Dual-Axis Detent Hinge Assembly for Controlled Device Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge assemblies for computing devices lack efficient control over the order and extent of rotation between multiple hinge axes, leading to inadequate orientation management and protection of display surfaces during use and storage.
Innovation Solution
A detent-priority hinge assembly with differential detent sizes and spring biases on each hinge axis, allowing controlled rotation around two axes, ensuring specific orientations and providing resistance to maintain desired configurations, including compact, notebook, and alarm clock modes, while protecting displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge assembly allows free rotation between multiple hinge axes, then the device can achieve various orientations, but the control over rotation order and extent becomes inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the depth of detents at different hinge axes to control rotation behavior. Deeper detents create higher resistance and prevent rotation, while shallower detents allow rotation. This parameter variation enables precise control over rotation order and extent, resolving the contradiction between versatility and control precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detent depth is increased to prevent rotation, then orientation control is improved, but resistance to rotation increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different detent depths at specific locations along the hinge axis. Each location has a tailored detent depth suited to its functional requirement: deeper detents where rotation prevention is needed, shallower detents where rotation is desired. This localized differentiation controls rotation precisely without excessive force.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detents are provided at each hinge axis, then orientation control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detent features into a single integrated hinge assembly structure. The detents are incorporated directly into the hinge components rather than being separate elements, combining orientation control functionality with the basic hinge structure. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining multi-orientation capability.
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 precise control over the rotation of device portions, maintaining optimal orientations for user interaction and protecting displays by varying resistance through detent engagement, enhancing usability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element adapted to turn bias the hinge body between the initial position and the terminal position
Implementation Method 2
The detent-priority hinge assembly with differential detent sizes and spring biases on each hinge axis, allowing controlled rotation around two axes, ensuring specific orientations and providing resistance to maintain desired configurations
Data Source
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AI summary
The description relates to hinged devices, such as hinged computing devices. One example can include a first portion and a second portion. The example can also include a determinative hinge assembly rotatably securing hinge ends of the first and second portions around a first hinge axis associated with the first portion and a second hinge axis associated with the second portion. The determinative hinge assembly includes a detent-priority sub-assembly that controls an order of rotation around the first and second axes with a first detent associated with the first hinge axis that has a different depth than a second detent associated with the second hinge axis.