065] The following paragraphs provide additional support for the claims of this application. One aspect provides a friction hinge comprising: a first post and an adjacent second post, the first post and the second post extending from a post base; a first finger extending from the finger base between the first post and the second post, the first finger including a distal contact surface biased to contact a first biased surface of the first post; a second finger adjacent to and axially spaced from the first finger and extending from the finger base between the first post and the second post, the second finger including a distal contact surface biased to contact a second biased surface of the second post; and a pin extending through a post hole in the first post, a finger hole in the first finger, a finger hole in the second finger, and a post hole in the second post.

[0066] The friction hinge may additionally or alternatively include wherein the first finger includes a distal non-contact surface opposite its distal contact surface, and the second finger includes a distal non-contact surface opposite its distal contact surface, and the distal non-contact surface of the first finger and the distal non-contact surface of the second finger define an opening between the distal non-contact surface of the first finger and the distal non-contact surface of the second finger. The friction hinge may additionally or alternatively include wherein the first finger and the second finger have the same shape. The friction hinge may additionally or alternatively include wherein the first finger is rotated 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis relative to the second finger. The friction hinge may additionally or alternatively include wherein the first cylinder biases the distal contact surface of the first finger in a first direction, and the second cylinder biases the distal contact surface of the second finger in a second direction opposite the first direction. The friction hinge may additionally or alternatively include wherein the first post deflects the first finger toward the second finger, and the second post deflects the second finger toward the first finger.

[0067] The friction hinge may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the first cylinder deflects the first finger from a first pre-assembly position to a first post-assembly position, which causes the distal contact surface of the first finger to apply an axial force on a first biased surface of the first cylinder in a second direction, and the second cylinder deflects the second finger from a second pre-assembly position to a second post-assembly position, which causes the distal contact surface of the second finger to apply an axial force on a second biased surface of the second cylinder in a first direction opposite to the second direction. The friction hinge may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the first finger includes an inclined surface between its distal contact surface and the finger base plate, wherein its inclined surface forms an inclined angle of less than 90 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the finger base plate. The friction hinge may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the distal contact surface of the first finger forms a contact angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the finger base plate that is less than the inclined angle. The friction hinge may additionally or alternatively include wherein the pin has a diameter smaller than the cylinder hole in the first cylinder, the finger hole in the first finger, the finger hole in the second finger, and the cylinder hole in the second cylinder.

[0068] The friction hinge may additionally or alternatively include: a third post extending from the post base and adjacent to the first post; a third finger extending from the finger base between the first post and the third post, the third finger including a distal contact surface biased to contact the second biased surface of the first post; and a fourth finger adjacent to and axially spaced from the third finger and extending from the finger base between the first post and the third post, the fourth finger including a distal contact surface biased to contact the second biased surface of the first post.

[0069] The friction hinge may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the first cylinder and the second cylinder extend from a first side of a cylinder base plate: a first opposing cylinder and an adjacent second opposing cylinder extending from a second side of the cylinder base plate opposite to the first side; a first opposing finger extending from the opposing finger base plate between the first opposing cylinder and the second opposing cylinder, the first opposing finger including an opposing distal contact surface biased to contact a first opposing bias surface of the first opposing cylinder; a second opposing finger adjacent to and axially spaced from the first opposing finger and extending from the opposing finger base plate between the first opposing cylinder and the second opposing cylinder, the second opposing finger including an opposing distal contact surface biased to contact a second opposing bias surface of the second opposing cylinder, the distal contact surface; and an opposing pin extending through the first opposing cylinder hole in the first opposing cylinder, the first opposing finger hole in the first opposing finger, the second opposing finger hole in the second opposing finger, and the second opposing cylinder hole in the second opposing cylinder.

[0070] Another aspect provides a method of operating a friction hinge, the friction hinge including a post base plate rotatably coupled to a finger base plate, the method comprising: positioning the post base plate at a first angular orientation relative to the finger base plate, wherein the post base plate includes a first post and an adjacent second post, the first post and the second post extending from the post base plate, and the finger base plate includes a first finger extending from the finger base plate between the first post and the second post, the first finger including a distal contact surface biased to contact a first biased surface of the first post, and the finger base plate includes a second finger adjacent to the first finger and axially and a second post, wherein the first finger and the second finger are connected to each other to form a circle around the end of the finger-shaped member and the second post, respectively. The second finger-shaped member includes a distal contact surface that is biased to contact the second biased surface of the second post, wherein the pin extends through the post hole in the first post, the finger hole in the first finger, the finger hole in the second finger, and the post hole in the second post; and repositioning the post substrate to a second angular orientation relative to the finger substrate, wherein frictional contact between at least the distal contact surface of the first finger and the first biased surface of the first post and between the distal contact surface of the second finger and the second biased surface of the second post causes the post substrate to maintain the second angular orientation relative to the finger substrate. The method may additionally or alternatively include wherein the first finger includes a distal non-contact surface opposite its distal contact surface, and the second finger includes a distal non-contact surface opposite its distal contact surface, and the distal non-contact surface of the first finger and the distal non-contact surface of the second finger define an opening between the distal non-contact surface of the first finger and the distal non-contact surface of the second finger. The method may additionally or alternatively include wherein the first finger and the second finger have the same shape. The method may additionally or alternatively include wherein the first finger is rotated 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis relative to the second finger. The method may additionally or alternatively include wherein the first cylinder biases the distal contact surface of the first finger in a first direction, and the second cylinder biases the distal contact surface of the second finger in a second direction opposite the first direction. The method may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the first cylinder deflects the first finger toward the second finger, and the second cylinder deflects the second finger toward the first finger. The method may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the first cylinder deflects the first finger from a first pre-assembly position to a first post-assembly position, which causes a distal contact surface of the first finger to apply an axial force on a first biased surface of the first cylinder in a second direction, and the second cylinder deflects the second finger from the second pre-assembly position to a second post-assembly position, which causes a distal contact surface of the second finger to apply an axial force on a second biased surface of the second cylinder in a first direction opposite to the second direction.

[0071] 18. The swiftly and minutely adjusting device for a wood-planer working table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linking mechanism comprises a first plate and a second plate, wherein the linking mechanism comprises a first plate and a second plate adjacent to the linking mechanism, the first plate and the second plate extending from the linking mechanism.

[0072] Another aspect provides a method of assembling a friction hinge, the method comprising: providing a cylinder base plate, the cylinder base plate comprising a first cylinder and an adjacent second cylinder, the first cylinder and the second cylinder extending from the cylinder base plate; providing a finger base plate, the finger base plate comprising a first finger and an adjacent second finger, the first finger and the second finger extending from the finger base plate, the first finger comprising a distal contact surface and an inclined surface between the distal contact surface and the finger base plate, and the second finger comprising a distal contact surface and an inclined surface between the distal contact surface and the finger base plate; inserting the first cylinder into the base of the inclined surface of the first finger, and Inserting the second cylinder at the base of the inclined surface of the second finger-shaped member; sliding the first cylinder along the inclined surface of the first finger-shaped member to its distal contact surface, and sliding the second cylinder along the inclined surface of the second finger-shaped member to its distal contact surface, thereby biasing the distal contact surface of the first finger-shaped member against the first cylinder, and biasing the distal contact surface of the second finger-shaped member against the second cylinder; aligning the first cylinder hole in the first cylinder, the first finger hole in the first finger-shaped member, the second finger hole in the second finger, and the second cylinder hole in the second cylinder; and inserting a pin through the first cylinder hole, the first finger hole, the second finger hole, and the second cylinder hole.

[0073] It should be understood that the configurations and / or methods described herein are exemplary in nature, and these specific embodiments or examples should not be considered restrictive, as many variations are possible. The specific routines or methods described herein can represent one or more of any number of processing strategies. Thus, the various actions illustrated and / or described can be performed in the order illustrated and / or described, in other orders, in parallel, or omitted. Likewise, the order of the above-described processes can be changed.

[0074] The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various processes, systems and configurations, and other features, functions, acts and / or properties disclosed herein, as well as any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A friction hinge comprising: a first column and an adjacent second column, the first column and the second column extending from a column base; a first finger extending from the finger base between the first post and the second post, the first finger including a distal contact surface biased into contact with a first biasing surface of the first post; a second finger adjacent to and axially spaced from the first finger and extending from the finger base between the first post and the second post, the second finger including a distal contact surface biased into contact with a second biasing surface of the second post; as well as A pin extends through the post hole in the first post, the finger hole in the first finger, the finger hole in the second finger, and the post hole in the second post.

2. The friction hinge according to claim 1, wherein the first finger-shaped member includes a distal non-contact surface opposite to its distal contact surface, and the second finger-shaped member includes a distal non-contact surface opposite to its distal contact surface, and the distal non-contact surface of the first finger-shaped member and the distal non-contact surface of the second finger-shaped member define an opening between the distal non-contact surface of the first finger-shaped member and the distal non-contact surface of the second finger-shaped member. 3 . The friction hinge of claim 1 , wherein the first finger and the second finger have the same shape. 4 . The friction hinge of claim 3 , wherein the first finger is rotated 180 degrees relative to the second finger about the longitudinal axis of the first finger.

5. The friction hinge of claim 1, wherein the first post biases the distal contact surface of the first finger in a first direction, and the second post biases the distal contact surface of the second finger in a second direction opposite the first direction.

6. The friction hinge of claim 1, wherein the first post deflects the first finger toward the second finger, and the second post deflects the second finger toward the first finger.

7. The friction hinge according to claim 1, wherein the first cylinder deflects the first finger-shaped member from a first pre-assembly position to a first post-assembly position, causing the distal contact surface of the first finger-shaped member to apply an axial force on the first biasing surface of the first cylinder in a second direction, and the second cylinder deflects the second finger-shaped member from a second pre-assembly position to a second post-assembly position, causing the distal contact surface of the second finger-shaped member to apply an axial force on the second biasing surface of the second cylinder in a first direction opposite to the second direction.

8. The friction hinge of claim 1, wherein the first finger comprises an inclined surface between its distal contact surface and the finger base plate, wherein the inclined surface forms an inclined angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the finger base plate. 9 . The friction hinge according to claim 8 , wherein the distal contact surface of the first finger forms a contact angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the finger base plate that is smaller than the tilt angle.

10. The friction hinge of claim 1, wherein the pin has a diameter smaller than the cylinder hole in the first cylinder, the finger hole in the first finger, the finger hole in the second finger, and the cylinder hole in the second cylinder.

11. The friction hinge according to claim 1 , further comprising: a third column extending from the column base and adjacent to the first column; a third finger extending from the finger base between the first and third posts, the third finger including a distal contact surface biased into contact with a second biased surface of the first post; as well as a fourth finger adjacent to and axially spaced from the third finger and extending from the finger base between the first and third posts, the fourth finger including a distal contact surface biased into contact with the first biasing surface of the third post.

12. The friction hinge of claim 1 , wherein the first post and the second post extend from a first side of the post base, the friction hinge further comprising: a first opposing post and an adjacent second opposing post extending from a second side of the post base opposite the first side; a first opposing finger extending from the opposing finger base plate between the first opposing post and the second opposing post, the first opposing finger including an opposing distal contact surface biased into contact with a first opposing biased surface of the first opposing post; a second opposing finger adjacent to and axially spaced from the first opposing finger and extending from the opposing finger base between the first opposing post and the second opposing post, the second opposing finger including an opposing distal contact surface biased into contact with a second opposing biased surface of the second opposing post; as well as An opposing pin extends through the first opposing post hole in the first opposing post, the first opposing finger hole in the first opposing finger, the second opposing finger hole in the second opposing finger, and the second opposing post hole in the second opposing post.

13. A method of operating a friction hinge comprising a post base plate rotatably coupled to a finger base plate, the method comprising: positioning the post base plate at a first angular orientation relative to the finger base plate, wherein the post base plate includes a first post and an adjacent second post, the second post and the second post extending from the post base plate, and the finger base plate includes a first finger extending from the finger base plate between the first post and the second post, the first finger including a distal contact surface biased to contact a first biased surface of the first post, and the finger base plate includes a second finger adjacent to and axially spaced from the first finger and extending from the finger base plate between the first post and the second post, the second finger including a distal contact surface biased to contact a second biased surface of the second post, wherein a pin extends through the post hole in the first post, the finger hole in the first finger, the finger hole in the second finger, and the post hole in the second post; as well as The post base plate is repositioned to a second angular orientation relative to the finger base plate, wherein frictional contact between at least the distal contact surface of the first finger and the first biased surface of the first post and between the distal contact surface of the second finger and the second biased surface of the second post causes the post base plate to maintain the second angular orientation relative to the finger base plate.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the first finger-shaped member includes a distal non-contact surface opposite to its distal contact surface, and the second finger-shaped member includes a distal non-contact surface opposite to its distal contact surface, and the distal non-contact surface of the first finger-shaped member and the distal non-contact surface of the second finger-shaped member define an opening between the distal non-contact surface of the first finger-shaped member and the distal non-contact surface of the second finger-shaped member.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first finger and the second finger have the same shape.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first finger is rotated 180 degrees relative to the second finger about a longitudinal axis of the first finger.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the first post biases the distal contact surface of the first finger in a first direction, and the second post biases the distal contact surface of the second finger in a second direction opposite the first direction.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the first post deflects the first finger toward the second finger, and the second post deflects the second finger toward the first finger.

19. The method of claim 13 , wherein the first cylinder deflects the first finger-shaped member from a first pre-assembly position to a first post-assembly position, causing the distal contact surface of the first finger-shaped member to apply an axial force on the first biasing surface of the first cylinder in a second direction, and the second cylinder deflects the second finger-shaped member from a second pre-assembly position to a second post-assembly position, causing the distal contact surface of the second finger-shaped member to apply an axial force on the second biasing surface of the second cylinder in a first direction opposite to the second direction.

20. A computing device, comprising: a first substrate; a second substrate movably coupled to the first substrate via a friction hinge, the friction hinge comprising: a first column and an adjacent second column, the second column and the second column extending from a column base; a first finger extending from the finger base between the first post and the second post, the first finger including a distal contact surface biased into contact with a first biasing surface of the first post; a second finger adjacent to and axially spaced from the first finger and extending from the finger base between the first post and the second post, the second finger including a distal contact surface biased into contact with a second biasing surface of the second post; and A pin extends through the post hole in the first post, the finger hole in the first finger, the finger hole in the second finger, and the post hole in the second post.

21. A method of assembling a friction hinge, the method comprising: providing a column base plate, the column base plate comprising a first column and an adjacent second column, the second column and the second column extending from the column base plate; providing a finger substrate, the finger substrate comprising a first finger and an adjacent second finger extending from the finger substrate, the first finger comprising a distal contact surface and an inclined surface between the distal contact surface and the finger substrate, and the second finger comprising a distal contact surface and an inclined surface between the distal contact surface and the finger substrate; inserting the first column into the base of the inclined surface of the first finger, and inserting the second column into the base of the inclined surface of the second finger; sliding the first post along the inclined surface of the first finger to the distal contact surface of the first finger, and sliding the second post along the inclined surface of the second finger to the distal contact surface of the second finger, thereby biasing the distal contact surface of the first finger against the first post and biasing the distal contact surface of the second finger against the second post; aligning a first cylinder hole in the first cylinder, a first finger hole in the first finger, a second finger hole in the second finger, and a second cylinder hole in the second cylinder; as well as The pin is inserted through the first post hole, the first finger hole, the second finger hole, and the second post hole.

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