Infinite Pivot Hinge for Dual Screen Ergonomics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dual screen gaming laptops face challenges in ergonomics due to the secondary display being on a different axis from the primary display, requiring excessive force to adjust the secondary screen's position, which can lead to deformation or breakage, and existing mechanisms are counterintuitive or require triggers for operation.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of mechanisms such as lockable gas springs, one-way roller clutches, and shape memory alloy-based mono leaf springs within the hinge system, combined with accidental trigger prevention mechanisms, allows for infinite pivot adjustment without excessive force and intuitive user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional hinge mechanism is used to connect the secondary display to the base, then the secondary display can be positioned on a different axis, but excessive force is required to adjust the position which can lead to deformation or breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecondary display positioning flexibilityVSAvoidadjustment force

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge system is divided into multiple functional components: a friction hinge for positioning, a lockable gas spring for support, and a trigger mechanism for easy release. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific aspects of the positioning task, reducing the force needed for adjustment while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A trigger mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the user and the hinge system. Pulling the trigger releases a locking mechanism, allowing the secondary display to be repositioned with minimal force. This intermediary enables easy adjustment without requiring direct application of excessive force to the hinge itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a lockable gas spring mechanism is implemented, then torque requirements are reduced and infinite angle adjustment is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque requirementVSAvoidhinge mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A gas spring is integrated into the hinge system to provide counterbalancing force that offsets the weight of the secondary display. This anti-weight mechanism reduces the torque required by the user to adjust and hold the display at various angles, making the system easier to operate despite the added complexity of the gas spring component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing hinge mechanisms are used, then the secondary display can be adjusted, but the mechanisms are counterintuitive or require triggers for operation which reduces ease of use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay adjustment capabilityVSAvoiduser interaction intuitiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge system incorporates a friction-based mechanism that automatically provides holding force at any position without requiring active control from the user. The friction hinge naturally resists movement and holds the display in place, eliminating the need for complex triggers or buttons. This self-service approach makes the system more intuitive and easier to operate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

These mechanisms enable comfortable and ergonomic operation of dual screens by reducing torque requirements, allowing for infinite angle adjustment and preventing accidental triggers, enhancing user experience and durability.

Implementation Method 1

pivot means disposed to substantially bias the secondary hinge against movement from a selected position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas spring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

shape memory alloy-based mono leaf springs within the hinge system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 3

mono leaf spring is used inside a regular one-way roller clutch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11573611B2Infinite holding pivot mechanisms for dual screen systems

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 INTEL CORP

AI summary

There is disclosed in one example, an encasement for a mobile computer, including: an external casing in a clamshell form factor, the external casing including a base, a secondary display chassis hingedly connected to the base at a secondary hinge, and a primary display chassis hingedly connected to the secondary display chassis at a primary hinge disposed at a removed edge of the secondary display chassis from the secondary hinge, the primary display chassis to substantially overlay the secondary display chassis and the base when the primary hinge is in a closed position; and pivot means disposed to substantially bias the secondary hinge against movement from a selected position in at least one direction in the absence of an electrical input.