Virtual Pivot Hinge With Offset Friction Linkage for Consistent Display Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing device hinges create a discontinuous visual impression and inconsistent gap distances between hinged components, which affects the perceived quality and usability of the device.
Innovation Solution
A virtual pivot hinge system with a pivot element and friction element that connects hinged components, allowing for a consistent front gap distance and a continuous visual impression by locating the hardware away from the pivot axis, utilizing a flexible service loop to conceal the hardware and maintain a stable, ergonomic design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional door-hinge style or bezel-behind-base style hinges are used, then the hinge mechanism provides structural connection and rotation capability, but the visual impression becomes discontinuous and gap distances become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visible hardware from the pivot axis location and relocates it to offset positions. The friction element and pivot element are positioned away from the front gap, allowing the hinge to maintain a continuous visual appearance while the hardware remains functional but concealed from the primary viewing perspective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flexible service loop as an intermediary element that spans the gap between hinged components. This flexible element acts as a visual mediator, concealing the hardware and creating the illusion of continuous material flow between components, thereby eliminating the discontinuous visual impression.
2Shape
If hardware is located at the pivot axis, then the hinge mechanism is simple and direct, but the front gap distance becomes inconsistent and visual appearance becomes discontinuous
Solution Approach 1:
The friction element is divided into multiple friction arms (first friction arm and second friction arm) that can pivot independently. Each friction arm connects to the hinged components at different locations, allowing the system to maintain consistent gap distances while providing the necessary friction-based rotation control through segmented movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the hardware placement from a one-dimensional pivot axis to a two-dimensional offset configuration. By positioning the friction element and pivot element at offset locations rather than directly on the pivot axis, the system achieves consistent gap distances and continuous visual appearance while maintaining rotational functionality.
3Ease of operation
If a virtual pivot hinge with offset hardware is used, then consistent gap distance and continuous visual appearance are achieved, but the hardware placement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The friction element is designed to self-regulate the rotation through friction-based resistance. The multi-part friction linkage automatically provides appropriate friction force during rotation without requiring external control mechanisms, allowing the hinge to self-manage its operation while maintaining the offset hardware configuration for consistent gaps and continuous visual appearance.
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 virtual pivot hinge maintains a consistent gap distance and provides a continuous visual appearance, enhancing the aesthetic and ergonomic appeal of computing devices while ensuring stable operation across various angles.
Implementation Method 1
a friction element also connecting the first hinged component to the second hinged component... providing a level of friction-based resistance to a rotation between the first hinged component and the second hinged component
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Conventional laptop computers may utilize a door-hinge style or in a bezel-behind-base style hinge to connect a display with a keyboard of the laptop computer. Typically, these hinges present a discontinuous visual impression to the user. Presenting a more continuous visual impression of the hinge to the user suggests a higher overall quality of the computing device to the user and is thus desirable to the user. The disclosed virtual pivot hinge pivots about a pivot axis running between the display and the keyboard. The hardware of the hinge is located away from the pivot axis, which creates a virtual pivoting action about the axis that maintains a consistent front gap distance (or no front gap) between the display and the keyboard. The resulting visual impression to the user is that the display is floating above keyboard at the same or similar distance regardless of the display angle.