Laptop Hinge Spring Wire for One-Handed Display Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern laptop computers face challenges in achieving the right balance of friction or resistance to hold the display portion in place without requiring two hands to open, due to the close weights of the base and display portions, making it difficult to open the laptop with one hand.
Innovation Solution
A spring wire is used to link two hinges, providing a biasing force that urges the hinges into an open position, allowing the display to open automatically when the laptop is closed, and calibrated resistance mechanisms ensure the display can be opened with minimal base movement, enabling one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If friction or resistance is increased to hold the display portion in place, then the display can be held stable, but the laptop becomes difficult to open with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The spring wire acts as a counterweight mechanism, providing a biasing force that opposes the frictional resistance of the hinge. This counterforce assists the user in overcoming the hinge friction during opening, enabling one-handed operation while maintaining display stability when closed
Solution Approach 2:
The spring wire's biasing force parameter is calibrated to provide optimal assistance during opening while maintaining stability during use. The resistance mechanism parameters are adjusted to achieve the right balance between holding stability and opening ease
2Weight of moving object
If the base and display portions have close weights for portability, then the laptop is more portable, but it requires two hands to open due to insufficient counter force
Solution Approach 1:
The spring wire provides a mechanical counterforce that compensates for the close weights of the base and display portions. This biasing force creates the necessary counterbalance to enable one-handed opening operation
Solution Approach 2:
The spring wire system is self-actuating, automatically providing the biasing force during opening without requiring additional user effort or external power sources
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
The spring wire system allows for easy one-handed opening of the laptop by providing a counter force against the base, ensuring the display can be opened without requiring both hands, while maintaining the display at a desired angle with adjustable resistance.
Implementation Method 1
A spring wire is used to link two hinges, providing a biasing force that urges the hinges into an open position
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge system for a laptop computer is disclosed, the hinge system comprising first and second hinges that are tied together using a spring wire. The first and second hinges each have a display portion attached to a laptop computer display and a base portion attached to the laptop computer base. The spring wire is affixed to the display portion of the first hinge and the base portion of the second hinge, and is preloaded so that the laptop computer display opens automatically away at least partially away from the laptop computer base.