Variable Friction Hinge Assembly for Angle-Dependent Resistance

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computing devices lack a mechanism to securely maintain specific orientations while allowing easy opening and closing, often requiring excessive force or inadvertently shifting between orientations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of variable resistance hinge assemblies that provide increasing resistance to rotation as the device approaches fully open or closed positions, while offering low resistance during partial opening, ensuring the device remains in the desired orientation with minimal user effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a hinge assembly provides high resistance to rotation throughout the entire range of motion, then the device maintains stable orientation, but excessive force is required to open and close the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice orientation stabilityVSAvoidforce required to open/close device

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly dynamically adjusts resistance based on the device's orientation angle. At intermediate angles (neither fully closed nor fully open), the hinge provides low resistance to allow easy movement. As the device approaches fully closed or fully open positions, the resistance increases to stabilize the orientation. This dynamic resistance adjustment resolves the contradiction by making resistance variable rather than constant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism changes the resistance parameter as a function of the rotation angle. By linking resistance to the angular position, the system achieves low resistance (easy movement) at intermediate angles and high resistance (stable positioning) at extreme angles, effectively resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and orientation stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a hinge assembly provides low resistance to rotation throughout the entire range of motion, then the device is easy to open and close, but the device cannot maintain specific orientations and may inadvertently shift

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of opening and closing deviceVSAvoiddevice orientation maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly dynamically adjusts resistance based on the device's orientation angle. At intermediate angles (neither fully closed nor fully open), the hinge provides low resistance to allow easy movement. As the device approaches fully closed or fully open positions, the resistance increases to stabilize the orientation. This dynamic resistance adjustment resolves the contradiction by making resistance variable rather than constant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism changes the resistance parameter as a function of the rotation angle. By linking resistance to the angular position, the system achieves low resistance (easy movement) at intermediate angles and high resistance (stable positioning) at extreme angles, effectively resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and orientation stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If a hinge assembly provides increasing resistance as the device approaches fully open or closed positions, then the device maintains desired orientation with minimal user effort, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveminimal user effort for orientation maintenanceVSAvoidhinge assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly is segmented into multiple friction clips positioned at different angular locations around the hinge shaft. Each friction clip independently provides resistance at specific angular ranges. This segmentation allows the complex resistance profile to be achieved through multiple simple, identical components rather than a single complex mechanism, making the system more manufacturable and maintainable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism changes the resistance parameter as a function of the rotation angle. By linking resistance to the angular position, the system achieves low resistance (easy movement) at intermediate angles and high resistance (stable positioning) at extreme angles, effectively resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and orientation stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution allows for secure maintenance of device orientations, preventing unintended closure or opening while facilitating easy one-handed reopening, enhancing user experience and device stability.

Implementation Method 1

multiple friction clips friction fit around the hinge shaft and rotating with the hinge shaft between the first contact surface and the second contact surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11939802B2Variable friction hinged device

Publication Date: 2024.03.26 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

The description relates to hinged devices, such as hinged computing devices. One example can include first and second portions that rotate around a hinge shaft that is fixedly secured to the first portion and rotationally secured to the second portion. The second portion defining a first contact surface spaced apart from a second contact surface. Multiple friction clips friction fit around the hinge shaft and rotating with the hinge shaft between the first contact surface and the second contact surface.