Flush Hinge Assembly for Computing Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturers of notebook computers face the challenge of accommodating hinge assemblies without compromising the compact design by requiring large gaps or cuts in the surfaces of the base and display members as the device is opened and closed.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly that allows for simultaneous rotational and linear movement, featuring a sliding portion attached to the base member and a pivotally connected hinge, with a lever system using ball joints to facilitate movement, enabling the base and display members to be mounted flush against each other without needing significant space for the hinge assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional hinge assembly is used to connect base member and display member, then the device can be opened and closed, but large gaps or cuts are required in the surfaces of the members to accommodate the hinge assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is nested within a cavity formed in the base member, allowing the hinge mechanism to be concealed within the device body rather than requiring external gaps or cuts. The sliding portion moves within the cavity to enable hinge operation while maintaining a flush surface when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly utilizes vertical movement within the cavity dimension, allowing the sliding portion to move up and down to accommodate hinge rotation. This vertical dimension enables the hinge mechanism to operate without compromising the horizontal surface continuity of the device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If space is allocated for a traditional hinge assembly, then the device can be opened and closed, but the compact form factor is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is nested within the cavity of the base member, utilizing existing internal space rather than requiring additional volume. This nesting approach allows the hinge mechanism to be accommodated within the device's existing footprint, maintaining compact form factor while enabling opening and closing operation.
3Shape
If the hinge assembly is mounted flush against the base member, then the surface is seamless, but the hinge mechanism requires space to move during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism utilizes the vertical dimension within the cavity for movement, allowing the sliding portion to move up and down to accommodate hinge rotation. This vertical space enables the complex hinge mechanism to operate while maintaining flush surface mounting, as the movement occurs within the depth of the cavity rather than requiring lateral space.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is segmented into a hinge portion and a sliding portion, with the sliding portion moving within the cavity to accommodate hinge rotation. This segmentation allows the mechanism to be compact and contained within the cavity volume, enabling flush mounting while providing necessary movement space through the sliding action.
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 design allows for seamless conversion between laptop and tablet modes, providing a flush surface when closed and enabling the device to be opened and closed in a single motion, with the hinge assembly emerging from a cavity as the device opens, allowing for various viewing angles and maintaining a compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
a lever system using ball joints to facilitate movement
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein provide a hinge assembly for a computing device. The hinge assembly includes a sliding portion attached to a base member of the computing device, and a hinge pivotally connected to the sliding portion along an axis. The sliding portion moves from a first position along the base member to a second position along the base member when the hinge pivots around the axis.