Variable-Pitch Clamshell Hinge for Air Gap Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hinges in clamshell electronic devices maintain a fixed air gap between device housings, which is not adaptable to varying angles, limiting the design flexibility and user experience, especially in dual-display configurations where a reduced or eliminated air gap is desired for seamless interaction.
Innovation Solution
A variable pitch hinge system with first and second shafts having variable diameter devices linked by a non-elastomeric element, where the diameter change adjusts the distance between the shafts based on the hinge's angle, allowing for a customizable air gap from a closed to open position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed-spacing hinge is used, then the hinge structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the air gap between device housings cannot be minimized or eliminated, limiting design flexibility and user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge employs variable diameter devices (first and second variable diameter devices) that can dynamically change their diameter based on the hinge angle. As the hinge opens, the diameter increases, which through the linking element mechanism, adjusts the distance between shafts to minimize or eliminate the air gap. This dynamic adjustment capability directly resolves the contradiction by making the spacing adaptive rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the variable diameter devices (their diameter) as a function of the hinge angle. The diameter is smallest when the hinge is closed and increases as the hinge opens. This parameter change is transmitted through the linking element to adjust the shaft distance, enabling the air gap to be minimized or eliminated while maintaining a relatively simple overall hinge structure.
2Ease of operation
If the air gap is minimized or eliminated for dual-display configurations, then user experience is enhanced with seamless interaction, but the hinge mechanism becomes more complex with variable diameter devices and linking elements
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second variable diameter devices are disposed concentrically about the first and second shafts respectively, creating a nested configuration. The linking element connects these nested devices, and as they expand or contract, they drive the shafts closer together or farther apart. This nesting arrangement allows complex functionality (variable spacing) to be achieved within a compact structure, minimizing the visual and spatial complexity while maximizing user experience benefits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable diameter devices are used to adjust shaft distance, then the air gap can be dynamically controlled, but the manufacturing complexity and precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The variable diameter devices are designed to automatically adjust their diameter based on the hinge angle without requiring external control mechanisms. The mechanical coupling between the variable diameter devices and the shafts, mediated by the linking element, creates a self-regulating system where the spacing is automatically controlled as the hinge moves through different angles. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex control systems and high-precision manufacturing tolerances.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable pitch clamshell hinge for use with clamshell housings includes a first shaft coupled to a first variable diameter device and a second shaft coupled to a second variable diameter device. The first variable diameter device and the second variable diameter device are coupled together using an inelastic linking element. As the shafts are rotated in a first direction the variable diameter devices increase in diameter. As the shafts are rotated in a second direction that is opposite the first direction, the variable diameter devices decrease in diameter. As the variable diameter devices increase in diameter, the inelastic linking element exerts a compressive force on the variable diameter devices, decreasing the distance (i.e., the pitch) between the shafts. As the variable diameter devices decrease in diameter, the inelastic linking element relaxes the compressive force on the variable diameter devices, increasing the distance between the shafts.