Hinge Assembly with Friction Bands and Magnetic Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of hinged mobile computing devices with dual displays and thin bezels is challenging due to the need for innovative hinge mechanisms that allow for seamless rotation and secure closure while minimizing bezel size and maximizing screen space.
Innovation Solution
A hinged mobile computing device design featuring a hinge assembly with a harness, integrally molded hinge bodies, friction bands, and an electro-magnetic closure system, which allows the displays to rotate from face-to-face to back-to-back orientations and securely close with a magnetic force that can be released by an electric motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge assembly is added to enable dual display rotation, then device versatility and screen space are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism: the friction bands provide both rotation control and closure force, the magnets enable automatic alignment and securing, and the harness integrates cable management with the hinge structure. This consolidation achieves dual display rotation capability while minimizing the number of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional complex mechanical hinge mechanisms with a hybrid system combining friction-based bands, magnetic attraction, and elastic recoil. The friction bands substitute for multi-component mechanical joints, while magnets replace complex locking mechanisms, achieving smooth rotation and secure closure with fewer parts.
2Area of moving object
If thin bezels are used to maximize screen space, then display area is improved, but structural support and hinge integration become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly components are nested within the thin bezel structure: the friction bands are housed within channels in the bezel, the magnets are embedded in the housing parts, and the harness is routed through recesses in the hinge bodies. This nesting allows the hinge mechanism to be integrated into the thin profile without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bezel structure incorporates localized reinforcement and specific geometric features at hinge mounting points while maintaining thin profiles in display areas. The friction bands provide localized gripping force at rotation points, and the magnets create localized attraction zones for secure closure, allowing thin overall construction with sufficient structural support.
3Ease of operation
If friction bands are used to control rotation, then rotation control is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The friction bands incorporate gear-like features with optimized tooth profiles and spacing that convert rotational motion while maintaining friction-based control. By carefully selecting the gear geometry parameters (tooth depth, spacing, angle), the system achieves reliable rotation control through friction engagement without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction bands are designed to self-adjust during operation: the friction force naturally regulates rotation speed and positioning, and the gear features automatically engage and disengage based on applied torque. This self-regulating behavior reduces sensitivity to manufacturing variations, as the system adapts to minor dimensional tolerances through its friction-based control mechanism.
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 solution enables a compact design with minimal bezel size, providing increased screen space and allowing the device to be used in various poses, while ensuring secure closure and easy opening mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-magnetic closure system having a first magnet arranged in the first housing part and a second magnet arranged in the second housing part. The first magnet may be configured to align with the second magnet to secure the first and second housing parts in the closed orientation via a magnetic force.
Implementation Method 2
The reduction of the magnetic force may permit the first housing part to separate from the second housing part at a predetermined angular orientation due to a torque of the spring-loaded opening mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinged mobile computing device includes a first housing part and a second housing part coupled by a hinge assembly having a harness, a harness cover, a first hinge body, and a second hinge body. The harness is configured to accommodate flexible printed circuitry and a cable that extend from the first housing part to the second housing part via the hinge assembly. The hinge bodies include respective friction bands, each friction band being configured to engage a respective shaft formed on the harness and having a gear configured to mesh with a respective cog arranged within the harness cover to coordinate a timing of the rotation of the first and second housing parts between face-to-face and back-to-back orientations. The hinge assembly further includes a spring-loaded opening mechanism.