Hinge Mechanism with Virtual Pivot Axis for Flush Computing Device Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturers of notebook computers face challenges in designing hinges that allow for smooth opening and closing without compromising the compactness of the device, as traditional hinge mechanisms require significant space and gaps in the base and display members.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism with a virtual pivot axis that conceals within the base member, allowing the display and base members to be mounted flush, featuring a rotation assembly with offset rotational axis and frictional elements to provide adjustable resistance and prevent over-rotation, enabling various viewing angles without large gaps or cuts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional hinge mechanism is used to connect the display member and base member, then the hinge allows for smooth opening and closing motion, but the hinge requires significant space and creates gaps in the base and display members, compromising the compact design
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is nested within the base member, with the pivot axis positioned inside the base member rather than externally. This nesting allows the hinge components to be concealed within the existing structure, eliminating the need for large gaps or cuts in the base and display members, thus resolving the contradiction between operational smoothness and compact space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional external hinge arrangement to an internal pivot axis configuration, effectively changing the dimensional arrangement of the hinge mechanism. By repositioning the pivot axis within the base member and using an offset rotational axis in the rotation assembly, the design achieves smooth motion while maintaining a compact, flush surface without requiring significant external space
2Area of stationary object
If the hinge mechanism is concealed within the base member to maintain a flush surface, then the device achieves a compact and seamless design, but the hinge mechanism requires a virtual pivot axis and offset rotational axis which increases structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a rotation assembly with an offset rotational axis, friction elements for torque control, and a guide structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while being concealed within the base member, achieving a flush surface without requiring an overly complex monolithic structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a virtual pivot axis as an intermediary concept that enables the rotation assembly to rotate about an offset rotational axis while still achieving the desired pivotal motion. This intermediary virtual axis simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for a complex physical pivot mechanism extending outside the base member, thus maintaining a flush surface with manageable structural complexity
3Reliability
If friction elements are added to provide adjustable resistance and prevent over-rotation, then the hinge provides consistent torque and controlled motion, but the hinge mechanism becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The friction elements are merged with the rotation assembly, forming an integrated unit where the friction mechanism is incorporated directly into the rotational structure. This merging allows the friction elements to provide adjustable resistance and prevent over-rotation without requiring separate, standalone components, thus achieving reliable torque control with minimal increase in overall structural 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
Enables a compact and seamless design by allowing the hinge mechanism to be hidden within the base member, providing consistent torque and smooth operation while maintaining the device's flush surface, accommodating various viewing angles without compromising structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a rotation assembly with offset rotational axis and frictional elements to provide adjustable resistance
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein provide a hinge mechanism to pivotally connect housings of a computing device along an axis. As an example, the hinge mechanism includes a guide rail fixed to the first housing, a base block fixed to the second housing, and a rotary element to constrain the guide rail to the base block, wherein the guide rail and the base block are concentric along the axis, and the guide rail is to rotate around the base block. As an example, the hinge mechanism includes a rotation assembly comprising a slot on one end to receive a pin of the guide rail in order to link the guide rail to the rotation assembly. As an example, the rotation assembly is to provide a level of resistance to a torque provided when opening or closing the first housing with respect to the second housing.