Hinge Assembly Stabilizing Tablet-Notebook Hybrid Computers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tablet-notebook hybrid computers are unstable when the touch screen display member is rotated to large open angles, as they tend to tip over and are not securely held, and are also unstable during touch applications due to the weight of the tablet member being greater than traditional LCDs.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with an actuator and support member is introduced, where the actuator, such as a cam, actuates the support member to provide additional support when the tablet member is opened, preventing tipping and ensuring stability during touch interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tablet member is made heavier to provide better touch interaction, then the touch sensitivity is improved, but the stability deteriorates as the device tips over more easily at large open angles
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly incorporates a support member that acts as a counterweight mechanism. When the tablet member is opened to large angles, the support member engages to provide additional downward force on the keyboard member, counterbalancing the tipping moment caused by the heavy tablet member's weight and preventing the device from tipping over.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly transitions from a static connection to a dynamic support system. The support member is designed to be inactive during normal operation but automatically engages when the tablet member reaches large open angles, providing stability only when needed. This dynamic activation resolves the contradiction by adapting the support mechanism to the specific operational state.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tablet member is hinged to allow rotation for tablet mode, then the versatility is improved, but the stability deteriorates during touch applications due to weight imbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The support member functions as a counterweight mechanism that activates specifically during tablet mode when the tablet member is opened. It provides additional stabilizing force to counterbalance the heavy tablet member's weight, preventing tipping during touch applications while maintaining the rotational hinge functionality for mode switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly dynamically adapts its support characteristics based on the operational mode. During laptop mode with small open angles, the hinge provides standard support. When transitioned to tablet mode with large open angles, the support member engages to provide enhanced stability, thus resolving the stability issue during touch applications while preserving versatility.
3Device complexity
If a simple hinge connection is used to enable rotation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates as the device tips over and is not securely held
Solution Approach 1:
The support member acts as a counterweight mechanism that engages at large open angles to prevent tipping. This additional component, while increasing complexity slightly, dramatically improves reliability by providing a mechanical counterbalance that securely holds the heavy tablet member in open positions during touch applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly incorporates a dynamic support mechanism that activates only when needed (at large open angles). This dynamic engagement provides reliable secure holding during tablet mode while maintaining relative simplicity during laptop mode, thus improving overall reliability without excessively increasing device complexity.
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 hinge assembly effectively stabilizes the tablet-notebook hybrid computers by providing additional support when the tablet member is opened, preventing tipping and ensuring stability during use, thus enhancing user interaction and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator, such as a cam, actuates the support member to provide additional support when the tablet member is opened
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a hinge assembly (70) and a tablet-notebook hybrid computer (10). The hinge assembly (70) comprises a hinge (40) for pivotably connecting a base member (20) of the tablet-notebook hybrid computer (10) to a tablet member (30) of the tablet-notebook hybrid computer (10); an actuator (51) fixed to the hinge (40); and a support member (50) pivotably connected to the tablet member (30) via a pivot shaft (52). When the tablet member (30) rotates towards an open position with respect to the base member (20), the support member (50) is actuated by the actuator (51), rotates away from the tablet member (30), and provides addition support for the tablet member (30).