Hollow Annular Clutch Hinge for Portable Computers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable computing device hinges face challenges in reducing size while maintaining reliability and minimizing the force required to keep the display open, while also ensuring secure electrical connections and reducing wear on connectors.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a hollow and partially annular clutch that allows electrical conductors to pass through, featuring an integrally formed connector for coupling the lid and base portions, which reduces the number of parts and increases the clutch's diameter for improved structural integrity and reduced wear on connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the hinge assembly size is decreased, then the device becomes more compact, but a greater outer force is required to generate sufficient friction force to maintain the display open
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conductors are nested within the hollow interior of the clutch, allowing the clutch to maintain a larger effective diameter for structural integrity while keeping the overall assembly compact. This nesting enables the clutch to provide sufficient friction torque without increasing the external dimensions of the hinge assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch transitions from a solid cross-section to a hollow annular cross-section, utilizing the dimensional space efficiently. This allows the clutch to maintain a larger outer diameter for improved leverage and friction force while reducing the overall volume and mass of the hinge assembly.
2Strength
If the clutch diameter is increased for improved structural integrity, then the hinge becomes stronger, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow clutch design nests the electrical conductors within its interior space, allowing the clutch to achieve a larger outer diameter for improved structural integrity and leverage without proportionally increasing the overall device volume. The nested configuration utilizes internal space efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the hinge mechanism, acts as a friction element for maintaining display position, and serves as a conduit for electrical conductors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, compacting the overall device size.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate components are used for clutch and connector, then manufacturing is simpler, but the number of parts increases and structural integrity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch and electrical connector are merged into a single integrated component. The clutch is formed with an integrally formed connector that extends from its end, eliminating the need for separate parts and assembly steps while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through processes like injection molding or machining.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated clutch-connector component performs multiple functions: mechanical clutch operation, electrical connection, and structural support. This consolidation reduces the total part count and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining ease of manufacture through single-component fabrication methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly having a hollow and partially annular clutch is arranged to pivotally couple a portable computer base portion to a portable computer lid portion. The hinge assembly includes at least an elongated, hollow and partially open cylindrical portion that includes a partially annular outer region and a central bore region, the central bore region suitably arranged to provide support for electrical conductors between the base and lid portions. The hinge assembly also includes a plurality of fastening components that couple the hollow clutch to the base portion and the lid portion of the portable computer, with at least one of the fastening regions being integrally formed with the hollow and partially open cylindrical portion such that space, size and part count are minimized.