Notebook Computer Hinge Structure for Compact Touchscreen Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional clamshell or notebook computer configurations with touchscreens face challenges in providing an optimal user experience when combining a physical keyboard with touchscreen interaction, as they often require repositioning the device for comfortable typing or touchscreen use, and their form factor can be bulky when opened for touchscreen interaction.
Innovation Solution
A portable computer design featuring a hinge structure that allows the lid to be opened to an angle of between 130 degrees and 160 degrees, with the bottom edge of the screen positioned close to the keyboard, enabling comfortable touchscreen interaction while maintaining a reduced footprint, and incorporating a magnetic bushing member and magnetically sympathetic elements for secure lid alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid is opened to a large angle for comfortable touchscreen interaction, then the usability is improved, but the device occupies more space and has a larger footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure transforms the lid's movement from a simple rotational arc into a constrained path that combines rotation with lateral translation. This dimensional change allows the screen to move forward toward the keyboard while opening, enabling comfortable viewing angles without extending the device's rear footprint, as the screen's backward projection is compensated by its forward movement along the hinge path
2Area of stationary object
If the screen is positioned close to the keyboard for compact design, then the footprint is reduced, but the viewing angle and comfort for touchscreen interaction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure introduces dynamic movement capabilities that allow the screen position to change during operation. The lid can transition from a closed position (minimizing footprint) to an open position where the screen moves forward along a constrained path, optimizing viewing angle and touchscreen interaction comfort only when needed, thus resolving the static contradiction between compact storage and comfortable use
3Device complexity
If a traditional hinge structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the lid positioning precision and stability during touchscreen interaction are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic bushing member acts as an intermediary between the lid and base assemblies, providing precise positioning and stable alignment during touchscreen interaction. The magnetic attraction force maintains consistent spacing and prevents lateral drift, achieving high positioning accuracy without requiring complex mechanical guidance structures or precision-machined surfaces
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 allows for efficient use of both keyboard and touchscreen inputs without the need for additional input devices, providing a stable and compact form factor that is suitable for various usage scenarios, including crowded surfaces, by positioning the screen at an angle conducive to touch interaction while minimizing the device's footprint.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic bushing member of the lid assembly and the magnetically sympathetic element are mutually attracted with one another to releaseably maintain the lower edge of the lid adjacent the upper surface of the base during such movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable computer that includes an upper surface, disposed between the keyboard and the back edge, a portion of which is indented with respect to adjacent portions of the upper surface. The portable computer also includes a lid assembly that has a display viewable thereon and a lower edge. The lid assembly further has a cover surface and a side surface. A hinge structure is configured to affix the lid assembly to the base assembly such that the lid is moveable between a closed position and an open position wherein the display is disposed at an angle with respect to the upper surface. In the open position at least portions of the cover surface and the side surfaces are received within the indented portion of the upper surface, and the lower edge of the screen is adjacent both the upper surface outside the indented portion and the keyboard.