Seamless Hinge with Virtual Axis to Eliminate Display Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing notebook computer hinges require a physical rotation axis, resulting in a gap between the display screen and host when opened, making the device aesthetically unpleasing and larger than desired.
Innovation Solution
A seamless hinge system that pivots along a virtual axis, utilizing two fixing frames, a shaft with a gear portion, and a carrying frame with a rack portion, allowing the hinge to be hidden when the device is open and reducing the gap between the screen and host.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical pivot axis is used to connect the display screen and host, then the hinge module can achieve reliable rotation function, but a gap is formed between the display screen and host when opened, resulting in poor aesthetics and increased device size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the physical pivot axis from the visible exterior and relocates it to the interior of the host. The display screen is directly mounted on the host body, while the hinge mechanism is concealed inside. This extraction eliminates the gap formation issue and improves aesthetics while maintaining rotation functionality through the internal hinge mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism is nested within the host body, with the pivot axis and rotation components housed inside the device. The carrying frame slides within guiding slots of the host, and the rotation function is achieved through this nested internal structure rather than an external pivot.
2Device complexity
If a physical pivot axis is used for rotation, then the hinge module can maintain structural simplicity, but the device size increases due to the required gap space
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot axis is extracted from the external gap space and relocated to the internal volume of the host. This extraction allows the rotation mechanism to operate within the existing device footprint, eliminating the need for additional gap space and maintaining compact device dimensions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the carrying frame slides along a large arc, then the rotation range is increased, but the swinging range of the carrying frame increases, making the hinge harder to conceal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the motion dimension from a large arc swing to a linear sliding motion along guiding slots. The carrying frame slides linearly within the host's guiding slots while the rotation is achieved through the interaction between the rack portion and gear portion, converting rotational motion into linear sliding motion and back, thereby concealing the hinge mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack portion and gear portion act as intermediaries to convert between linear sliding motion and rotational motion. The rack portion on the carrying frame engages with the gear portion on the pivot axis, allowing the carrying frame to slide linearly while still achieving rotation through the gear-rack mechanism, thus concealing the hinge.
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
The seamless hinge reduces the swinging range and limits the pivoting angle, enabling the hinge to be concealed, resulting in a more compact and aesthetically pleasing electronic device design.
Implementation Method 1
The shaft is pivotally connected to the two fixing frames and has a gear portion located between the two fixing frames. The carrying frame is slidably disposed in the two fixing frames and has a rack portion engaged with the gear portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A seamless hinge including two fixing frames, a shaft, and a carrying frame. The shaft is pivotally connected to the two fixing frames and has a gear portion located between the two fixing frames. The carrying frame is slidably disposed in the two fixing frames and has a rack portion engaged with the gear portion. The carrying frame is adapted to slide in an angular range relative to the two fixing frames and the shaft is driven by the rack portion, so that the carrying frame is pivotally rotated along a virtual axis.