Foldable Computing Hinge Assembly With Bezel-Mounted Friction Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge designs for folding computing devices struggle to achieve durability while occupying minimal device real estate, as they often require significant space under the displays to provide sufficient friction for maintaining orientations.
Innovation Solution
The use of friction bands with a thickness equivalent to the device portions, positioned within the bezel rather than under the displays, which provides high friction while minimizing bezel width and maintaining device thinness, utilizing a hinge assembly design that includes edge covers, friction arms, and timing gears to secure the device portions and synchronize their rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hinge designs are used to provide durability and friction, then the hinge assembly becomes more robust, but the bezel width increases reducing display coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The friction band is configured to extend through the entire thickness of the device portion, utilizing the z-dimension (thickness) to maximize friction contact area without increasing the x-y plane footprint. This allows the friction band to provide high friction force while occupying minimal bezel width, as the friction contact area is achieved through thickness rather than width expansion.
2Force
If friction bands are positioned under the displays to maximize friction, then rotational friction increases, but the display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The friction band is extracted from the display area and repositioned entirely within the bezel region. This separation allows the friction mechanism to operate independently without encroaching on the display area, maintaining full display coverage while still providing the necessary rotational friction to hold the device at various angles.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing the full thickness of the device portion for the friction band, the design achieves high friction force through increased contact area in the thickness dimension rather than expanding the friction band width that would encroach on the display area.
3Force
If larger diameter hinge shafts are used to increase friction, then rotational friction improves, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly uses a composite structure combining a hinge shaft with a friction band made of high-friction material. This allows the system to achieve high rotational friction through the friction band material properties and full-thickness configuration rather than relying solely on increased hinge shaft diameter, thereby maintaining thinner device profile.
4Length of moving object
If friction bands are made thinner to reduce device thickness, then device thinness is achieved, but rotational friction decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction band is configured to extend through the entire thickness of the device portion, maximizing the friction contact area in the thickness dimension. This full-thickness configuration ensures high rotational friction while maintaining the thinnest possible device profile, as the friction effectiveness is derived from complete thickness utilization rather than increased width or length.
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 allows for robust and durable hinge assemblies that provide high friction without increasing the device's thickness or bezel width, ensuring the device remains in a set orientation until intentionally changed, while maximizing display coverage and minimizing the risk of catastrophic failure from drops.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge assemblies can provide resistance to rotation (e.g., friction) to maintain the device in an orientation set by the user. The friction can be provided by friction bands.
Data Source
AI summary
The description relates to hinged devices, such as hinged computing devices. One example can include a first portion having a first display surrounded by a first bezel and a second portion having a second display surrounded by a second bezel. A hinge assembly can rotatably secure the first and second portions. The hinge assembly can include a first friction band that is secured to the first portion and is friction fit around a first hinge shaft, and a second friction band that is secured to the second portion and is friction fit around a second hinge shaft. The first friction band and the first hinge shaft are located entirely within the first bezel and do not underly the first display, and the second friction band and the second hinge shaft are located entirely within the second bezel and do not underly the second display.