Slot-Defined Hinge Trajectories for Dual-Display Gap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hinged computing devices with dual displays face challenges in maintaining an optimal display gap, as the displays need to be close enough for enhanced user experience in a 180-degree orientation without contacting and damaging each other at other orientations.
Innovation Solution
The use of guide tracks and hinge guide pins allows the displays to be positioned relatively close together at a 180-degree orientation while maintaining a sufficient gap at other orientations, preventing display contact and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the displays are positioned close together at 180-degree orientation, then the user experience is enhanced, but the displays may contact and damage each other at other orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly employs dynamic guide tracks with varying curvature that actively adjust the relative position of displays during rotation. The guide pins travel along trajectories that automatically increase separation at intermediary orientations while maintaining closeness at the 180-degree orientation, making the protection mechanism inherent to the mechanical design rather than relying on external sensors or actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The guide tracks serve as intermediary elements between the hinge mechanism and the displays, mediating their relative motion. These tracks translate the rotational movement into controlled positional changes, ensuring displays remain at safe distances during rotation while allowing them to approach closely at the final 180-degree orientation
2Reliability
If the displays are positioned far apart at intermediary orientations, then the displays are protected from contact, but the display gap is excessive at the 180-degree orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The guide track geometry dynamically adjusts display separation based on rotation angle. The varying curvature of the tracks ensures that displays are automatically positioned at optimal distances at each stage of rotation, achieving close proximity only when the device is fully opened to 180 degrees
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameters of the displays continuously during rotation. The guide tracks are designed with specific curvature profiles that transform the rotational parameter into controlled translational movement, adjusting the display gap from large at intermediary angles to minimal at 180 degrees
3Device complexity
If a traditional hinge assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but the display gap cannot be controlled at different orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly incorporates dynamic guide tracks with varying curvature that automatically control display positioning during rotation. This mechanical dynamic system provides precise gap control through the geometry of the tracks rather than requiring electronic sensors or actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The guide tracks employ curved geometries with varying radii to control the rotational trajectory of the displays. The specific curvature profiles of the tracks dictate the positional relationship between displays at different rotation angles, enabling precise gap control through geometric design
Data Source
AI summary
The description relates to hinged devices, such as hinged computing devices. One example can include a first portion having a first display and a second portion having a second display and a hinge assembly rotatably securing the first and second portions. The hinge assembly can define rotation of the first portion by a first pair of hinge guide pins riding in a first guide track and rotation of the second portion by a second pair of hinge guide pins riding in a second guide track.