Hinge for an electronic device

Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device, such as a notebook computer or laptop, that includes a circuit board coupled to a plurality of electronic components (which includes any type of components, elements, circuitry, etc.). One particular example of the electronic device includes a hinge design that includes a first housing pinion that connects to a first housing, a first housing rack coupled to the first housing pinion, a second housing pinion that connects to a second housing, and a second housing rack coupled to the second housing pinion. The first housing rack can be curved and a portion of the first housing pinion can travel along a pinion guide that has approximately the same curved profile as the first housing rack.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments described herein generally relate to the field of electronic devices, and more particularly, to a hinge for an electronic device.

BACKGROUND

End users have more electronic device choices than ever before. A number of prominent technological trends are currently afoot (e.g., more computing devices, more devices that can change into different configurations, etc.), and these trends are changing the electronic device landscape. One of the technological trends is a laptop with a curved display or screen. However, it can be difficult to properly allow for rotation of the curved display or screen relative to a keyboard. Another technological trend is low-profile devices. However, the form factor for a low-profile device is often limited by the hinge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Overview

In an example, there is disclosed a system, an apparatus, and a method for a hinge design. In one example embodiment, the hinge can include CLAIMS.

Example Embodiments of the Disclosure

The following detailed description sets forth example embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and systems relating to a hinge for an electronic device. Features such as structure(s), function(s), and/or characteristic(s), for example, are described with reference to one embodiment as a matter of convenience; various embodiments may be implemented with any suitable one or more of the described features.

The terms “over,” “under,” “below,” “between,” and “on” as used herein refer to a relative position of one material component with respect to other components. For example, one component over or under another component may be directly in contact with the other component or may have one or more intervening components. Moreover, one component disposed between two components may be directly in contact with the two component or may have one or more intervening components. In contrast, a first component “on” a second component is in direct contact with that second component. Similarly, unless explicitly stated otherwise, one feature disposed between two features may be in direct contact with the adjacent features or may have one or more intervening components.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof wherein like numerals designate like parts throughout, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “A and/or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “A, B, and/or C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

Currently, form-factor limitations for electronic devices such as laptops are addressed by enabling ultra-low-profile and small form-factor components (e.g., coreless package and motherboard, connectors, batteries, etc.). The development of high density super-capacitors is also being used to further reduce the battery form-factor and density to enable low-profile platforms. However, the form factor for a low-profile device is often limited by the hinge.

In some designs, the hinge can be bulky and limit the form-factor of the device. For example, the z-height (height on the z axis of an X, Y, Z, Cartesian coordinate system) of the electron device is often dependent on the hinge design. Further, a laptop with a curved display or screen can provide design challenges, particularly with rotation of the curved display or screen using a mechanical hinge.

The foregoing is offered by way of non-limiting examples in which the system and method of the present specification may usefully be deployed. The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the present disclosure. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Further, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed. Different embodiments may have different advantages, and no particular advantage is necessarily required of any embodiment.

FIG. 1Ais a simplified orthogonal view illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device100in a closed clamshell configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Electronic device100can include a first housing102, a second housing104, and a hinge106. Hinge106can define an axis of rotation that is shared between first housing102and second housing104. Hinge106may be a low-profile hinge. The term low-profile hinge includes a hinge with a low, flat, or relatively flat profile with a low total z-height.

In one or more embodiments, electronic device100is a notebook computer or laptop computer. In still other embodiments, electronic device100may be any suitable electronic device having a hinge (e.g., hinge106) such as a mobile device, an audio system, a movie player, etc. In yet another embodiment, hinge106may be located in a non-electrical device that allows for the functions of hinge106as described herein or is apparent to one skilled in the art.

Turning toFIG. 1B,FIG. 1Bis a simplified orthographic view of hinge106, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 1B, hinge106can include a first housing attachment108, a second housing attachment110, a second housing rack112, a second housing pinion114, a first housing rack116, a first housing pinion118, a first housing rotation guide122, and a tension mechanism126. First housing pinion118can include a first housing securing means120. First housing rotation guide122can include a pinion guide124. Hinge106can be coupled to second housing104using second housing pinion114. In addition, hinge106can be coupled to first housing102using first housing securing means120. In an example, first housing attachment108and second housing attachment110can be embedded or surrounded by second housing104(e.g., in a chassis or body of second housing104) such that when first housing102is coupled to first housing securing means120, first housing102can be relatively flush with second housing104and create a smooth profile.

First housing rack116and first housing pinion118are tined with each other to create a rack and pinion system. Also, second housing rack112and second housing pinion114are tined with each other to create a rack and pinion system. First housing rack116can have a curved profile. Pinion guide124can have approximately the same curved profile as first housing rack116and be configured to follow the path of first housing rack116. As first housing pinion118rotates and travels along first housing rack116, pinion guide124can help prevent separation of first housing pinion118from first housing rack116. In some examples, pinion guide124can help provide a smooth transition as first housing102is rotated relative to second housing104. Tension mechanism126can be configured to help first housing pinion118not roll down first housing rack116when first housing102is rotated relative to second housing104. This allows first housing102to be adjusted by a user to a desired position and remain in a desired position until adjusted or moved by the user. In an example, tension mechanism126may be a spring type mechanism. In another example, the amount of tension provided by tension mechanism126can be adjusted (e.g., by replacing the spring type mechanism with another spring type mechanism).

Hinge106can have a profile such that hinge106is enclosed, encased, or at least partially contained within in first housing102and second housing104when electronic device100is in a closed clamshell configuration so most of hinge106is not visible. In an example, hinge106does not protrude or extend from first housing102or second housing104such that a smooth profile is created when electronic device100is in a closed clamshell configuration. For example, only a back portion of hinge106may be visible as illustrated inFIG. 1A.

Turning toFIG. 2A,FIG. 2Ais a simplified orthographic view of electronic device100in a transitioning configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 2A, first housing102has been moved laterally over second housing104or has been slid back relative to second housing104. In an example, if first housing102is a curved display (or a display that includes a curved screen), to open electronic device100or transition electronic device100from a closed laptop configuration to an open configuration, the sides of the curved display need to have room to rotate. In an example, if first housing102includes a curved display, second housing104may be curved and/or have a profile that matches or mirrors the profile of first housing102.

Turning toFIGS. 2B and 2C,FIGS. 2B and 2Care a simplified orthographic view of hinge106in a transitioning configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIGS. 2B and 2C, second housing pinion114has been rotated or rolled along second housing rack112. Because second housing104is secured to second housing pinion114, this cause first housing102to be moved laterally over second housing104or one end of second housing104to be moved away from one end of first housing102to a position illustrated inFIG. 2A.

Turning toFIG. 3A,FIG. 3Ais a simplified orthographic view of electronic device100in a transitioning configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 3A, first housing102has been rotated away from second housing104using hinge106. If first housing102includes a curved display, because first housing102was moved laterally over second housing104or had been slid back relative to second housing104, the sides of the curved display have room or space to rotate.

Turning toFIG. 3B,FIG. 3Bis a simplified orthographic view of hinge106in a transitioning configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 3B, first housing pinion118has been rotated and/or rolled along first housing rack116. Because first housing102is secured to first housing securing means120on first housing pinion118, this cause first housing102to rotate away from second housing104to a position illustrated inFIG. 3A.

Turning toFIGS. 4A-4C,FIGS. 4A-Care a simplified orthographic view of electronic device100in an open laptop configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIGS. 4A-4C, first housing102has been rotated away from second housing104using hinge106. If first housing102includes a curved display, because first housing102was moved laterally over second housing104or had been slid back relative to second housing104, the sides of the curved display need to have room or space to rotate.

As illustrated inFIG. 4B, first housing102can include a display128. In one or more embodiments, display128can be a curved or flat liquid crystal display (LCD) display screen, light-emitting diode (LED) display screen, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, plasma display screen, or any other suitable curved or flat display screen system. Display128may be a curved or flat touchscreen that can detect the presence and location of a touch within the display area. If display128is a curved display, hinge108can accommodate the curvature of display128. In another embodiment, first housing102may include a camera, a microphone, and speakers.

In one or more embodiments, second housing104can include a keyboard130and/or can function as an input device. Second housing104may include a mechanical keyboard, touch screen, input area, etc. The touch screen can detect the presence and location of a touch within the touch screen area. In one example, the touch screen can be configured to allow for the input of letters, numbers, characters, functions, etc. similar to a mechanical keyboard and the touch screen may be used in place of (or instead of) a mechanical keyboard. In another example, the touch screen may supplement a mechanical keyboard and may be configured to operate as a number key pad, design area, function call, or some other similar input area.

Turning toFIG. 4D,FIG. 4Dis a simplified orthographic view of hinge106in a transitioning configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 4D, first housing pinion118has been rotated and/or rolled along first housing rack116. Because first housing102is secured to first housing securing means120on first housing pinion118, this cause first housing102to rotate away from second housing104to an open laptop configuration illustrated inFIGS. 4A-4C.

Turning toFIG. 5A,FIG. 5Ais a simplified orthographic view of electronic device100in a transitioning configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 5A, first housing102has been rotated away from second housing104using hinge106. If first housing102includes a curved display, because first housing102was moved laterally over second housing104or had been slid back relative to second housing104, the sides of the curved display have room or space to rotate.

Turning toFIG. 5B,FIG. 5Bis a simplified orthographic view of hinge106in a transitioning configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 5B, using first housing pinion118and first housing securing means120, first housing102has been rotated and/or rolled along first housing rack116. Because first housing102is secured to first housing securing means120on first housing pinion118, this cause first housing102to rotate away from second housing104to a position illustrated inFIG. 5A.

Turning toFIG. 6A,FIG. 6Ais a simplified orthographic view of electronic device100in a relatively flat configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 6A, first housing102has been rotated away from second housing104using hinge106. If first housing102includes a curved display, because first housing102was moved laterally over second housing104or had been slid back relative to second housing104, the bottom of the curved display has room or space to rotate.

Turning toFIG. 6B,FIG. 6Bis a simplified orthographic view of hinge106in a relatively flat configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 6B, using first housing pinion118and first housing securing means120, first housing102has been rotated and/or rolled along first housing rack116. Because first housing102is secured to first housing securing means120on first housing pinion118, this cause first housing102to rotate away from second housing104to a position illustrated inFIG. 6A.

Turning toFIGS. 7A and 7B,FIGS. 7A and 7Bare a simplified orthographic view of different embodiments of electronic device100. In an example, electronic device can include one or more hinges106. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 7A, electronic device100aincludes two hinges106. InFIG. 7B, electronic device100bincludes three hinges106.

Turning toFIG. 8A,FIG. 8Ais a simplified orthographic view illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device200is a closed clamshell configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Electronic device200can include a first housing202, a second housing204, and a hinge206. Hinge206can define an axis of rotation that is shared between first housing202and second housing204. In an example, hinge106may be comprised of a shape memory polymer. The shape memory polymer can transition between a relatively flexible state and a relatively rigid state. The transition to the relatively flexible state may be triggered by touch of a specific area on electronic device200or some other means of activation.

The term “shape memory polymer” includes polymeric materials that have the ability to transition from an original rigid or semi-rigid permanent shape to a deformed state that is a semi-rigid or flexible temporary shape when induced by an external stimulus or trigger (e.g., a temperature change, electric or magnetic field, light, solution, etc.). The shape memory polymers are polymers whose qualities have been altered to give them dynamic shape memory properties. Upon activation of the external stimulus or trigger, the shape memory polymer can change from a rigid or semi-rigid state to an elastic or semi-rigid state, then back to a rigid or semi-rigid state again when the external stimulus or trigger is removed. In its elastic or semi-rigid state, the shape memory polymer can be stretched, folded, or otherwise conformed to other shapes without degradation of the material.

In an example, hinge206may be a low-profile hinge that can accommodate about 360° of rotation and has a low z-height. The term low-profile hinge includes a hinge with a low, flat, or relatively flat profile with a low total z-height. In one or more embodiments, electronic device200is a notebook computer or laptop computer. In still other embodiments, electronic device200may be any suitable electronic device having a hinge (e.g., hinge206) such as a mobile device, an audio system, a movie player, etc. In yet another embodiment, hinge206may be located in a non-electrical device that allows for the functions of hinge206as described herein or is apparent to one skilled in the art

A hybrid laptop, is a one-piece mobile computer that can include a laptop configuration and a tablet configuration. To convert from the laptop configuration to the tablet configuration, often the display or screen can rotate around a keyboard. While hybrid laptops are a compelling way of delivering convertibility from a laptop configuration to a tablet configuration, in some designs, the hinge can be bulky and limit the form-factor of the device. For example, the z-height (height on the z axis of an X, Y, Z, Cartesian coordinate system) of the hybrid laptop is often dependent on the hinge design.

Currently, form-factor limitations for electronic devices such as hybrid laptops are addressed by enabling ultra-low-profile and small form-factor components (e.g., coreless package and motherboard, connectors, batteries, etc.). The development of high density super-capacitors is also being used to further reduce the battery form-factor and density to enable low-profile platforms. However, the form factor for a low-profile device is often limited by the hinge.

The foregoing is offered by way of non-limiting examples in which the system and method of the present specification may usefully be deployed. The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the present disclosure. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Further, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed. Different embodiments may have different advantages, and no particular advantage is necessarily required of any embodiment.

In the examples of the present specification, a system and method is provided for a low-profile hinge design. In one example, using a memory shaped polymer design, a device can be configured with a hinge such that the hinge form-factor does not limit the scaling of the total z-height of the device. The hinge can be a low-profile three hundred and sixty degree (360°) hinge. The total thickness of the hinge design can be scaled according to a desired z-height through configuring the dimension of the memory shaped polymer of the hinge. Hence, the overall z-height of the device can be scaled based on the components of the device (e.g., first housing102and second housing104) and not be limited by the hinge size. For example, using the low-profile hinge design an electronic device can operate in a low-profile clamshell configuration, a low-profile flat configuration, and a low-profile tablet configuration.

The following is an illustration of an example of a hinge design according to one or more example embodiments of the present specification. It should be noted that the hinge designs disclosed here are given as non-limiting examples only, and it is intended that any suitable technique or configuration should be included in the broad scope of this specification.

The following detailed description sets forth example embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and systems relating to low-profile hinge configurations for an electronic device. Features such as structure(s), function(s), and/or characteristic(s), for example, are described with reference to one embodiment as a matter of convenience; various embodiments may be implemented with any suitable one or more of the described features.

Turning toFIG. 8B,FIG. 8Bis a simplified orthographic view of electronic device200in an open clamshell configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. First housing202can include a display208. In one or more embodiments, display208can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) display screen, a light-emitting diode (LED) display screen, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, a plasma display screen, or any other suitable display screen system. Display208may be a touchscreen that can detect the presence and location of a touch within the display area. In another embodiment, first housing202may include a camera, a microphone, and speakers.

In one or more embodiments, second housing204can include a keyboard210and/or can function as an input device. Second housing204may include a mechanical keyboard, touch screen, input area, etc. The touch screen can detect the presence and location of a touch within the touch screen area. In one example, the touch screen can be configured to allow for the input of letters, numbers, characters, functions, etc. similar to a mechanical keyboard and the touch screen may be used in place of (or instead of) a mechanical keyboard. In another example, the touch screen may supplement a mechanical keyboard and may be configured to operate as a number key pad, design area, function call, or some other similar input area.

Turning toFIG. 8C,FIG. 8Cis a simplified orthographic view of electronic device200in an open, flat configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, inFIG. 8C, first housing202has been rotated on hinge206such that first housing202is in the same plane or about the same plane as second housing204. In this configuration, hinge206can have a low, flat or relatively flat profile with a low total z-height.

Turning toFIG. 8D,FIG. 8Dis a simplified orthographic view of an electronic device in a tablet configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 8D, first housing202has been rotated around second housing204such that display208faces away from keyboard210. Hinge206can be configured to be flexible while activated and allow first housing202to be rotated about 360° around second housing204. When hinge206is deactivated, hinge can provide a relatively ridged hinge to allow first housing202to remain in a configuration desired by a user.

In an example, hinge206can include connectors and mechanical retentions to provide an electrical connection between first housing202and second housing204. In one embodiment, the electrical connections between a motherboard in second housing204and display components in first housing202are formed through conventional wire-connections through hinge206. In another embodiment, a printed circuit board (PCB) interconnector is used to electrically connect first housing202and second housing204. In other examples, electrical current and signals can be passed through a plug-in connector (e.g., whose male side protrusion connects to first housing202and whose female side connects to second housing204(or vice-versa) or a wireless connector (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.). Note that any number of connectors (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors (e.g., in compliance with the USB 3.0 Specification released in November 2008), Thunderbolt™ connectors, a non-standard connection point such as a docking connector, etc.) can be provisioned in conjunction with electronic device200. [Thunderbolt™ and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.]. Virtually any other electrical connection methods could be used and, thus, are clearly within the scope of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the majority of the system components (e.g., motherboard, hard drive, battery, communication modules, etc.) remain in second housing104. First housing102may also contain a camera module, microphone, speakers, and/or a wireless module. Such a design allows for the electronic device to function in a clamshell configuration or a tablet configuration. In an embodiment, the display includes a plurality of electrical components that allow first housing102to function or operate as a tablet.

Turning toFIG. 9A,FIG. 9Ais a simplified orthographic view illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device200ain a closed clamshell configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Electronic device200acan include a first housing202a, a second housing204a, and a hinge206a. Hinge206acan define an axis of rotation that is shared between first housing202aand second housing204a. In an example, first housing202amay be a curved display. In addition, second housing204amay be curved and/or have a profile that matches or mirrors the profile of first housing202a.

Turning toFIG. 9B,FIG. 9Bis a simplified orthographic view of electronic device200ain an open clamshell configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. First housing202acan include a display208a. In one or more embodiments, display208acan be a curved LCD display screen, LED display screen, OLED display screen, plasma display screen, or any other suitable curved display screen system. Display208amay be a curved touchscreen that can detect the presence and location of a touch within the display area. Hinge206acan accommodate the curvature of display208a. First housing202amay include a camera, a microphone, and speakers.

In one or more embodiments, second housing204acan include a keyboard210aand/or can function as an input device. Second housing204amay include a mechanical keyboard, touch screen, input area, etc. The touch screen can detect the presence and location of a touch within the touch screen area. In one example, the touch screen can be configured to allow for the input of letters, numbers, characters, functions, etc. similar to a mechanical keyboard and the touch screen may be used in place of (or instead of) a mechanical keyboard. In another example, the touch screen may supplement a mechanical keyboard and may be configured to operate as a number key pad, design area, function call, or some other similar input area.

Turning toFIG. 9C,FIG. 9Cis a simplified orthographic view of electronic device200ain an open, flat configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, inFIG. 9C, first housing202ahas been rotated on hinge206asuch that first housing202ais in the same plane or about the same plane as second housing204a. In this configuration, hinge206acan accommodate the curvature of display208aif display208ais a curved display.

Turning toFIG. 9D,FIG. 9Dis a simplified orthographic view of an electronic device in a tablet configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 9D, first housing202ahas been rotated relative to second housing204asuch that display208afaces away from keyboard210a. Hinge206acan be configured to be flexible while activated and allow first housing202ato be rotated about 360° around second housing204aand can accommodate the curvature of display208aif display208ais a curved display. When hinge206ais deactivated, hinge206acan become rigid, semi-rigid, relatively ridged, etc. to allow first housing202ato remain in a configuration desired by a user.

Turning toFIGS. 10A-10C,FIGS. 10A-10Care a simplified bock diagram view of different embodiments of electronic device200. In an example, electronic device200can include one or more hinges106. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 10A, electronic device200bincludes one hinge206blocated near a middle portion of first housing202band second housing204b. InFIG. 10B, electronic device200cincludes two hinges206cthat rotatably couple first housing202cto second housing204c. InFIG. 10C, electronic device200dincludes three hinges206dthat rotatably couple first housing202dto second housing204d. It should be readily apparent to those with skill in the art that more hinges206can be used than those illustrated inFIG. 10Cand the number and location of the hinges can depend on design choice.

Turning toFIG. 11A,FIG. 11Ais a simplified orthographic view of an electronic device200ein accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 11A, first housing202ecan include one or more activation areas212a. Second housing204ecan include activation engine214a. Activation engine214acan be coupled to hinge206eusing communication path216. When an activation area212ais activate (e.g., a touch by a user), a signal can be sent to activation engine214ato activate hinge206e. Activation engine214acan use communication path216to activate hinge206e. For example, if hinge206eis activated by heat or an electrical signal, when a user touches one or more activation areas212a, activation engine214acan communicate heat energy or an electrical signal to hinge206eand activate hinge206e. When hinge206eis activated, the user can rotate first housing202erelative to second housing204eand position first housing202eto a desired position. Once first housing202eis positioned at the desired position, the user can stop touching one or more activation areas212a. This causes activation engine214ato deactivate hinge206eor stop communicating heat energy or an electrical signal to hinge206e. As a result, hinge206ewill become rigid, semi-rigid, somewhat rigid, etc. and remain at the position set by the user. In an example, a user must touch two or more activation areas212aat the same time in order to activate hinge206eand avoid accidental activation of hinge206e.

Turning toFIG. 11B,FIG. 11Bis a simplified orthographic view of an electronic device200fin accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 11B, first housing202fcan include one or more activation areas212band an activation engine214b. Activation engine214bcan be coupled to hinge206fusing communication path216. When an activation area212bis activate (e.g., a touch by a user), a signal can be sent to activation engine214bto activate hinge206b. Activation engine214bcan use communication path216to activate hinge206f. For example, if hinge206fis activated by heat or an electrical signal, when a user touches one or more activation areas212b, activation engine214bcan communicate heat energy or an electrical signal to hinge206fand activate hinge206f. When hinge206fis activated, the user can rotate first housing202frelative to second housing204fand position first housing202fto a desired position. Once first housing202fis positioned at the desired position, the user can stop touching one or more activation areas212b. This causes activation engine214bto deactivate hinge206for stop communicating heat energy or an electrical signal to hinge206f. As a result, hinge206fwill become somewhat rigid and remain at the position set by the user. In an example, a user must touch two or more activation areas212fat the same time in order to activate hinge206fand avoid accidental activation of hinge206f.

Turning toFIG. 11C,FIG. 11Cis a simplified orthographic view of an electronic device200gin accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 11C, second housing204gcan include one or more activation areas212cand activation engine214c. Activation engine214ccan be coupled to hinge206gusing communication path216. When an activation area212cis activate (e.g., a touch by a user), a signal can be sent to activation engine214cto activate hinge206g. Activation engine214ccan use communication path216to activate hinge206g. For example, if hinge206gis activated by heat or an electrical signal, when a user touches one or more activation areas212c, activation engine214ccan communicate heat energy or an electrical signal to hinge206gand activate hinge206g. When hinge206gis activated, the user can rotate first housing202grelative to second housing204gand position first housing202gto a desired position. Once first housing202gis positioned at the desired position, the user can stop touching one or more activation areas212c. This causes activation engine214cto deactivate hinge206gor stop communicating heat energy or an electrical signal to hinge206g. As a result, hinge206gwill become somewhat rigid and remain at the position set by the user. In an example, a user must touch two or more activation areas212cat the same time in order to activate hinge206gand avoid accidental activation of hinge206g.

Turning toFIG. 11D,FIG. 11Dis a simplified orthographic view of an electronic device200hin accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 11D, hinge206hcan include one or more activation areas212dand second housing204hcan include an activation engine214d. Activation engine214dcan be coupled to hinge206husing communication path216. When an activation area212dis activate (e.g., a touch by a user), a signal can be sent to activation engine214dto activate hinge206h. Activation engine214dcan use communication path216to activate hinge206h. For example, if hinge206his activated by heat or an electrical signal, when a user touches one or more activation areas212d, activation engine214dcan communicate heat energy or an electrical signal to hinge206hand activate hinge206h. When hinge206his activated, the user can rotate first housing202hrelative to second housing204hand position first housing202hto a desired position. Once first housing202his positioned at the desired position, the user can stop touching one or more activation areas212d. This causes activation engine214dto deactivate hinge206hor stop communicating heat energy or an electrical signal to hinge206h. As a result, hinge206hwill become somewhat rigid and remain at the position set by the user. In an example, a user must touch two or more activation areas212dat the same time in order to activate hinge206hand avoid accidental activation of hinge206h.

Turning toFIG. 12,FIG. 12is a simplified orthographic view of an electronic device300in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 12, electronic device300may be a wearable such as eyewear. Electronic device300can include lenses304, earpieces306, earpiece hinge308, and lenses hinge310. In an example, earpiece hinge308and/or lenses hinge310may be at least partially comprised of a shape memory polymer. The shape memory polymer may be activated by heat from a user's body such that electronic device300can conform to the user.

Turning toFIGS. 13A and 13B,FIGS. 13A and 13Bare a simplified block diagram view of an electronic device400in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 13A, electronic device400may be a wearable such as a helmet or headgear. Electronic device400can include a head piece402, a head piece hinge404, a speaker406, a speaker hinge408, a screen or display410, a screen or display hinge412, a microphone414, a microphone hinge416, and an activation engine418. In an example, head piece hinge404, speaker hinge408, screen or display hinge412, and/or microphone hinge416may at least partially be comprised of a shape memory polymer. Activation engine418can activate the shape memory polymer in head piece hinge404, speaker hinge408, screen or display hinge412, and/or microphone hinge416.

More specifically, when a user put on electronic device400, electronic device may have a loose fit as illustrated inFIG. 13A. Activation engine418may detect that the user has put on electronic device or may receive some other type of signal (e.g., electronic device400may include an activation area similar to activation area212illustrated inFIGS. 11A-11Dthat a user activates) that cause activation engine418to activate head piece hinge404and tighten electronic device400on the user as illustrated inFIG. 13B. Also, activation engine418can activate speaker hinge408and cause speaker406to be positioned over or near the user's ear. In addition, activation engine418can active screen or display hinge412and cause screen or display410to be positioned in front of or near the user's eye. Further, activation engine418can activate microphone hinge416and cause microphone414to be positioned in front of or near the user's mouth. In an example, electronic device400may be used in a gaming or virtual reality environment and activation engine418may be activated by a game or virtual reality environment. For example, if the user was playing a first-person shooter game and was hit or shot, display or screen may be a red tinted screen or black screen and activation engine418can active screen or display hinge412and cause screen or display410to be positioned in front of or near the user's eye to simulate the user being hit or blacked out.

Turning toFIG. 14,FIG. 14is a simplified block diagram associated with an example SOC1400of the present disclosure. At least one example implementation of the present disclosure can include the low-profile hinge features discussed herein and a component. For example, the example ofFIG. 14can be associated with any ARM core (e.g., A-9, A-15, etc.). Further, the architecture can be part of any type of tablet, smartphone (inclusive of Android™ phones, iPhones™, iPad™ Google Nexus™, Microsoft Surface™, personal computer, server, video processing components, laptop computer (inclusive of any type of notebook), Ultrabook™ system, any type of touch-enabled input device, etc.

In this example ofFIG. 14, SOC1400may include multiple cores1406-1407, an L2 cache control1408, a bus interface unit1409, an L2 cache1410, a graphics processing unit (GPU)1415, an interconnect1402, a video codec1420, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) I/F1425, which may be associated with mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)/high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) links that couple to an LCD.

SOC1400may also include a subscriber identity module (SIM) I/F1430, a boot read-only memory (ROM)1435, a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) controller1440, a flash controller1445, a serial peripheral interface (SPI) master1450, a suitable power control1455, a dynamic RAM (DRAM)1460, and flash1465. In addition, one or more example embodiments include one or more communication capabilities, interfaces, and features such as instances of Bluetooth™1470, a 3G modem1475, a global positioning system (GPS)1480, and an 802.11 WiFi1485.

In operation, the example ofFIG. 14can offer processing capabilities, along with relatively low power consumption to enable computing of various types (e.g., mobile computing, high-end digital home, servers, wireless infrastructure, etc.). In addition, such an architecture can enable any number of software applications (e.g., Android™, Adobe′ Flash′ Player, Java Platform Standard Edition (Java SE), JavaFX, Linux, Microsoft Windows Embedded, Symbian and Ubuntu, etc.). In at least one example embodiment, the core processor may implement an out-of-order superscalar pipeline with a coupled low-latency level-2 cache.

Turning toFIG. 15,FIG. 15is a simplified block diagram illustrating potential electronics and logic that may be associated with the electronic devices discussed herein. In at least one example embodiment, system1500can include a touch controller1502, one or more processors1504, system control logic1506coupled to at least one of processor(s)1504, system memory1508coupled to system control logic1506, non-volatile memory and/or storage device(s)1532coupled to system control logic1506, display controller1512coupled to system control logic1506, display controller1512coupled to a display device1510, power management controller1518coupled to system control logic1506, and/or communication interfaces1516coupled to system control logic1506.

Hence, the basic building blocks of any computer system (e.g., processor, memory, I/O, display, etc.) can be used in conjunction with the teachings of the present disclosure. Certain components could be discrete or integrated into a System on Chip (SoC). Some general system implementations can include certain types of form factors in which system1500is part of a more generalized enclosure. In alternate implementations, instead of notebook device/laptops, etc., certain alternate embodiments deal with mobile phones, tablet devices, etc.

System control logic1506, in at least one embodiment, can include any suitable interface controllers to provide for any suitable interface to at least one processor1504and/or to any suitable device or component in communication with system control logic1506. System control logic1506, in at least one embodiment, can include one or more memory controllers to provide an interface to system memory1508. System memory1508may be used to load and store data and/or instructions, for example, for system1500. System memory1508, in at least one embodiment, can include any suitable volatile memory, such as suitable dynamic random access memory (DRAM) for example. System control logic1506, in at least one embodiment, can include one or more I/O controllers to provide an interface to display device1510, touch controller1502, and non-volatile memory and/or storage device(s)1532.

Non-volatile memory and/or storage device(s)1532may be used to store data and/or instructions, for example within software1528. Non-volatile memory and/or storage device(s)1532may include any suitable non-volatile memory, such as flash memory for example, and/or may include any suitable non-volatile storage device(s), such as one or more hard disc drives (HDDs), one or more compact disc (CD) drives, and/or one or more digital versatile disc (DVD) drives for example.

Power management controller1518may include power management logic1530configured to control various power management and/or power saving functions. In at least one example embodiment, power management controller1518is configured to reduce the power consumption of components or devices of system1500that may either be operated at reduced power or turned off when the electronic device is in a closed configuration. For example, in at least one embodiment, when the electronic device is in a closed configuration, power management controller1518performs one or more of the following: power down the unused portion of the display and/or any backlight associated therewith; allow one or more of processor(s)1504to go to a lower power state if less computing power is required in the closed configuration; and shutdown any devices and/or components that are unused when an electronic device is in the closed configuration.

Communications interface(s)1516may provide an interface for system1500to communicate over one or more networks and/or with any other suitable device. Communications interface(s)1516may include any suitable hardware and/or firmware. Communications interface(s)1516, in at least one example embodiment, may include, for example, a network adapter, a wireless network adapter, a telephone modem, and/or a wireless modem. System control logic1506, in at least one embodiment, can include one or more I/O controllers to provide an interface to any suitable input/output device(s) such as, for example, an audio device to help convert sound into corresponding digital signals and/or to help convert digital signals into corresponding sound, a camera, a camcorder, a printer, and/or a scanner.

For at least one embodiment, at least one processor1504may be packaged together with logic for one or more controllers of system control logic1506. In at least one embodiment, at least one processor1504may be packaged together with logic for one or more controllers of system control logic1506to form a System in Package (SiP). In at least one embodiment, at least one processor1504may be integrated on the same die with logic for one or more controllers of system control logic1506. For at least one embodiment, at least one processor1504may be integrated on the same die with logic for one or more controllers of system control logic1506to form a System on Chip (SoC).

For touch control, touch controller1502may include touch sensor interface circuitry1522and touch control logic1524. Touch sensor interface circuitry1522may be coupled to detect, using a touch sensor1520, touch input over a first touch surface layer and a second touch surface layer of a display (i.e., display device1510). Touch sensor interface circuitry1522may include any suitable circuitry that may depend, for example, at least in part on the touch-sensitive technology used for a touch input device1514. Touch sensor interface circuitry1522, in one embodiment, may support any suitable multi-touch technology. Touch sensor interface circuitry1522, in at least one embodiment, can include any suitable circuitry to convert analog signals corresponding to a first touch surface layer and a second surface layer into any suitable digital touch input data. Suitable digital touch input data for at least one embodiment may include, for example, touch location or coordinate data.

Touch control logic1524may be coupled to help control touch sensor interface circuitry1522in any suitable manner to detect touch input over a first touch surface layer and a second touch surface layer. Touch control logic1524for at least one example embodiment may also be coupled to output in any suitable manner digital touch input data corresponding to touch input detected by touch sensor interface circuitry1522. Touch control logic1524may be implemented using any suitable logic, including any suitable hardware, firmware, and/or software logic (e.g., non-transitory tangible media), that may depend, for example, at least in part on the circuitry used for touch sensor interface circuitry1522. Touch control logic1524for at least one embodiment may support any suitable multi-touch technology.

Touch control logic1524may be coupled to output digital touch input data to system control logic1506and/or at least one processor1504for processing. At least one processor1504for at least one embodiment may execute any suitable software to process digital touch input data output from touch control logic1524. Suitable software may include, for example, any suitable driver software and/or any suitable application software. As illustrated inFIG. 15, system memory1508may store suitable software1526and/or non-volatile memory and/or storage device(s).

Note that in some example implementations, the functions outlined herein may be implemented in conjunction with logic that is encoded in one or more tangible, non-transitory media (e.g., embedded logic provided in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), in digital signal processor (DSP) instructions, software [potentially inclusive of object code and source code] to be executed by a processor, or other similar machine, etc.). In some of these instances, memory elements can store data used for the operations described herein. This can include the memory elements being able to store software, logic, code, or processor instructions that are executed to carry out the activities described herein. A processor can execute any type of instructions associated with the data to achieve the operations detailed herein. In one example, the processors could transform an element or an article (e.g., data) from one state or thing to another state or thing. In another example, the activities outlined herein may be implemented with fixed logic or programmable logic (e.g., software/computer instructions executed by a processor) and the elements identified herein could be some type of a programmable processor, programmable digital logic (e.g., a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a DSP, an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) or an ASIC that can include digital logic, software, code, electronic instructions, or any suitable combination thereof.

It is imperative to note that all of the specifications, dimensions, and relationships outlined herein (e.g., height, width, length, materials, etc.) have only been offered for purposes of example and teaching only. Each of these data may be varied considerably without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, or the scope of the appended claims. The specifications apply only to one non-limiting example and, accordingly, they should be construed as such. In the foregoing description, example embodiments have been described. Various modifications and changes may be made to such embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The description and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Other Notes and Examples

Example A1 is a hinge that includes a first housing pinion that is coupled to a first housing, a first housing rack coupled to the first housing pinion, wherein the first housing rack is curved, a second housing pinion that is coupled to a second housing, and a second housing rack coupled to the second housing pinion.

In Example A2, the subject matter of Example A1 may optionally include a pinion guide, where the pinion guide has approximately the same curved profile as the first housing rack, where a portion of the first housing pinion can travel along the pinion guide.

In Example A3, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘A’ Examples can optionally include a tension mechanism coupled to the first housing pinion.

In Example A4, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘A’ Examples can optionally include where the second housing pinion and the second housing rack allow the second housing to move laterally relative to the first housing before the first housing is rotated relative to the second housing.

In Example A5, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘A’ Examples can optionally include where the first housing can rotate about one-hundred and eighty degrees relative to the second housing.

In Example A6, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘A’ Examples can optionally include where the first housing includes a curved display.

In Example A7, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘A’ Examples can optionally include where the second housing is an electronic device.

Example AA1 can include an electronic device that includes a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge that rotatably couples the first housing to the second housing. The hinge can include a first housing pinion coupled to the first housing, a first housing rack coupled to the first housing pinion, where the first housing rack is curved, a second housing pinion coupled to the second housing, and a second housing rack coupled to the second housing pinion.

In Example AA2, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘AA’ Examples can optionally include a pinion guide, where the pinion guide has approximately the same curved profile as the first housing rack, where a portion of the first housing pinion can travel along the pinion guide.

In Example AA3, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘AA’ Examples can optionally include a tension mechanism coupled to the first housing pinion.

In Example AA4, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘AA’ Examples can optionally include where the first housing can rotate about one-hundred and eighty degrees relative to the second housing.

In Example AA5, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘AA’ Examples can optionally include where the second housing pinion and the second housing rack allow the second housing to move laterally relative to the first housing before the first housing is rotated relative to the second housing.

In Example AA6, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘AA’ Examples can optionally include where the first housing includes a curved display.

In Example AA7, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘AA’ Examples can optionally include where the second housing includes a keyboard.

Example M1 is a method that includes rotating a first housing relative to a second housing using a hinge. The hinge can include a first housing pinion that is coupled to the first housing, a first housing rack coupled to the first housing pinion, wherein the first housing rack is curved, a second housing pinion that is coupled to the second housing, and a second housing rack coupled to the second housing pinion.

In Example M2, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘M’ Examples can optionally include where the hinge further includes a pinion guide, where the pinion guide has approximately the same curved profile as the first housing rack, where a portion of the first housing pinion can travel along the pinion guide.

In Example M3, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘M’ Examples can optionally include where the hinge includes a tension mechanism coupled to the first housing pinion.

In Example M4, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘M’ Examples can optionally include where the second housing pinion and the second housing rack allow the second housing to move laterally relative to the first housing before the first housing is rotated relative to the second housing.

In Example M5, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘M’ Examples can optionally include where the first housing includes a curved display.

An example system S1 can include a processor, memory, a first housing, where the first housing includes a curved display, a second housing, where the second housing includes an input device, and a hinge that rotatably couples the first housing to the second housing. The hinge can include a first housing pinion that is coupled to the first housing, a first housing rack coupled to the first housing pinion, where the first housing rack is curved, a second housing pinion that is coupled to the second housing, and a second housing rack coupled to the second housing pinion.

In Example S2, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘S’ Examples can optionally include a pinion guide, where the pinion guide has approximately the same curved profile as the first housing rack, where a portion of the first housing pinion can travel along the pinion guide.

In Example S3, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘S’ Examples can optionally include a tension mechanism coupled to the first housing pinion.

In Example S4, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘S’ Examples can optionally include the second housing pinion and the second housing rack allow the second housing to move laterally relative to the first housing before the first housing is rotated relative to the second housing.

In Example S5, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘S’ Examples can optionally include where the first housing can rotate about one-hundred and eighty degrees relative to the second housing.

In Example S6, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘S’ Examples can optionally include where the display is a curved display.

Example X1 is a machine-readable storage medium including machine-readable instructions to implement a method or realize an apparatus as in any one of the Examples A1-A8, AA1-AA6, M1-M6. Example Y1 is an apparatus comprising means for performing of any of the Example methods M1-M6. In Example Y2, the subject matter of Example Y1 can optionally include the means for performing the method comprising a processor and a memory. In Example Y3, the subject matter of Example Y2 can optionally include the memory comprising machine-readable instructions.