Variable-Friction Hinge Assembly for Stable Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge mechanisms fail to provide variable resistance to rotation, making it difficult to maintain specific device orientations and ensuring user accessibility and device stability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of variable resistance hinge assemblies using friction clips and contact surfaces, which provide increasing resistance as the device approaches fully open or closed positions, allowing easy reopening while maintaining desired orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a hinge mechanism provides constant friction resistance, then device stability is improved, but user accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism transitions from static constant friction to dynamic variable friction. The friction resistance changes based on the hinge angle, providing high resistance at extreme positions (fully open/closed) for stability, and low resistance at intermediate positions for ease of operation. This is achieved through the interaction between the friction member and the angled contact surfaces that redirect the friction force vector.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction parameter is changed dynamically based on the hinge angle. At different angular positions, the effective friction resistance varies due to the geometric relationship between the friction member and the contact surfaces. This allows the same mechanical structure to provide both high stability (at extremes) and low resistance (at intermediates) without requiring multiple components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If friction resistance is increased to maintain device orientation, then device stability is improved, but the force required to change orientation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction resistance is applied locally at specific hinge angles rather than uniformly across all positions. The contact surfaces are positioned and angled such that maximum friction resistance occurs only when the hinge approaches fully open or fully closed positions, while intermediate positions experience minimal resistance. This localized application of friction solves the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If a simple hinge structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide variable resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves variable resistance capability by changing the effective friction parameter through geometric relationships rather than through complex mechanical mechanisms. The angled contact surfaces and the positioning of the friction member create angle-dependent friction resistance, allowing a simple hinge structure to provide adaptive resistance that varies with the hinge angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism uses its own geometric configuration to automatically provide the required variable friction resistance without external control systems or additional active components. The friction member and contact surfaces are arranged such that the hinge's own motion and positioning automatically modulate the friction resistance, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or control electronics.
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 hinge assemblies ensure the device remains in desired orientations by increasing resistance when fully open or closed, while allowing easy opening and closing with reduced user effort, enhancing user experience and device stability.
Implementation Method 1
The gravity lockout hinge may, when the portable information handling system is in an upside down position and a gravitational force is exerted on the display component, exert a first frictional torque on the shaft that may cause the movable bearing to contact the shaft and the bearing channel surface
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D~1E
AI summary
The description relates to hinged devices, such as hinged computing devices. One example can include first and second portions that rotate around a hinge shaft that is fixedly secured to the first portion and rotationally secured to the second portion. The second portion defining a first contact surface spaced apart from a second contact surface. Multiple friction clips friction fit around the hinge shaft and rotating with the hinge shaft between the first contact surface and the second contact surface.