Dual-Display Hinge Assembly for Spring Opening and Magnetic Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of hinged mobile computing devices with dual displays and thin bezels is hindered by challenges in creating a hinge assembly that allows for efficient rotation and separation of display parts while maintaining a compact form factor.
Innovation Solution
A mobile computing device is designed with a hinge assembly that includes a spring-loaded opening mechanism and a magnetic closure system. The spring-loaded mechanism biases the housing parts to rotate away from each other, while the magnetic closure system retains them in a closed face-to-face orientation. A release actuator allows the user to open the device to a predetermined angular orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a hinge assembly is designed to allow rotation between face-to-face and back-to-back orientations with thin bezels, then the usable display area is increased, but the structural complexity and difficulty of manufacturing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic closure system is integrated within the hinge assembly structure, with magnets embedded in the housing parts. This nesting approach allows the closure mechanism to be contained within the existing hinge structure rather than adding separate external components, thereby increasing display area while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical latch or clamp mechanisms with a magnetic closure system. The magnetic attraction force provides the necessary retention force to hold the housing parts in closed position, eliminating complex mechanical interlocking components and simplifying the overall hinge assembly structure.
2Ease of operation
If a spring-loaded opening mechanism is added to automatically open the hinge, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism acts as a counterweight system, storing mechanical energy in the spring that automatically counteracts the magnetic closure force when activated. This allows the hinge to open with minimal user effort, as the pre-loaded spring provides the opening force, improving ease of operation while keeping the mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded during assembly to store potential energy before use. This preliminary action means that when the user needs to open the hinge, the spring is already prepared to provide the opening force, eliminating the need for complex active control systems or multiple actuators.
3Reliability
If a magnetic closure system is used to retain the displays in closed orientation, then the reliability of closed position is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic closure system serves multiple functions: it provides the primary closing force, maintains the sealed position, and works in conjunction with the spring mechanism. The magnets are positioned in standard locations that serve both the closure function and the overall structural symmetry, reducing the need for highly specialized positioning tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the magnetic field strength parameter to provide sufficient retention force. By selecting magnets with appropriate magnetic moments and arranging them in pairs or arrays, the system achieves reliable closed position retention through magnetic attraction force that tolerates reasonable variations in positioning during manufacturing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge assembly includes both spring-loaded mechanism and magnetic closure system, then the functionality is enhanced, but the loss of substance (materials) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism and magnetic closure system are merged into a single integrated hinge assembly. The spring and magnets are positioned to work together synergistically, where the spring provides the opening force and the magnets provide the closing and retention force. This combination achieves enhanced functionality while minimizing redundant materials compared to having separate independent systems.
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
This configuration enables the device to efficiently transition between closed and open positions, providing users with increased screen space and usability while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
A spring-loaded opening mechanism is arranged in the hinge assembly. The spring-loaded mechanism is configured to bias with a biasing torque the first housing part and the second housing part to rotate away from each other
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic closure system is configured to retain the first and second displays in the closed face-to-face orientation against the biasing torque of the spring-loaded opening mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A hinged mobile computing device includes a first housing part with a first display and a second housing part with a second display. The first and second housing parts are coupled by a hinge assembly that includes a spring-loaded opening mechanism configured to bias with a biasing torque the first housing part and second housing part to rotate away from each other when the first and second displays are in a closed face-to-face orientation. An electro-magnetic closure system is configured to retain the first and second displays in the closed face-to-face orientation against the biasing torque of the spring-loaded opening mechanism, and release of the electro-magnetic closure system permits the first housing part to rotationally separate from the second housing part to a predetermined angular orientation due to the biasing force of the spring-loaded opening mechanism.