Dual-Hinge Keyboard Accessory With Adjustable Friction Rollers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hinges for electronic and accessory devices rely on C-shaped friction clips, which require size adjustments based on device weight, and lack flexibility in accommodating varying weights of both devices and accessories, limiting their usability and stability.

Innovation Solution

The use of a hinge assembly with roller elements and spacer elements, along with retention structures that pass through each element, allowing for adjustable tension and frictional engagement, enabling flexible movement and positioning of accessory devices relative to electronic devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If C-shaped friction clips are used in hinges, then rotational movement is achieved, but the holding force depends on component size which must be adjusted for different device weights

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different device weightsVSAvoidsize adjustment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces static friction clips with dynamic roller elements that can rotate along the spacer element. This dynamic mechanism allows the hinge to adapt to different weight loads through frictional engagement that automatically adjusts based on the applied force, eliminating the need for size adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from fixed friction (C-shaped clip) to variable friction (roller element rotating along spacer). The roller element maintains engagement through adjustable tension and frictional forces that adapt to different device weights, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If friction clips are used to hold parts in position, then rotational movement is enabled, but the holding force is limited by the size of the friction clip and shaft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding forceVSAvoidcomponent size

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The roller element introduces dynamic motion capability while maintaining holding force through frictional engagement with the spacer element. The roller can rotate along the spacer, providing adaptability to different force requirements without increasing component size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the C-shaped friction clip mechanism with a roller element system that rotates along a spacer element. This mechanical substitution provides equivalent or superior holding force through distributed frictional engagement rather than concentrated contact, without requiring larger components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If retention structures pass through roller and spacer elements, then engagement is maintained, but rotational movement requires precise coordination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement maintenanceVSAvoidrotational movement smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The roller element rotating along the spacer element provides dynamic movement capability while the retention structure maintains engagement. The rotational movement is facilitated by the roller's ability to spin, which reduces friction and enables smooth motion despite the presence of retention structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer element acts as an intermediary between the roller element and the retention structure. It provides a guided path for the roller while allowing the retention structure to maintain engagement, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of secure engagement and smooth rotational movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides a stable and adjustable hinge system that maintains engagement between roller and spacer elements, reducing dependence on component size and allowing for various positions and angles, enhancing user experience and device compatibility.

Implementation Method 1

The first roller element and the second roller element rotate along the spacer element while the first section rotates relative to the second section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11567542B2Hinges for electronic devices and accessory devices

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 APPLE INC

AI summary

An accessory device for an electronic device is disclosed. The accessory device includes multiple sections, with one section holding the electronic device, and another section having an input mechanism, such as a keyboard. The accessory device includes a hinge assembly that allows relative movement of the sections with respect each other. An additional hinge assembly is integrated with the section carrying the electronic device, and provides additional flexibility and range of motion of the section, thereby allowing a user to position the electronic device at multiple different angles relative to the section carrying the input mechanism. Also, each hinge assembly may include multiple roller and spacer elements, as well as a retention structure passing through each roller element and spacer element. The retention structure can provide tension to increase the frictional force between the roller and spacer elements, and/or provide counterbalance to offset the weight of the electronic device.