Retractable Hinge Layout for Flush Dual-Display Computing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hinges in computing devices interrupt the combined display area when rotated to a flat configuration, as they protrude and separate the base and display housing, limiting the device's compactness and utility.
Innovation Solution
A retractable hinge system with a central bar and links that rotate about pivot points, allowing the display housing and base to be flush against each other in a flat configuration by retracting into recesses, maintaining a virtual pivot point for 360-degree rotation without interrupting the display area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional hinge is used to connect the base and display housing, then the device can be rotated between configurations, but the hinge protrudes and interrupts the combined display area in flat configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is nested within recesses formed in the base and display housing. The links of the hinge slide into these recesses during rotation, allowing the hinge to be contained within the device boundaries rather than protruding outward, thereby maintaining a flush configuration in flat mode
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge transitions from a protruding three-dimensional structure to a retracted configuration by utilizing the vertical dimension through recesses. The links move along a path that includes vertical displacement into the recesses, enabling the hinge to disappear from the external profile while maintaining rotation functionality
2Ease of operation
If the hinge protrudes to allow rotation, then rotation between configurations is enabled, but space between the display and base is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge links are nested within recesses that are formed as cavities in the base and display housing. This nesting arrangement allows the rotational mechanism to operate within the existing device footprint without adding external protrusions that would increase the distance between display and base surfaces
3Shape
If the hinge is made retractable to maintain flush configuration, then compactness is improved, but the hinge mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is segmented into multiple independent links (first link, second link, third link) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows each link to perform a specific function in the retraction sequence, simplifying the overall mechanism compared to a single complex moving component while achieving the flush configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static, with links that automatically retract and extend based on the rotation state. The recesses guide the links to retract only when needed (in flat configuration) and extend when rotation is required, providing automatic adaptation without complex control systems
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 the computing device to maintain a continuous display area in all configurations, including flat, by ensuring the base and display housing are adjacent, and supports flexible displays without mechanical stress, reducing complexity and enhancing usability.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge to rotate the computing device from an open configuration to a closed configuration
Implementation Method 2
respective sliding ends of the first and second links slide into the respective recesses of the display housing and the base
Data Source
AI summary
An example computing device includes: a display housing including a first recess and a base including a second recess; and a hinge to rotate the display housing from a closed configuration to an open configuration, the hinge comprising: a central bar; a first link coupled to the central bar at a first pivot point, the first link rotatable about the first pivot point; and a second link coupled to the central bar at a second pivot point, the second link rotatable about the second pivot point; and wherein in response to the display housing rotating to the open configuration, a first sliding end of the first link is to retract into the first recess and a second sliding end of the second link is to retract into the second recess.