Oblong Friction Hinge Assembly for One-Hand Device Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinged computing devices face challenges in providing durable and reliable friction profiles with minimal device real estate, especially as devices become thinner, leading to increased wear and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
The use of a thin and short oblong friction shaft and friction band with oblong apertures that provide varying resistance to rotation based on orientation, utilizing a pop-up feature and timing gears to synchronize rotation and maintain desired orientations, while minimizing wear and occupying less space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hinge designs are used to provide friction resistance, then the device can maintain specific orientations, but the resistance to rotation is high at closed orientation making it difficult to open with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly dynamically adjusts friction resistance based on orientation. The friction shaft and aperture are designed with specific geometries that cause the contact interface to change as the hinge rotates. At closed orientation, the geometry provides low friction for easy opening, while at user-set orientations, the geometry increases friction to maintain position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the friction shaft and aperture provide different friction characteristics. The oblong shape of the friction shaft and aperture creates varying contact areas and pressure distributions depending on the hinge orientation, enabling localized friction control at specific orientations while maintaining low friction at others.
2Length of moving object
If hinge assembly components are made thinner to reduce device real estate, then the device can be thinner and more compact, but the components become less reliable and more subject to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly uses strategically placed materials with different properties. The friction shaft and aperture are designed with specific material selections that maximize wear resistance despite reduced thickness. The oblong geometry combined with appropriate material selection creates a durable friction interface that resists wear even in thinner components.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes geometric parameters of the friction interface (oblong shape, specific dimensions) to optimize the balance between thickness and wear resistance. By carefully controlling the dimensions and shape of the friction shaft and aperture, the design achieves adequate wear resistance in thinner components.
3Area of stationary object
If the friction shaft and aperture are made smaller to occupy less device real estate, then more space is available for other components, but the friction profile becomes less durable and reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The smaller friction shaft and aperture are designed to dynamically engage and disengage based on orientation. The oblong geometry ensures that despite the reduced size, the contact interface provides sufficient friction when engaged, while allowing smooth rotation when disengaged. This dynamic behavior maintains reliability in a compact form.
Solution Approach 2:
The oblong shape of the friction shaft and aperture introduces asymmetry that optimizes the friction profile. The non-circular geometry creates varying contact conditions throughout the rotation range, enabling the smaller components to provide adequate friction where needed while minimizing wear and space requirements.
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 solution achieves reliable and durable friction profiles with progressive resistance to rotation, allowing easy opening with one hand and maintaining user-set orientations, while reducing wear and increasing the lifespan of the device.
Implementation Method 1
an oblong friction shaft and a friction band secured to the first portion and defining an oblong aperture configured to receive the oblong friction shaft
Data Source
AI summary
The description relates to hinged devices, such as hinged computing devices. One example can include a first portion and a second portion that are rotatably secured relative to a hinge axis through a range of rotation from a closed orientation to an open orientation. The example can also include an oblong friction shaft and a friction band secured to the first portion and defining an oblong aperture configured to receive the oblong friction shaft. At the closed orientation a major axis of the oblong friction shaft is aligned with a major axis of the oblong aperture to provide a relatively low resistance to rotation and at the open orientation the major axis of the oblong friction shaft is rotated relative to the major axis of the oblong aperture to provide a relatively high resistance to rotation.