Translating Pivot Hinge for Thermal Management in Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems face challenges with thermal energy management due to high operating temperatures and airflow impedance in low-profile housings, which results in an unsightly seam between housing portions as they rotate, affecting both aesthetics and thermal efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that translates the pivot axis of the hinge between the housing portions as they rotate, using a sliding mechanism with a rack and pinion gear assembly and torque element to adjust the distance between the housing portions, minimizing the seam size and optimizing airflow for thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the lid housing portion is coupled to rotate about an axis set forward from the rear of the main housing portion to provide full height for airflow, then thermal energy rejection is improved, but a visible seam with gap appears at the upper surface
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge pivot axis is made dynamic rather than fixed. The translating pivot hinge mechanism allows the pivot axis to shift position as the lid rotates between open and closed states, enabling the system to adapt its geometry to different operational requirements and resolve the contradiction between thermal performance and aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spatial parameters of the hinge mechanism by translating the pivot axis position along the seam line. This parameter change allows the system to optimize the gap distribution dynamically, minimizing the visible seam in the closed position while maintaining adequate clearance for rotation
2Ease of operation
If a gap is provided along the seam to allow the lid housing portion to cleanly open and close, then ease of operation is improved, but the seam appearance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism dynamically adjusts the pivot axis position to provide adequate gap for rotation during operation while minimizing the gap in the closed position. The translating mechanism ensures smooth operation throughout the rotation range while optimizing aesthetic appearance at rest
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism is designed with preliminary geometric configuration that pre-establishes the optimal gap distribution. The translating pivot axis is positioned in advance to provide necessary clearance for rotation while minimizing the visible seam, eliminating the need for excessive gaps
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 reduces the seam size between housing portions, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and thermal efficiency by allowing for effective thermal energy rejection while maintaining robustness and minimizing wobble during repeated usage cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a gear integrated with a bracket coupled to the lid housing portion engages a pinion gear of the main body to translate bracket rotation to the main body through a rack gear integrated in the base and engaged with the pinion gear
Implementation Method 2
A torque element may provide friction that resists hinge rotation by working against the bracket gear, the pinion gear and/or sliding members of the base that engage with the main body
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system pivots a hinge rotational axis as the hinge rotates housing portions between open and closed positions to manage a gap between the housing portions. For example, the hinge couples a base at a perimeter of one housing portion, the base having a many body that slides on sliding members of the base and that supports a bracket extending inward to couple to another housing portion. A bracket gear engages with a pinion gear included in the main body to translate bracket rotation through the pinion gear to a rack integrated in the base, thereby sliding the main body relative to the base as the housing portions rotate so that the distance between the housing portions adjusts with rotational orientation.