Dual-Screen Hinge Assembly for Minimal Display Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual screen notebooks often have large gaps between display assemblies due to mechanical hinges, which are aesthetically unappealing and hinder finger or stylus movement between screens.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly comprising a central assembly, orbit mechanisms, link bars, primary and secondary shafts, and tracks with elongated openings that limit linear motion, allowing for seamless rotation and minimizing the visual gap between display assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical hinge is used to couple dual screen displays, then the displays can be rotated between closed and open positions, but large gaps appear between the displays which are aesthetically unappealing and impede finger or stylus movement
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple independent components: a central assembly, first and second orbit mechanisms, first and second link bars, and first and second shafts. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while collectively achieving the seamless dual screen effect, resolving the contradiction by distributing the rotation capability across multiple segmented elements rather than a single bulky hinge.
Solution Approach 2:
The orbit mechanisms are positioned within the display assemblies themselves, with the first orbit mechanism in the first display assembly and the second orbit mechanism in the second display assembly. This nesting approach integrates the hinge components into the display structure, minimizing external protrusions and reducing visual gaps between screens while maintaining full rotation capability.
2Strength
If traditional hinge mechanisms are used, then structural support is provided, but the mechanical components create visible gaps that reduce aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly provides structural support locally at the coupling point between displays while maintaining aesthetic quality in the visible display areas. The orbit mechanisms and link bars are positioned to provide necessary mechanical support without creating large visible gaps, achieving local quality differentiation between functional and aesthetic zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The link bars serve as intermediary elements that transmit mechanical force and support between the orbit mechanisms and the display assemblies. These intermediaries provide the necessary structural support while being positioned in a way that minimizes their visual impact, allowing the displays to appear seamless from the user's perspective.
3Shape
If the hinge components are made compact to reduce visual gap, then aesthetic appeal improves, but the complexity of the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orbit mechanisms serve multiple functions: they provide rotational movement, maintain structural support, and enable the display assemblies to move between closed and open positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing complexity while achieving compact dimensions that minimize visual gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly utilizes orbital motion in a circular path rather than traditional linear or angular rotation. This dimensional change allows the mechanism to achieve compact proportions that reduce visual gaps while the coordinated motion of multiple link bars and orbit mechanisms manages the overall system complexity through elegant geometric relationships.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system may include a first member, a second member, and one or more hinge assemblies for coupling the first and second members, where the one or more hinge assemblies comprise a central assembly, a first and a second orbit mechanism configured to couple to the first and second members respectively, a first primary shaft coupling a first pair of link bars to the central assembly and to each other, a first secondary shaft coupling the first pair of link bars to each other and to the first orbit mechanism via a first track comprising an elongated opening, a second primary shaft coupling a second pair of link bars to the central assembly and to each other, and a second secondary shaft coupling the second pair of link bars to each other and to the second orbit mechanism via a second track comprising an elongated opening.