Rotational Capacitor Hinge Angle Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional hinge angle detection in notebook computers using multiple inertial sensors is costly and inefficient, necessitating a less expensive and more effective method.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system with rotational capacitors, where a fixed stator plate and rotating rotor plates are mechanically coupled via hinges, allowing a hinge angle calculation module to determine the angle by selecting a capacitor with a linear capacitance-hinge angle relationship, thereby reducing costs and improving detection efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple inertial sensors (accelerometers, gyroscope, magnetometer) are used for hinge angle detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehinge angle detection precisionVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the hinge angle detection function into multiple rotational capacitors, each responsible for measuring a specific angular range. By segmenting the measurement task across multiple simple capacitive sensors rather than using a single complex inertial sensor system, the patent achieves comprehensive angle detection while reducing overall system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/inertial sensor system (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) with an electrical capacitive sensing system. Rotational capacitors detect hinge angle through changes in capacitance caused by rotational movement, substituting complex mechanical sensing with simpler electrical measurement principles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple inertial sensors are deployed in both keyboard and display assemblies, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance (component quantity) increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehinge angle detection precisionVSAvoidsensor component quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The rotational capacitor system serves multiple functions: it detects hinge angle position, determines power states, and triggers component power management. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sensor systems in the keyboard and display assemblies, reducing total component quantity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the angle detection functionality into a unified rotational capacitor system that works across both assemblies. Instead of deploying separate inertial sensors in each assembly, the capacitive sensing system is integrated into the hinge mechanism itself, combining measurement functions and reducing overall component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If rotational capacitors with angular displacement are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehinge assembly manufacturabilityVSAvoidcapacitor configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotational capacitors are configured with specific angular displacements (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) to optimize measurement linearity across different angular ranges. This asymmetric arrangement of capacitors, rather than uniform distribution, allows each capacitor to operate in its most effective measurement zone, improving manufacturing ease while managing complexity through deliberate geometric optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 approach provides a cost-effective and efficient method for determining the hinge angle, reducing the need for multiple inertial sensors and enhancing the functionality of notebook computers.

Implementation Method 1

an overlap between the fixed stator plate and the rotating rotor plate varies as the second assembly is rotated relative to the first assembly, thus varying a capacitance of the particular rotational capacitor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11487332B2Systems and methods for determining hinge angle position in an information handling system

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A method for forming an information handling system may include mechanically coupling a first assembly to a second assembly via one or more hinges and mechanically coupling a plurality of rotational capacitors to one or both of the first assembly or the second assembly. Each particular rotational capacitor may include a fixed stator plate configured to remain fixed relative to the first assembly when the second assembly is rotated relative to the first assembly and a rotating rotor plate configured to rotate about an axis of the one or more hinges in synchronization with the second assembly when the second assembly is rotated relative to the first assembly, such that an overlap between the fixed stator plate and the rotating rotor plate varies as the second assembly is rotated relative to the first assembly, thus varying a capacitance of the particular rotational capacitor as the second assembly is rotated relative to the first assembly.