Notebook Hinge Assembly with Elastomeric Sleeve for Single-Handed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge assemblies in notebook computers require two hands to open due to insufficient resistive force, especially after repetitive use, and lack effective positioning control for the display relative to the keyboard.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly incorporating an elastomeric sleeve with a slit and a connecting rod that provides varying resistive forces for easy opening and closing, along with a positioning device to limit the rotational range, utilizing a body member, plug, and pintle with specific geometric features to enhance usability and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flat spring hinge is used to provide resistive force, then the notebook computer can be opened with less initial effort, but the hinge gets fatigued after repetitive use and does not provide sufficient resistive force to fully open the notebook computer
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sleeve changes its physical parameters (expands and contracts) in response to rotational direction. When rotating in the first direction (opening), the sleeve expands to provide high resistive force. When rotating in the second direction (closing), the sleeve contracts to provide low resistive force. This dynamic parameter change resolves the contradiction by adapting the resistive force to the operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism transitions from a static spring system to a dynamic elastomeric system that actively adapts its properties during operation. The elastomeric sleeve's ability to expand and contract dynamically during rotation allows it to provide direction-dependent resistive forces, ensuring reliable performance throughout the notebook's lifecycle without fatigue-related degradation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If high resistive force is provided by the hinge, then the notebook computer can be held firmly in position, but the user requires two hands to open the notebook computer
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge provides asymmetric resistive forces based on rotational direction. The elastomeric sleeve is designed to expand significantly when rotated in the first direction (opening), providing high resistive force that enables single-handed operation. When rotated in the second direction (closing), the sleeve contracts to provide minimal resistive force, allowing smooth closing motion. This asymmetry resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of opening.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the elastomeric sleeve exhibit different mechanical properties during rotation. The portion of the sleeve engaged during opening rotation is designed to expand and provide high resistance, while the portion engaged during closing rotation is designed to contract and provide low resistance. This localized quality differentiation allows the single hinge mechanism to satisfy both stability and ease of operation requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the elastomeric sleeve is expanded out by the pintle during rotation, then varying resistive forces are provided for easy opening and closing, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sleeve integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides resistive force during opening, enables smooth closing, and incorporates the positioning device within its structure. The flat surfaces of the sleeve engage with corresponding features on the pintle to provide positioning functionality without requiring separate positioning mechanisms. This merging of functions reduces overall device complexity despite the sophisticated behavior of the elastomeric material.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric sleeve serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a friction control mechanism, a positioning device, and a shock-absorbing element. The same component that provides variable resistive force through expansion and contraction also incorporates flat surfaces for positioning the display at specific angles. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving ease of operation.
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
Enables easy opening and stable positioning of the notebook computer with reduced fatigue, allowing single-handed operation and maintaining the display in desired positions with controlled resistive forces.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric sleeve (30) including a first portion (31) and a second portion (32)... Said elastomeric sleeve and slit (33) are expanded out by the pintle (40) when the pintle (40) rotates
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly includes a body member having a mounting tab and a housing adapted to receive a plug. The plug is locked in the housing such that the plug is not rotatable relative to the housing. The hinge assembly also includes an elastomeric sleeve having two, flat, first peripheral surfaces, two, arcuate, second peripheral surfaces and a slit. A pintle includes a mounting tab and a connecting rod, with the connecting rod adapted to be inserted in the elastomeric sleeve. The connecting rod includes a cylindrical outer surface having a flat surface formed thereon. The flat surface corresponds with one of the first, flat, peripheral surfaces. The cylindrical outer surface corresponds with the second, arcuate, peripheral surfaces. The elastomeric sleeve and slit are expanded out by the pintle when the pintle rotates.