Pop-Up Hinge Assembly for One-Handed Computing Device Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing devices with hinge assemblies lack a convenient and user-friendly mechanism for automatically opening from a closed position to facilitate viewing displays without requiring manual effort or compromising device compactness.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hinge assembly with a user-controllable lock and a 'pop-up' feature that automatically biases the device portions apart when unlocked, utilizing a timing element and spring force to rotate the device portions, allowing for easy one-handed operation and maintaining orientation without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional hinge assembly is used to secure device portions, then the device maintains compactness when closed, but manual effort is required to open it and no automatic opening mechanism is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-loaded in the closed position to store potential energy, which is then released to automatically open the device when the lock is disengaged. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual opening effort while maintaining a relatively simple hinge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly uses the spring-loaded mechanism to automatically open the device portions without requiring external manual intervention. The system serves itself by converting the stored spring energy into rotational motion to open the device, improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Extent of automation
If a spring-loaded pop-up mechanism is added to automatically open the device, then ease of opening is improved, but the hinge assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded pop-up mechanism is integrated into the hinge assembly itself rather than being a separate system. The lock mechanism, spring, and hinge components work together as a unified structure, achieving automatic opening while minimizing the increase in overall complexity through component merging.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical connection between device portions, stores and releases spring energy for automatic opening, and incorporates a lock mechanism for controlled opening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in complexity while achieving automation.
3Reliability
If friction mechanisms are adjusted to support various orientations, then reliability in maintaining orientation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction and cam mechanisms are designed to dynamically adapt to different device orientations. The cam profile and friction characteristics change based on the gravitational force direction, allowing the hinge to reliably maintain various orientations without requiring multiple separate mechanisms for each orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective friction coefficient and cam geometry parameters are optimized for different gravitational orientations. By adjusting these parameters through the cam mechanism design, the hinge assembly can reliably support various orientations using a single integrated structure rather than multiple orientation-specific mechanisms.
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 and automatic opening of computing devices for display viewing while maintaining compactness, reducing user effort and preventing damage by adjusting friction and cam mechanisms to support various orientations.
Implementation Method 1
a 'pop-up' feature in that the hinge assembly can automatically open the hinge from a closed position when activated by a user
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a timing element and spring force to rotate the device portions
Implementation Method 3
preventing damage by adjusting friction and cam mechanisms to support various orientations
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
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 have hinge ends rotatably secured relative to a hinge shaft. The example can also include a u-shaped friction arm extending from a first end positioned around the hinge shaft to a second end positioned around the hinge shaft and a pop-up assembly positioned along the hinge shaft between the first end and the second end and configured to create a bias to rotate the first and second portions away from one another.