Detent Hinge Link Assembly for Secure Two-Stage Laptop Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing devices with hinge assemblies often have limited open angles, leading to accessibility issues with features like ports and vents when fully opened, and lack a smooth, secure mechanism for transitioning between closed and open positions.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a detent mechanism that includes a hinge link, detent, and pivots with a cam and detent guide, allowing for a two-stage locking mechanism that secures the hinge link in a locked position at a predefined open angle, preventing unwanted rotation and ensuring smooth transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the hinge assembly uses a simple pivot mechanism, then the device can open to a large angle, but the back-edge features (ports and vents) become obstructed and accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: a first pivot for initial rotation, a second pivot for continued rotation, and a link connecting them. This segmentation allows the housings to move through different rotational stages, enabling back-edge features to remain accessible while achieving a desired open angle configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly transitions from a static simple pivot to a dynamic two-stage mechanism. The detent mechanism dynamically engages and disengages based on the rotation angle, automatically guiding the hinge through the optimal path that maintains feature accessibility while achieving the target open angle
2Reliability
If the hinge assembly lacks a locking mechanism, then the structure remains simple, but the hinge link may rotate unintentionally and operation becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism is pre-configured with a detent guide and cam surface that automatically engage at the desired open angle. As the second housing rotates on the second pivot, the link's detent feature is guided by the detent guide and cam surface to automatically lock into position, ensuring reliable securing without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly's own movement during normal operation triggers the locking action. The rotation of the second housing relative to the first housing automatically causes the detent to engage with the detent guide and cam surface, making the locking mechanism self-actuating and eliminating the need for external locking devices
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
Enables computing devices to open to a desired angle without obstructing back-edge features, providing secure and reliable operation with reduced risk of debris entry and improved user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the pivot includes a circular portion and a cam; a hinge link coupled to the pivots, where the hinge link includes a detent pivot; a detent coupled to the detent pivot, where the detent contacts the cam of the pivot of the second housing
Data Source
AI summary
A device can include a first housing that includes a hinge recess, a detent guide, and a pivot; a second housing that includes a hinge recess and a pivot, where the pivot includes a circular portion and a cam; a hinge link coupled to the pivots, where the hinge link includes a detent pivot; a detent coupled to the detent pivot, where the detent contacts the cam of the pivot of the second housing and the detent guide of the first housing, and where, upon transitioning the second housing with respect to the first housing between a closed position and a fully open position, at a predefined open position, the detent locks the hinge link in a locked link position.