Synchronized Dual Shaft Expandable Hinge for Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems with dual displays face challenges in rotating housing portions over objects like keyboards without damaging the hinge assembly or displays, due to minimal size and precise gear mechanisms that fail under excessive force.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly that adjusts the distance between housing portions using dual axle or single axle configurations with scissor assemblies, mesh gears, helical gears, and breakaway brackets to provide clearance and synchronize rotation, preventing damage from objects between the displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a minimal size hinge assembly with precise gear mechanisms is used, then the system footprint is reduced and mobility is improved, but the hinge assembly fails under excessive force when objects are trapped between housing portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a force sensing mechanism that detects excessive force applied to the hinge assembly before damage occurs. When excessive force is detected (indicating an object is trapped between housing portions), the system activates a clutch mechanism to disengage the gear train, preventing transmission of damaging forces to the precise gear mechanisms and displays. This beforehand cushioning approach protects the minimal size hinge assembly from failure under excessive force.
2Area of stationary object
If dual displays are integrated in both housing portions, then the display area is increased, but the risk of damage increases when housing portions are closed over objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a force sensing mechanism that provides real-time feedback on the force applied to the hinge assembly during rotation. When the sensed force exceeds a predetermined threshold (indicating an object is trapped between the dual displays), the system immediately responds by disengaging the clutch mechanism. This feedback loop prevents excessive force from being transmitted to the displays and hinge components, protecting the increased display area from damage while maintaining the dual display configuration.
3Ease of operation
If synchronized rotation of housing portions is implemented, then the operation complexity is increased, but the protection against object damage is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clutch mechanism as an intermediary between the force sensing system and the gear train. This clutch acts as a mediator that can engage or disengage based on force feedback, allowing synchronized rotation to proceed normally under acceptable conditions while providing protection when excessive force is detected. The clutch mechanism simplifies the overall control architecture by providing a straightforward engage/disengage function rather than requiring complex continuous control of the synchronized rotation system.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system housing rotationally couples first and second housing portions with a hinge assembly having first and second axles held in a parallel fixed lateral disposition by interaction of a gear chassis, a drive carriage and an idler assembly. The first and second axles expand to increase the distance between the first and second housing portions in the event that the housing portions close over an object disposed between them. The idler assembly couples to the gear chassis and drive carriage to rotate with the second axle as it moves relative to the first axle.