Rotatable Display Hinge with Magnetic Coupling and Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Convertible laptops face challenges in maintaining structural integrity and smooth transitions between laptop and tablet modes, as existing mechanisms often fail to provide sufficient rigidity and resistance to torque, leading to instability and awkward user interactions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a mechanism that includes friction hinges and magnetic coupling, combined with a torsion link, allows the display member to pivot smoothly between modes, providing resistance to torque and ensuring stability by using friction hinges and magnetic members to secure the display in place until sufficient force is applied to overcome the magnetic attraction, facilitating a seamless transition between laptop and tablet modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing hinge mechanisms are used to connect display member and base member, then the device can transition between laptop and tablet modes, but the structural integrity and resistance to torque are insufficient, leading to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple mechanisms (friction hinge, magnetic coupling, torsion spring) into a unified support mechanism that integrates both mode transition capability and torque resistance. The friction hinge provides rotational movement while the magnetic coupling and torsion spring work together to resist torque and maintain structural integrity during transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism uses composite structural elements combining different materials and mechanisms - friction-based mechanical components, magnetic materials for coupling, and elastic materials for the torsion spring - to achieve both flexibility for mode changing and rigidity for torque resistance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing hinge mechanisms are used to connect display member and base member, then the device can transition between laptop and tablet modes, but the transitions are not smooth and user interaction becomes awkward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical hinge systems with a hybrid mechanism incorporating magnetic coupling. The magnetic field provides continuous, smooth force during the transition process, eliminating the jerky mechanical engagement of conventional hinges and enabling fluid mode changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism dynamically adjusts its mechanical parameters (friction coefficient, magnetic coupling strength, spring tension) during the transition process. The friction hinge allows controlled movement at different stages, while the torsion spring adjusts its resistance based on the angle between display member and base member, ensuring smooth transitions throughout the entire range of motion.
3Stability of the object's composition
If magnetic coupling is used to secure display member, then structural stability is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural stability by holding the display member in position, enables smooth transitions when combined with the friction hinge, and works together with the torsion spring to resist torque. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling acts as an intermediary between the display member and base member, providing a flexible yet stable connection. Rather than direct mechanical rigid coupling, the magnetic field mediates the interaction, allowing controlled movement while maintaining stability, and simplifying the overall mechanism design.
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 ensures the laptop feels sturdy and rigid in both modes, allowing for a smooth transition between laptop and tablet operations, maintaining user interaction efficiency and device stability.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic members disposed within the base member and the display member. The magnetic members may cooperate with each other to provide a magnetic attraction force that attaches the display member and base member together in a mating engagement
Implementation Method 2
The friction hinges, including slots 109 and shaft 108, may allow for the display member 102 to be viewed at a variety of viewing angles
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein provide a computing device. One example computing device includes a base member, a support member connected to the base member via a shaft at a first end of the support member, and a display member connected at a second end of the support member opposite the first end. The computing device includes magnetic members disposed within the display member, wherein the magnetic members disposed within the display member is to magnetically couple with magnetic members disposed within the support member to operate the computing device in a first operation mode or a second operation mode. The computing device includes a mechanism disposed within the support member and connected to the base member via the shaft. The mechanism includes a feature to overcome the magnetic coupling between the magnetic members when the computing device is to change between the first and second operation modes.