Micro-hinge Design for Low Profile Hybrid Laptops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid laptops face form-factor limitations due to bulky hinge designs, which restrict the z-height scaling of electronic devices and inhibit their convertibility between laptop and tablet configurations.
Innovation Solution
A low profile micro-hinge design that allows 360° rotation, comprising a first and second attachment coupled by linkages, support rods, and a flexible covering, enabling a collapsible and scalable hinge that does not limit the z-height of electronic devices, allowing configurations such as clamshell, flat, and tablet modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional hinge design is used in hybrid laptops, then the device can achieve convertibility between laptop and tablet configurations, but the hinge becomes bulky and limits the form-factor of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into multiple micro-hinge segments that can independently articulate, allowing the hinge mechanism to achieve the required rotational functionality while minimizing the overall volume of each individual component and the assembled hinge structure
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-hinge segments are nested within each other in a compact arrangement, with each segment containing smaller articulation points and components, enabling the hinge to achieve 360-degree rotation capability while maintaining a minimal footprint and not limiting the device form-factor
2Strength
If a bulky hinge design is used, then the hinge can provide sufficient structural support and durability, but it increases the z-height of the device
Solution Approach 1:
Each micro-hinge segment is designed with locally optimized geometry and material distribution, concentrating structural strength at critical stress points while minimizing material usage in non-critical areas, thereby maintaining adequate support capability with reduced overall dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-hinge employs composite material construction combining materials with different mechanical properties to achieve high strength-to-volume ratio, allowing the hinge to provide sufficient structural support while maintaining a low profile and minimizing z-height
3Volume of moving object
If the hinge size is reduced to achieve low profile, then the hinge may compromise on flexibility and range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-hinge segments are designed with dynamic articulation capabilities, allowing each segment to rotate and articulate through large angles, and the cumulative effect of multiple segments enables the overall hinge to achieve full 360-degree range of motion despite the compact size of individual components
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge achieves its range of motion by utilizing multi-dimensional articulation across multiple micro-segments rather than relying on a single large rotational joint, allowing compact packaging while maintaining flexibility and adaptability across different device configurations
Data Source
AI summary
Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device, such as a notebook computer or laptop, which includes a circuit board coupled to a plurality of electronic components (which includes any type of components, elements, circuitry, etc.). One particular example implementation of the electronic device may include a low profile hinge design that includes a micro-hinge. The micro-hinge can couple a first element to a second element and can include a first attachment that couples to the first element, a second attachment that couples to the second element, and a plurality of linkages that couples the first attachment to the second attachment. The low profile hinge can further include a plurality of micro-hinges and a plurality of support rods.