Wedge-Shaped Input Device for Hinge Stress Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinged devices suffer from damage to displays and hinge assemblies due to concentrated stress forces when the device portions are closed, leading to potential cracking and hinge failure.
Innovation Solution
Employing a wedge-shaped input device with a rotational hinge assembly that distributes stress forces evenly across the device surfaces, reducing the risk of damage by ensuring the device portions contact along a continuous surface area when closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the device portions are closed conventionally, then the device achieves a compact form factor, but concentrated stress forces cause damage to displays and hinge assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is designed with a wedge-shaped profile where the thickness varies along its length, creating different local contact characteristics. The tapered configuration ensures that stress is distributed across multiple contact points rather than concentrated at a single location, protecting the display and hinge assembly from damage while maintaining compact form factor when closed.
2Ease of operation
If the device portions are closed with conventional input devices, then portability is improved, but display cracking and hinge failure occur due to stress concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The input device employs an asymmetric wedge-shaped profile rather than a symmetric or uniform thickness design. This asymmetric configuration ensures that when the device portions are closed, the contact surface area is optimized to distribute forces evenly, preventing stress concentration that would lead to display cracking or hinge failure while maintaining ease of portability.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The description relates to hinged devices, such as hinged computing devices and associated input devices. One example can include first and second device portions and a hinge assembly rotatably securing the first portion and the second portion through a range of orientations. This example can also include a wedge-shaped input device extending between a first end having a first thickness and a second end having a second greater thickness. In a closed orientation the first and second portions simultaneously contact the first end and the second end.