Determinative Hinge With Flexible Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hinge assemblies in computing devices can cause damage to device portions when they contact each other at certain angles of rotation due to the forces imparted during these interactions.
Innovation Solution
A determinative hinge assembly with a force-relief sub-assembly, specifically a flexible member, that allows the device portions to move away from each other during contact, reducing the forces experienced by the components and preventing damage, while controlling the relative rotation around defined hinge axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hinge assemblies are used to connect device portions, then the device can achieve rotational movement between portions, but the device portions may contact each other at certain angles causing damage due to imparted forces
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible member is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second device portions. This flexible member absorbs and mitigates the contact forces that would otherwise be directly transmitted between the device portions, preventing damage while still enabling rotational movement. The flexible member acts as a mediator that decouples the harmful force transmission from the useful rotational function.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly incorporates a flexible member that changes its mechanical parameters (flexibility, compliance) in response to contact forces. When device portions contact at oblique angles, the flexible member deforms to alter the force transmission characteristics, reducing peak forces and preventing damage. This dynamic parameter change allows the system to adapt between enabling rotation and protecting against damage.
2Device complexity
If device portions are allowed to contact each other during rotation, then the hinge assembly structure is simplified, but forces are imparted that can damage sensitive components like displays
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member serves as a protective intermediary that is integrated into the hinge assembly structure. It provides force mitigation without requiring separate protective mechanisms or complex control systems, thus maintaining relative structural simplicity while significantly improving component protection and reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a flexible member is added to mitigate contact forces, then damage to device portions is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member is implemented as a thin, compliant component that can be integrated into the existing hinge assembly structure. This approach adds minimal structural complexity compared to rigid protective mechanisms, while effectively mitigating contact forces through its flexibility and ability to deform under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible member introduces dynamic compliance to the hinge assembly, allowing it to adapt to contact conditions in real-time. This dynamic behavior provides protection without requiring complex active control systems or multiple components, as the flexibility itself provides the necessary force mitigation.
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 flexible member mitigates contact-induced damage by flexing to reduce forces on the device portions, allowing for smooth operation and protection of sensitive components like displays, while maintaining control over the rotation ranges and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible member that is configured to flex when the first portion contacts the second portion at an oblique angle
Data Source
AI summary
The description relates to devices, such as computing devices that have hinged portions. One example can include a first portion that includes a first display and a second portion that includes a second display. This example can also include a determinative hinge assembly that rotatably secures the first and second portions around first and second hinge axes. The determinative hinge assembly can have a first unflexed configuration when the first and second portions are parallel or perpendicular to one another and a second flexed configuration when the first and second portions contact one another when oriented at an oblique angle.