Bulk Metallic Glass Hinge Assembly for Simpler Device Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hinge assemblies in computing devices face challenges in assembly complexity and structural integrity due to the use of high elastic modulus materials like steel, which restricts relative movement and can lead to weak joints and increased manufacturing steps.

Innovation Solution

The use of a hinge assembly with an arm support member featuring a unitary bridge member fabricated from bulk metallic glass, allowing for simplified assembly and extended duty cycles by enabling greater non-permanent deformations and distributing bending loads effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If high elastic modulus materials like steel are used in hinge assemblies, then structural strength is improved, but assembly complexity increases and structural integrity deteriorates due to restricted relative movement and weak joints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from high elastic modulus steel to low elastic modulus bulk metallic glass, enabling greater elastic deformation capacity. This parameter change allows the hinge arm member to undergo larger non-permanent deformations during assembly and operation, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining structural integrity through the material's inherent ductility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs bulk metallic glass, a composite material with amorphous structure, to fabricate the hinge arm member. This material combines high strength with exceptional elastic deformation capability, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and assembly complexity by enabling both robust joints and simplified assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If high elastic modulus materials like steel are used in hinge assemblies, then structural strength is improved, but structural integrity worsens due to weak joints and restricted relative movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the principle of flexibility by using bulk metallic glass material that can undergo significant elastic deformation. The hinge arm member acts as a flexible component that can bend and deform elastically during assembly and operation, then return to its original shape, ensuring structural integrity without creating weak joints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional materials are used in hinge assemblies, then manufacturing experience is leveraged, but manufacturing complexity increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing experienceVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from traditional high elastic modulus materials to low elastic modulus bulk metallic glass. This enables the hinge arm member to be formed as a single piece with complex geometries through casting or additive manufacturing, eliminating the need for multiple assembly steps and joints, thereby increasing manufacturing efficiency and productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple components into a single hinge arm member fabricated from bulk metallic glass. By combining what would traditionally be separate parts into one monolithic structure, the patent reduces assembly steps, eliminates joints, and simplifies the manufacturing process, directly improving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 bulk metallic glass bridge member facilitates smooth rotation and assembly while maintaining structural integrity, reducing the risk of joint weakness and simplifying the manufacturing process, enabling reliable operation over extended duty cycles.

Implementation Method 1

allowing for simplified assembly and extended duty cycles by enabling greater non-permanent deformations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

distributing bending loads effectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLoad distribution:

Data Source

PatentUS11687124B2Computing device hinge assembly

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Examples are disclosed relating to computing device hinge assemblies. In one example, a hinge assembly comprises a hinge frame affixed to one substrate and a hinge arm member affixed to another substrate. The hinge arm member comprises first and second arcuate arm guide slots. An arm support member, moveably coupling the hinge arm member to the hinge frame, comprises a first side comprising a first arcuate support guide slot receiving a first frame guide of the hinge frame, and a second side comprising a second arcuate support guide slot receiving a second frame guide. First and second arcuate inner support guides are received within the first and second arcuate arm guide slots of the hinge arm member. An elongated bridge member connects the first side of the arm support member to the second side, with the bridge member comprising a unitary structure fabricated from bulk metallic glass.