Gravity Lockout Hinge for Portable Information Handling Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems face usability issues due to the need for additional steps to open and the increased thickness and weight caused by hinges and latches, as well as the difficulty in opening with one hand when in upside-down positions, where magnet-based mechanisms can increase initial torque and prevent easy operation.
Innovation Solution
A gravity lockout hinge system that includes a shaft, bearing channel, and movable bearing, which exerts varying frictional torques based on orientation and force applied, allowing the system to be opened with one hand while preventing the display from falling open when upside down, by using a combination of frictional and compression elements to manage angular positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If latches are used to couple the display portion to the base portion, then the device can be securely closed, but the thickness and weight of the portable information handling system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the latch component entirely from the system, replacing it with a hinge mechanism that provides secure closure through frictional torque and gravity-based lockout rather than through a separate latch element. This extraction of the latch eliminates its contribution to device weight and thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the closure security function previously provided by a separate latch into the hinge mechanism itself. The hinge now integrates both the pivot function and the secure closure function through its frictional and gravitational locking characteristics, eliminating the need for a distinct latch component.
2Stability of the object's composition
If magnets are used to prevent the display from falling open when upside down, then the display remains stable in alternate orientations, but the initial torque to overcome increases and one-hand opening becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic frictional torque mechanism that adapts to the device's orientation. In normal orientation, the frictional torque is low enough to permit easy one-hand opening. In alternate orientations, gravity acts on the hinge components to increase the frictional torque, providing stable lockout without requiring additional magnetic components that would increase initial opening torque.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frictional torque parameter dynamically based on orientation. The hinge mechanism is designed so that the coefficient of friction or the normal force (and thus frictional torque) varies with orientation, allowing easy opening in normal position while providing automatic lockout in alternate positions without increasing the initial torque barrier.
3Adaptability or versatility
If magnets are used to maintain display position, then the display can be held in various positions, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes magnetic components from the device structure, eliminating the thickness contribution of magnet assemblies. The display position adjustment and stability functions are achieved through the hinge mechanism's frictional and gravitational characteristics rather than through embedded magnets, thereby reducing device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the magnetic field-based position holding system with a mechanical friction-based system. The hinge uses frictional torque and gravity to maintain display position in various orientations, substituting electromagnetic interactions with mechanical interactions that require less space and reduce device thickness.
4Ease of operation
If a gravity lockout hinge with movable bearing is used, then one-hand opening is enabled and debris prevention is improved, but the hinge structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hinge into distinct functional components: a shaft, a bearing channel with a movable bearing, and friction elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function (rotation, friction control, gravity response) independently, simplifying the design and analysis while achieving the desired one-hand opening and debris prevention capabilities.
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
The gravity lockout hinge simplifies the opening process, reduces the thickness and weight of the system, and prevents debris from entering when upside down, enhancing usability and maintaining the device in a power-saving mode without the need for latches or magnets.
Implementation Method 1
exert a first frictional torque in a second rotational direction on the shaft that may allow an angular position of the second device component relative to the first device component to be increased
Implementation Method 2
when the portable information handling system is in an alternate orientation position and a gravitational force is exerted on the second device component
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for preventing a display component of a portable information handling system from opening when in an upside down position. The portable information handling system may include a base component coupled to the display component by a gravity lockout hinge. The gravity lockout hinge may include a shaft, a bearing channel having a bearing channel surface opposite the shaft, and a movable bearing disposed in the bearing channel. The gravity lockout hinge may, when the portable information handling system is in an upside down position and a gravitational force is exerted on the display component, exert a first frictional torque on the shaft that may cause the movable bearing to contact the shaft and the bearing channel surface, and exert a second frictional torque on the shaft that may prevent an angular position of the display component relative to the base component from being changed.