Apparatus having angled springs

In some examples, an apparatus can include an arm, a cam connected to the arm, a first spring located around a first strut, where the first spring is oriented at a first angle relative to a base of the apparatus and the first strut is connected to the cam, a second spring located around a second strut, where the second spring is oriented at a second angle relative to the base of the apparatus and the second strut is connected to the cam, where the first spring and the second spring linearly compress in response to rotation of the arm from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation relative to the base of the apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices may include a display. A display can present images, text, and/or video to a user. Some displays may allow a user to input information to the electronic device via the display. In such an example, the electronic device may include an apparatus to alter a viewing angle of the display. The altered viewing angle can allow a user to input information to the electronic device via the display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Electronic devices such as laptops, phablets, convertibles, and other types of computing devices may include a display. An electronic device may include rotatable components to view the display at various angles. As used herein, the term “display” can, for example, refer to a device which can provide information to a user and/or receive information from a user. A display can include a graphical user interface (GUI) that can provide information to and/or receive information from a user.

A display can be rotatable to facilitate receiving information from a user. For instance, a display may be rotatable such that a user can input information to the electronic device via a stylus or other input mechanism. In some examples, a display can be rotated such that the display may be viewed at various angles.

An apparatus having angled springs can allow for rotation of a display. The apparatus can include springs oriented such that the springs counterbalance a weight of the display through a range of motion of the display. As used herein, the term “counterbalance” can, for example, refer to a force that offsets another force. As used herein, the term “range of motion” can, for example, refer to an angular distance that a moving object may travel while attached to another object. For example, the springs can counterbalance the weight of the display such that the springs provide a force that offsets the weight of the display through the angular distance the display can move to facilitate receiving information from the user.

FIG. 1illustrates an example of an apparatus100having angled springs consistent with the disclosure. Apparatus100can include a base101, arm102, cam104, first spring106, first strut108, second spring110, and second strut112.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, apparatus100can include first spring106. As used herein, the term “spring” can, for example, refer to a mechanical device that can store mechanical energy. For example, first spring106can be a coil spring. For instance, first spring106can be a spring in the shape of a helix that can compress to store mechanical energy and decompress to release the stored mechanical energy. As used herein, the term “compress” can, for example, refer to pressing together. For example, first spring106can include decompressed length107at which first spring106does not store mechanical energy. For example, first spring106can include a decompressed length107of 1.5 inches, although examples of the disclosure are not so limited.

First spring106can compress to a different length (e.g., a compressed length, as is further described in connection withFIG. 2) at which first spring106stores mechanical energy, where the compressed length of first spring106is shorter than decompressed length107. Further, as described above, first spring106can decompress from a compressed state. As used herein, the term “decompress” can, for example, refer to expanding apart. For example, first spring106can expand apart from the compressed length of first spring106to decompressed length107at which first spring106does not store mechanical energy, as is further described herein.

First spring106can be located around first strut108. As used herein, the term “strut” can, for example, refer to a structural member. For example, first spring106can be a coil spring having a helical shape, where the coil of the spring surrounds first strut108. In other words, first strut108can be located inside the helical coil of first spring106.

First strut108can be connected to cam104. As used herein, the term “cam” can, for example, refer to a rotating element in a mechanical linkage. Cam104can transform rotational motion into linear motion. For example, rotation of cam104can cause linear motion of first spring106and first strut108.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, arm102can be connected to cam104. As used herein, the term “arm” can, for example, refer to a structural member. Arm102can be connected to a display, as is further described in connection withFIGS. 3 and 4.

Apparatus100can include second spring110. Second spring110can be a coil spring having the shape of a helix that can compress to store mechanical energy and decompress to release the stored mechanical energy. Second spring110can include decompressed length111at which second spring110does not store mechanical energy. For example, second spring110can include a decompressed length111of 1.5 inches, although examples of the disclosure are not so limited.

Second spring110can include a different length (e.g., a compressed length, as is further described in connection withFIG. 2) at which second spring110stores mechanical energy. Decompressed length111can be longer than the compressed length of second spring110. In some examples, the decompressed lengths107and111can be different lengths. In some examples, the decompressed lengths107and111can be a same length.

Second spring110can be located around second strut112. For example, second spring110can be a coil spring having a helical shape, where the coil of the spring surrounds second strut112. In other words, second strut112can be located inside the helical coil of second spring110.

Second strut112can be connected to cam104. Cam104can transform rotational motion into linear motion. For example, rotation of cam104can cause linear motion of second spring110and second strut112, as is further described herein.

First spring106can be oriented at a first angle (e.g., Θ1) relative to base101of apparatus100. As used herein, the term “base” can, for example, refer to a bottom support of apparatus100. First spring106can be oriented at the first angle Θ1as measured relative to base101(e.g., counter-clockwise relative to the orientation of apparatus100as illustrated inFIG. 1and from base101). For example, the first angle Θ1can be 28 degrees (e.g., 28°) relative to base101. However, examples of the disclosure are not limited to 28° relative to base101. For example, the first angle Θ1can be more than 28° relative to base101or less than 28° relative to base101. That is, the first angle Θ1can be 30°, 35°, 40°, (e.g., any other angle between 28° and 45°) or 25°, 20°, 15°, 10°, (e.g., any other angle between 28° and 0°).

As illustrated inFIG. 1, a vertex of the first angle Θ1can be located near a distal end of first strut108relative to cam104. As used herein, the term “distal” can, for example, refer to an object situated away from a particular point relative to another point. For example, the vertex of the first angle Θ1can be located at a point on first strut108away from cam104relative to the first compression plate (e.g., first compression plate216, described in connection withFIG. 2).

Second spring110can be oriented at a second angle (e.g., Θ2) relative to base101of apparatus100. Second spring110can be oriented at the second angle Θ2as measured relative to base101(e.g., counter-clockwise relative to the orientation of apparatus100as illustrated inFIG. 1and from base101). The second angle Θ2can be greater than the first angle Θ1relative to base101of apparatus100. For example, the second angle Θ2can be 110° relative to base101. However, examples of the disclosure are not limited to 110° relative to base101. For example, the second angle Θ2can be more than 110° relative to base101or less than 110° relative to base101. That is, the second angle Θ2can be 120°, 130°, 140°, (e.g., any other angle between 110° and 180°) or 105°, 100°, 95°, (e.g., any other angle between 110° and 90°).

As illustrated inFIG. 1, a vertex of the second angle Θ2can be located near a proximate end of second strut112relative to cam104. As used herein, the term “proximate” can, for example, refer to an object situated nearer to a particular point relative to another point. For example, the vertex of the second angle Θ2can be located at a point on second strut112near cam104relative to the second compression plate (e.g., second compression plate220, described in connection withFIG. 2).

As illustrated inFIG. 1, arm102can be in a vertical orientation. Arm102can rotate to a horizontal orientation, as is further described in connection withFIGS. 2 and 4. The vertical orientation of arm102and horizontal orientation of arm102can be measured relative to base101of apparatus100. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 1, arm102can be oriented vertically, or substantially vertically, relative to base101. As used herein, the term “substantially” intends that the characteristic does not have to be absolute, but is close enough so as to achieve the characteristic. For example, “substantially vertical” is not limited to absolute vertical. For instance, arm102can be within 0.5°, 1°, 2°, 5°, 10°, etc. of absolutely vertical. Further, “substantially horizontal” is not limited to absolutely horizontal. For instance, arm102can be within 0.5°, 1°, 2°, 5°, 10°, etc. of absolutely horizontal.

First spring106and second spring110can linearly compress in response to rotation of arm102from the vertical orientation (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 1) to a horizontal orientation (e.g., as is described in connection withFIGS. 2 and 4). As used herein, the term “linear compression” can, for example, refer to pressing together in a line. For example, first spring106can compress in a linear direction and second spring110can compress in a linear direction in response to arm102being rotated from the vertical position to a horizontal position, as is further described in connection withFIG. 2.

FIG. 2illustrates an example of a system213including an apparatus having angled springs consistent with the disclosure. The system213can include base201, arm202, cam204, first spring206, first strut208, first compression plate216, second spring210, second strut212, and second compression plate220. First strut208can include first spring seat214. Second strut212can include second spring seat218.

Similar to the apparatus described in connection withFIG. 1, system213can include arm202connected to cam204. Cam204can be included in a housing222. As used herein, the term “housing” can, for example, refer to a casing of a mechanism.

System213can include first spring206located around a first strut208. First strut208can be connected to cam204. First spring206and first strut208can be oriented at a first angle relative to base201of housing222. For example, as previously described in connection withFIG. 1, first spring206and first strut208can be oriented at an angle (e.g., Θ1, as previously described in connection withFIG. 1) relative to base201of housing222.

First strut208can include a first spring seat214. As used herein, the term “spring seat” can, for example, refer to a support material to secure first spring206and to prevent first spring206from rotating and/or bending during compression. For example, first spring seat214can secure first spring206at the first angle (e.g., Θ1) relative to base201and can prevent first spring206from rotating (e.g., into or out of the page, as oriented inFIG. 2) or bending (e.g., clock-wise or counter-clockwise, as oriented inFIG. 2).

First spring seat214can be located distally from cam204. For example, first spring seat214is located distally from cam204relative to first compression plate216, as is further described herein.

Housing222can include first compression plate216. As used herein, the term “compression plate” can, for example, refer to a rigid support material against which a spring can compress. First compression plate216can be fixed in housing222and located proximate to cam204. For example, first compression plate216is located proximate to cam204relative to first spring seat214. First spring206can compress against first compression plate216in response to arm202moving from the vertical to horizontal orientation, as is further described herein.

System213can include second spring210located around a second strut212. Second strut212can be connected to cam204. Second spring210and second strut212can be oriented at a second angle relative to base201of housing222. For example, as previously described in connection withFIG. 1, second spring210and second strut212can be oriented at an angle (e.g., Θ2, as previously described in connection withFIG. 1) relative to base201of housing222.

Second strut212can include a second spring seat218. Second spring seat218can secure second spring210at the second angle (e.g., Θ2) relative to base201and can prevent second spring210from rotating (e.g., into or out of the page, as oriented inFIG. 2) or bending (e.g., clock-wise or counter-clockwise, as oriented inFIG. 2).

Second spring seat218can be located proximate to cam204. For example, second spring seat218is located proximate to cam204relative to second compression plate220, as is further described herein.

Housing222can include second compression plate220. Second compression plate220can be fixed in housing222and located distally from cam204. For example, second compression plate220is located distally from cam204relative to second spring seat218. Second spring210can compress against second compression plate220in response to arm202moving from the vertical to horizontal orientation, as is further described herein.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, arm202can be in a horizontal orientation. For example, arm202can rotate to the horizontal orientation as illustrated inFIG. 2from a vertical orientation (e.g., previously illustrated inFIG. 1). Arm202can be oriented horizontally, or substantially horizontally, relative to base201. Arm202can rotate to the horizontal orientation (or substantially horizontal position) from the vertical orientation in a counter-clockwise direction, as indicated inFIG. 2.

Since arm202is connected to cam204, rotation of arm202from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation can cause cam204to rotate. Cam204can rotate in a same direction as the rotation of arm202. For instance, cam204can correspondingly rotate in a counter-clockwise direction in response to arm202rotating in a counter-clockwise direction, as indicated inFIG. 2.

Rotation of arm202(and correspondingly, cam204) can cause first strut208to move in first linear direction217. As first strut208moves in first linear direction217, first spring seat214can correspondingly move in first linear direction217. The movement of first spring seat214in first linear direction217can cause compression of first spring206in first linear direction217. For example, first spring206can compress against the fixed first compression plate216.

First spring206can be compressed in first linear direction217to a compressed length215. Compressed length215of first spring206can be a shorter length than decompressed length107of first spring106(e.g., previously described in connection withFIG. 1). For example, the decompressed length107of first spring106can be 1.5 inches, and the compressed length215of first spring206can be 1 inch, although examples of the disclosure are not so limited to the above listed decompressed and compressed lengths. As oriented inFIG. 2, first spring206can be compressed in first linear direction217, which corresponds to a “positive” X-direction and “positive” Y-direction, as indicated by the X-Y coordinate plane illustrated inFIG. 2.

Additionally, rotation of arm202(and correspondingly, cam204) can cause second strut212to move in second linear direction219. As second strut212moves in second linear direction219, second spring seat218can correspondingly move in second linear direction219. The movement of second spring seat218in second linear direction219can cause compression of second spring210in second linear direction219. For example, second spring210can compress against the fixed second compression plate220.

Second spring210can be compressed in second linear direction219to a compressed length221. Compressed length221of second spring210can be a shorter length than decompressed length111of second spring110(e.g., previously described in connection withFIG. 1). For example, the decompressed length111of second spring110can be 1.5 inches, and the compressed length221of second spring210can be 1 inch, although examples of the disclosure are not so limited to the above listed decompressed and compressed lengths. As oriented inFIG. 2, second spring210can be compressed in second linear direction219, which corresponds to a “negative” X-direction and “positive” Y-direction, as indicated by the X-Y coordinate plane illustrated inFIG. 2.

FIG. 3illustrates an example of a computing device324including an apparatus having angled springs consistent with the disclosure. The computing device324can include display326, arm302, and housing322. Housing322can include first spring306, first strut308, second spring310, and second strut312.

Similar to the apparatus and system described in connection withFIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, computing device324can include arm302. Arm302can be connected to cam304located in housing322. Display326can be connected to arm302.

Housing322can include cam304. Cam304can be connected to first strut308. First spring306can be located around first strut308. First spring306and first strut308can be oriented at a first angle relative to a base of housing322. For example, as previously described in connection withFIG. 1, first spring306and first strut308can be oriented at an angle (e.g., Θ1, as previously described in connection withFIG. 1) relative to the base of housing322.

Housing322can include second spring310located around second strut312. Second strut312can be connected to cam304. Second spring310and second strut312can be oriented at a second angle relative to the base of housing322. For example, as previously described in connection withFIG. 1, second spring310and second strut312can be oriented at an angle (e.g., Θ2, as previously described in connection withFIG. 1) relative to the base of housing322.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, arm302is oriented in a vertical orientation. In the vertical orientation, display326can display information to a user of computing device324. Arm302can rotate from the vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation, causing cam304to rotate. Rotation of cam304can cause first strut308to move in a first linear direction to compress first spring306in the first linear direction, and can cause second strut312to move in a second linear direction to compress second spring310in the second linear direction. First spring306and second spring310can counterbalance the weight of display326through a range of motion of arm302, as is further described in connection withFIG. 4.

FIG. 4illustrates an example of a computing device424including an apparatus having angled springs consistent with the disclosure. The computing device424can include display426, arm402, and housing422. Housing422can include first spring406, first strut408, second spring410, and second strut412.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, arm402can rotate from the vertical orientation (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 3) to the horizontal orientation. As indicated inFIG. 4, arm402can rotate in a counter-clockwise direction to the horizontal orientation.

Rotation of arm402can cause rotation of cam404in the counter-clockwise direction. Rotation of cam404can cause first strut408to move in a first linear direction, as indicated inFIG. 4. Movement of the first strut408in the first linear direction can cause first spring406to compress in the first linear direction. First spring406can compress into a first compression plate, as previously described in connection withFIG. 2.

Additionally, rotation of arm402(and correspondingly, cam404) can cause second strut412to move in a second linear direction, as indicated inFIG. 4. Movement of second strut412in the second linear direction can cause second spring410to compress in the second linear direction. Second spring410can compress into a second compression plate, as previously described in connection withFIG. 2.

Based on the angle of first spring406relative to the base of housing422(e.g., Θ1, as previously described in connection withFIG. 1) and the angle of second spring410relative to the base of housing422(e.g., Θ2, as previously described in connection withFIG. 1), compression of first spring406and second spring410can counterbalance the weight of display426. For example, as arm402moves through its range of motion (e.g., from the vertical orientation to the horizontal orientation and vice versa), the weight of display426can be counterbalanced by first spring406and second spring410based on the relative angled orientations of first spring406and second spring410.

In some examples, arm402can include a range of motion of 90° (measured from the vertical to the horizontal orientation of arm402). As arm402rotates from the vertical orientation (e.g., 0°) to the horizontal orientation (e.g., 90°), second spring410can be compressed while first spring406remains decompressed. As arm402reaches a particular orientation (e.g., 70° measured from the vertical orientation), first spring406can begin to be compressed. As arm402rotates from 70° to the horizontal orientation (e.g., 90°), first spring406and second spring410can both be compressed.

Although the particular orientation is described above as being 70°, examples of the disclosure are not so limited. For example, the particular orientation at which first spring406begins to be compressed can be less than 70° or more than 70°.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, arm402is oriented in a horizontal orientation. In the horizontal orientation, display426can be rotated to display information to a user of computing device424. In some examples, display426can be oriented as illustrated inFIG. 4to allow for a user to input information to computing device424via display426. For example, display426can be oriented such that a user can input information via a touch-screen GUI of display426utilizing a stylus or other input mechanism. The orientation of display426can allow for easier input via the stylus as compared to the orientation of the display as illustrated inFIG. 3.

Arm402can be rotated from the horizontal orientation (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 4) back to the vertical orientation (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 3). For example, arm402can be rotated clockwise, as oriented inFIG. 4, from the horizontal orientation to the vertical orientation.

Rotation of arm402from the horizontal orientation to the vertical orientation can correspondingly cause cam404to rotate in a clockwise direction. Rotation of cam404in a clockwise direction can decompress first spring406and second spring410. For example, first strut408can move in a “negative” X-direction and a “negative” Y-direction, causing first spring406to move in the same direction, decompressing first spring406. Additionally, second strut412can move in a “positive” X-direction and a “negative” Y-direction, causing second spring410to move in the same direction, decompressing second spring410.

In the example in which second spring410is compressed before first spring406when arm402is rotated through the particular orientation in the range of motion of arm402, first spring406can decompress until arm402reaches the particular orientation (e.g., 70° measured from the vertical orientation). When arm402is at the 70° orientation as arm402is moving clockwise (e.g., towards the vertical orientation), first spring406can be fully decompressed, while second spring410decompresses through the remaining range of motion of arm402as arm402is moved clockwise to the vertical orientation.

An apparatus having angled springs can allow for rotation of rotatable components of a display. The display can be oriented such that a user can view the display from different angles. The display can then be viewed at the different angles, and can display and/or receive information at the different angles, which may be convenient for a user of the computing device.

In the foregoing detailed description of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration how examples of the disclosure may be practiced. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the examples of this disclosure, and it is to be understood that other examples may be utilized and that process, electrical, and/or structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Further, as used herein, “a” can refer to one such thing or more than one such thing.

The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit corresponds to the drawing figure number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing. For example, reference numeral102may refer to element102inFIG. 1and an analogous element may be identified by reference numeral202inFIG. 2. Elements shown in the various figures herein can be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated to provide additional examples of the disclosure. In addition, the proportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate the examples of the disclosure, and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

It can be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on,” “connected to” “coupled to”, or “coupled with” another element, it can be directly on, connected, or coupled with the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an object is “directly coupled to” or “directly coupled with” another element it is understood that are no intervening elements (adhesives, screws, other elements) etc.