Variable Torque Hinge with Sliding Coupler Gear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems with thin and lightweight housings face challenges in maintaining structural strength and efficient one-handed operation due to inconsistent torque profiles in variable torque hinges, often requiring two hands for rotation and suffering from torsional forces.
Innovation Solution
A system with a coupler gear that selectively engages and disengages with a synchronizing gear assembly to provide high and low torque states, using an electro-permanent magnet to actuate the coupler gear for precise torque management, allowing single-axis rotation with predictable torque profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If friction devices are used to create torque in hinges, then housing rotation is resisted, but torque is inconsistent requiring two hands to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system dynamically adjusts torque levels between high and low states based on operational needs. The coupler gear selectively engages or disengages from the synchronizing gear assembly to provide high torque when needed (e.g., during transport) and low torque for easy one-handed operation during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler gear acts as an intermediary element that selectively transmits or blocks torque between the synchronizing gear assembly and the housing portions. By engaging or disengaging this intermediate gear, the system controls torque transmission to achieve both strong holding force and easy operability.
2Reliability
If variable torque hinges use friction devices to vary friction based on rotational angle, then housing stays closed during transportation, but high friction requires two hands to initially open
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between high torque mode (for reliability during transport) and low torque mode (for ease of opening). The coupler gear engagement provides high torque to keep housing closed during transportation, while disengagement enables easy one-handed opening operation.
3Weight of moving object
If thin and lightweight housing material is used, then system weight and thickness are minimized, but structural strength and resistance to torsional forces are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system provides counter-torque to compensate for the weakness of thin housing material. The torque engine generates sufficient rotational resistance to counteract torsional forces applied to the lightweight housing, effectively strengthening it without adding material weight.
4Weight of moving object
If base housing weight is insufficient, then system is portable and lightweight, but base cannot hold system on support surface during lid rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The torque engine acts as an intermediary that compensates for the insufficient base weight. By generating adequate torque at the hinge, it provides the necessary counterbalance to allow one-handed lid rotation even when the base housing is lightweight and portable.
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
Enables robust and precise control of housing portion rotation with minimal material usage, achieving one-handed operation and maintaining structural integrity in thin and lightweight designs.
Implementation Method 1
An electro-permanent magnet acts as an actuator to axially slide the coupler gear into and out of engagement with the synchronizing gear assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system rotationally couples housing portions with a variable torque hinge having a first axle that rotates with a first housing portion, a second axle that rotates with a second housing portion and a synchronizing gear assembly that translates rotation between the first and second axles. Variable torque is applied by selectively engaging and disengaging a coupler gear with the synchronizing gear assembly to apply and remove an increased torque that resists housing rotation. In one embodiment, the coupler gear is an idler gear of the synchronizing gear mechanism that selectively applies and removes an increase torque of the second axle to the first axle. The coupler gear slides in response to an actuator, such as an electro-permanent magnet acting on a ferromagnetic material with high and low magnetic attraction states.