Four-Bar Hinge Assembly for 180-Degree Computing Device Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing devices with hinge assemblies, such as laptops, are limited in their ability to open fully, often restricting access to ports and vents when opened to 180 degrees, and may have unsatisfactory key mechanisms that interfere with user grip and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A computing device utilizing a four-bar linkage hinge assembly with specific pivot points and stop surfaces allows for a fully open position of 180 degrees without notches, maintaining symmetry and access to back features, and incorporates a four-bar friction linkage to stabilize the position, while using a single hinge for ergonomic key orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional hinge assembly is used in computing devices, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot open fully to 180 degrees and blocks access to back features
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple independent components including a first hinge component and a second hinge component, each with specific pivot points and stop surfaces. This segmentation allows the mechanism to achieve full 180-degree opening while maintaining structural clarity and facilitating manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The four-bar linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the first and second housing assemblies. It includes intermediate components such as the first component pivot and second component pivot that enable the housings to open fully to 180 degrees without direct interference, thus providing access to back features.
2Ease of operation
If traditional key mechanisms are used, then the keyboard structure is simple, but user grip and comfort are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is integrated with the keyboard structure such that the first housing forms a first bar and the second housing forms a second bar of the four-bar linkage. This merging allows the hinge mechanism to serve dual purposes: providing full opening capability and enabling ergonomic key orientation, thereby improving user grip and comfort without adding separate complex key mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If the housing thickness is increased to accommodate components, then component placement is easier, but the device becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge components are nested within the housing structure, with the first hinge component and second hinge component positioned within the respective housing assemblies. The stop surfaces and pivot points are integrated into the housing walls, allowing compact component placement without increasing overall housing thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing components in the thickness dimension of the housing, the design utilizes the lateral dimensions by extending the first bar and second bar of the four-bar linkage horizontally. This dimensional shift allows adequate component placement space without increasing housing thickness, maintaining a sleek device profile.
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
Enables full 180-degree opening without obstructing back features, provides ergonomic key orientation, and maintains stability, enhancing user comfort and device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
incorporates a four-bar friction linkage to stabilize the position
Data Source
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AI summary
A computing device can include a first housing, a first component pivot and a second component pivot of a four-bar linkage, where the first housing forms a first bar; a second housing that includes a hinge recess that includes a first component pivot and a second component pivot of the four-bar linkage, where the second housing forms a second bar; a first hinge component coupled to the first component pivots to form a third bar, where the first hinge component includes a second component stop surface and a stop that contacts a stop surface of the first housing in a fully open position of the housings; and a second hinge component coupled to the second component pivots to form a fourth bar, where the second component includes a stop that contacts the second component stop surface in the fully open position of the housings.