Computing Device Hinge Assembly with Controlled Rotational Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge designs in computing devices fail to provide consistent resistance to rotation, leading to improper display orientation and increased bezel width, limiting the coverage of displays on device surfaces.
Innovation Solution
Employing secondary hinge shafts that define secondary hinge axes, coupled with a friction sub-assembly and timing sub-assembly to provide definable resistance to rotation, ensuring displays can cover a larger area without increasing bezel width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing hinge designs are used, then the device structure is simple, but the resistance to rotation is inconsistent leading to improper display orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple functional components: a first hinge assembly for basic rotation, a second hinge assembly with friction sub-assembly for resistance control, and a timing sub-assembly for synchronized motion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function, ensuring consistent display orientation while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
A friction sub-assembly is introduced as an intermediary element between the hinge components. This friction sub-assembly includes a friction member that contacts a friction surface, providing controlled resistance to rotation. The friction mechanism acts as a mediator to ensure consistent rotational resistance and proper display orientation without requiring complex active control systems.
2Area of stationary object
If displays are expanded to cover more device surface, then the display coverage area increases, but the bezel width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly enables the display to rotate out of the original plane, allowing the display to cover more device surface area in three-dimensional space. By utilizing the rotational dimension, the display can wrap around or angle relative to the device body, increasing coverage without requiring additional lateral space that would widen the bezel.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing sub-assembly coordinates the motion parameters of multiple display portions, ensuring they move in a synchronized manner. By controlling the rotational parameters and angular relationships between different display sections, the system maximizes display coverage while maintaining compact bezel dimensions through optimized motion trajectories.
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
The solution ensures consistent display orientation and reduces bezel width by providing controlled resistance to rotation, allowing displays to occupy a higher percentage of the device surface area.
Implementation Method 1
The band torque engine may provide a frictional torque and the vertical torque engine may compressively engage with the first shaft to provide a vertical frictional torque during rotation of the display bracket.
Implementation Method 2
The hinge assembly may include an elastic sub-assembly including a torsion spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
The description relates to hinged devices, such as hinged computing devices. One example can include a first portion that is secured to a hinge assembly by a first primary hinge shaft and a first secondary hinge shaft that is not co-extensive with the first primary hinge shaft. The example can also include a second portion that is secured to the hinge assembly by a second primary hinge shaft and a second secondary hinge shaft that is not co-extensive with the second primary hinge shaft.