Hinged Device Cam Mechanism Prevents Contact Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hinge assemblies in computing devices often result in damaging contact between device portions at certain angles of rotation, leading to potential damage and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A determinative hinge assembly that controls the relative order of rotation around two hinge axes, using a rotation-determining sub-assembly and an angle-specific portion-spacing sub-assembly to prevent contact by moving the device portions apart at critical angles, thereby avoiding damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hinge assemblies are used to connect device portions, then the device can achieve rotational movement and operational orientations, but damaging contact occurs between device portions at certain angles of rotation
Solution Approach 1:
A cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the first and second device portions. The cam follower rides along the cam surface, which is positioned between the first and second portions, to force them apart at specific angles. This intermediary mechanism prevents direct contact between the first and second portions that would otherwise cause damage, while still allowing the hinge to achieve various operational orientations.
2Ease of operation
If device portions are allowed to rotate freely around hinge axes, then operational flexibility is improved, but contact and potential damage occurs at certain rotation angles
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism applies a preliminary separating force between the first and second device portions before they can make contact at damaging angles. As the hinge rotates and approaches angles where contact would occur, the cam follower rides up the cam surface, which forces the portions apart in advance. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful contact from occurring in the first place, maintaining both rotational flexibility and structural integrity.
3Reliability
If a determinative hinge assembly is implemented to prevent contact damage, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sub-assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is integrated into the existing hinge assembly structure rather than being a completely separate system. The cam and cam follower are positioned within the hinge assembly's rotational path, utilizing the existing space and movement of the hinge. This merging approach allows the determinative function to be added to the hinge assembly without requiring entirely separate mechanisms for each device portion, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while still achieving improved structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
The description relates to devices, such as computing devices that have hinged portions. One example can include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can define a first hinge axis and can be resiliently biased toward the first hinge axis. The second portion can define a second hinge axis and can be resiliently biased toward the second hinge axis. A first cam can operate relative to the first hinge axis and is slidably secured to the first portion. A second cam can operate relative to the second hinge axis and can be slidably secured to the first portion. When the first and second portions are oriented at an acute angle the second cam can force the second portion away from the second hinge axis while the first cam can allow the first portion to remain biased toward the first hinge axis.