Hinge and Mounting Assembly for Laptop Lid Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional notebook or clamshell computer configurations with touchscreens face challenges in providing comfortable and stable interaction between the screen and keyboard, especially when the screen is angled for touch input, as they often require larger footprints and may not accommodate the user's preferred viewing angles effectively.
Innovation Solution
A portable computer design featuring a hinge and mounting assembly that allows the lid to rotate and translate, enabling the screen to be positioned at angles between 130° and 160° relative to the keyboard while maintaining a reduced footprint, with the lower edge of the lid moving away from the back edge and toward the keyboard, thus allowing for comfortable touchscreen interaction and stable typing positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the screen is angled for touch input in traditional notebook configurations, then touchscreen interaction is enabled, but the device footprint increases and stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is designed to enable dynamic movement of the lid relative to the base, allowing the screen to rotate and translate to various angles. This dynamic mechanism permits the device to adapt its configuration for optimal touchscreen interaction while maintaining a compact footprint when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism introduces additional degrees of freedom by enabling the lid to both rotate and translate relative to the base. This multi-dimensional movement capability allows the screen to achieve optimal positioning for touch interaction without increasing the device's base footprint.
2Ease of operation
If the screen is angled for touch input in traditional notebook configurations, then touchscreen interaction is enabled, but stability during use decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly provides controlled dynamic movement with built-in friction or damping mechanisms that allow the lid to be positioned at various angles and held stable. This enables touchscreen interaction at optimal angles while maintaining device stability during use.
3Reliability
If the lid and base have the same width and depth dimensions, then the lid can close against the base for protection, but the mechanism requires slots or uncovered openings compromising the enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is nested within recesses formed in the base and lid structures. This nesting approach allows the mechanical components to be housed within the enclosure boundaries, eliminating the need for external slots or openings while maintaining full protective enclosure integrity.
4Ease of operation
If the lower edge of the lid moves toward the keyboard upon rotation, then optimal positioning for touchscreen interaction is achieved, but the hinge mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly merges rotation and translation movements into a single integrated mechanism. This combination allows the lid to achieve optimal positioning for touchscreen interaction through one coordinated motion rather than requiring separate adjustment mechanisms for each degree of freedom.
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 design enhances user comfort by allowing the screen to be positioned at optimal angles for both keyboard and touchscreen use, reduces the device's footprint, and improves stability during use, especially on small or shared surfaces, by distributing the weight and moment arm effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge can include elements to provide internal friction to maintain a position of the lid selected by the user
Implementation Method 2
The mounting assembly has a first attachment feature that is configured to move along a translational path in a direction between the back edge and the keyboard in a manner that is constrained relative to rotation thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A computer includes a lid defining a lower edge. A hinge is connected to the lid along the lower edge. The computer further includes a base having an upper surface and a keyboard disposed on the upper surface and defining a back edge. A mounting assembly is connected with the base between the back edge and the keyboard. The mounting assembly has an attachment feature that moves along a translational path in a direction between the back edge and the keyboard in a manner that is constrained to rotation thereof. The hinge is rotatably connected to the lid to be rotatable with respect to the base. The hinge is rotatably affixed with the attachment feature such that rotation of the lid drives rotation of the attachment feature, which drives the movement of the attachment feature along the translational path, moving the lower edge of the therewith.