Dual-Display Hinge Assembly for Thin Bezels and Controlled Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of hinged mobile computing devices with dual displays faces challenges in creating thin bezels to maximize usable screen space while maintaining device dimensions, and existing solutions struggle to efficiently rotate and separate the displays for various user interactions.
Innovation Solution
A mobile computing device configuration featuring a hinge assembly with a spring-loaded opening mechanism and a magnetic closure system, allowing the displays to rotate from a face-to-face to a back-to-back orientation, and a release actuator to separate the displays to a predetermined angular orientation, utilizing flexible printed circuitry and electro-magnetic closure for efficient screen space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If thin bezels are used to increase usable display area, then screen space utilization is improved, but structural integrity and display protection are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate housing parts (first housing part and second housing part) connected by a hinge assembly, allowing each housing to independently protect its display while maintaining thin bezel design. This segmentation enables the displays to be separated when needed for protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly enables dynamic movement between closed and open states, allowing the device to transition from a compact protected state to an expanded usable state. The spring-loaded mechanism provides dynamic force to assist opening while the magnetic closure provides automatic protection when closed.
2Ease of operation
If spring-loaded opening mechanism is added to assist display rotation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded opening mechanism automatically provides opening force without user intervention, and the magnetic closure system automatically engages to hold the closed position. These self-service features reduce the physical effort required by the user while maintaining relatively simple mechanical structures.
3Reliability
If magnetic closure system is used to retain displays in closed orientation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic closure system replaces traditional mechanical latches, clips, or screws with magnetic fields to achieve the same retention function. This substitution provides reliable automatic engagement and disengagement while simplifying the mechanical structure and reducing the number of moving parts.
4Ease of operation
If release actuator is included to separate displays, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The release actuator extracts the magnetic field interaction by providing a mechanical interruption point. When activated, it physically separates the magnetic components (such as moving a magnet away from its counterpart), thereby deactivating the magnetic closure and allowing the spring to open the device. This provides a simple user interface without requiring complex control systems.
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 configuration enhances screen space utilization by minimizing bezel size, allowing for flexible display orientations and efficient user interaction, while maintaining structural integrity and reducing the risk of display damage from impacts.
Implementation Method 1
A spring-loaded opening mechanism may be arranged in the hinge assembly. The spring-loaded opening mechanism may be configured to bias with a biasing torque the first housing part and the second housing part to rotate away from each other
Implementation Method 2
The mobile computing device may further include a magnetic closure system. The magnetic closure system may be configured to retain the first and second displays in the closed face-to-face orientation against the biasing torque of the spring-loaded opening mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A hinged mobile computing device includes a first housing part with a first display and a second housing part with a second display. The first and second housing parts are coupled by a hinge assembly that includes a spring-loaded opening mechanism configured to bias with a biasing torque the first housing part and second housing part to rotate away from each other when the first and second displays are in a closed face-to-face orientation. An electro-magnetic closure system is configured to retain the first and second displays in the closed face-to-face orientation against the biasing torque of the spring-loaded opening mechanism, and release of the electro-magnetic closure system permits the first housing part to rotationally separate from the second housing part to a predetermined angular orientation due to the biasing force of the spring-loaded opening mechanism.