Patent Abstract:
A personal computing device is provided with a first housing portion, a second housing portion, and a hinge joining the first housing portion to the second housing portion. The hinge is configured to allow the first housing portion to rotate substantially three-hundred-sixty degrees relative to the second housing portion. The hinge can be implemented as a plurality of interlinked parallel hinge segments, each hinge segment to rotate about a respective one of a plurality of parallel axes of the hinge to enable the rotation of the first housing portion.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    Embodiments described herein generally relate to the field of hinges, and more particularly, to a micro-hinge for an electronic device. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    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 hybrid laptop (e.g., a convertible computer, fold over notebook, etc.). 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, twist, or spin over 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. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0003]    Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the FIGURES of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which: 
           [0004]      FIG. 1A  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device in a closed clamshell configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0005]      FIG. 1B  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device in an open clamshell configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0006]      FIG. 1C  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device in an open flat configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0007]      FIG. 1D  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device in a tablet configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0008]      FIG. 1E  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device in a tablet configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a portion of a hinge, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a portion of a hinge, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a portion of a hinge, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5A  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a portion of an electronic device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5B  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a portion of an electronic device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6A  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device in an open clamshell configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6B  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device in an open flat configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6C  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device in a closed clamshell configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6D  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device in a tablet configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7A  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device in an open clamshell configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7B  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device in an open flat configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7C  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device in a closed clamshell configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7D  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device in a tablet configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8A  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device in an open clamshell configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8B  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device in an open flat configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8C  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device in a closed clamshell configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8D  is a simplified orthographic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device in a tablet configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a simplified block diagram associated with an example ARM ecosystem system on chip (SOC) of the present disclosure; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a simplified block diagram illustrating example logic that may be used to execute activities associated with the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
       [0028]    The FIGURES of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, as their dimensions can be varied considerably without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Overview 
       [0029]    In an example, there is disclosed a system, an apparatus, and a method for a low profile hinge design. In one example embodiment, the low profile hinge can include a micro-hinge. The micro-hinge can couple or connect a first element to a second element and can include a first attachment that couples to the first element, a second attachment that couples to the second element, and a plurality of linkages that couples the first attachment to the second attachment. The low profile hinge can rotate about three hundred and sixty degrees. The low profile hinge can further include a plurality of micro-hinges and a plurality of support rods. Also, the low profile hinge can include a flexible covering. In one example, the low profile hinge extends about the length of the first element and the second element. In addition, the micro-hinge can include an electrical conduit. In some examples, the first element is a base portion of an electronic device and the second element is a display portion of the electronic device. 
       Example Embodiments of the Disclosure 
       [0030]    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, twist, or spin over 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 of the device is often dependent on the hinge design. 
         [0031]    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. 
         [0032]    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. 
         [0033]    In the examples of the present specification, a system and method is provided for a low profile hinge design. In one example, using a micro-hinge design, a device (e.g., an electrical device) can be configured such that the hinge form-factor does not limit the scaling of the total z-height (height on the z-axis of an X, Y, Z, Cartesian coordinate system) of the device. The hinge can be a low profile, total collapsible, 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 segment components of the hinge. Hence, the overall z-height of the device can be scaled based on the components of the device (e.g., the display portion, base portion, keyboard portion, etc.) and not 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. 
         [0034]    The following is an illustration of an example of a micro-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. 
       Example Embodiments 
       [0035]    The following detailed description sets forth example embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and systems relating to micro-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. 
         [0036]    Turning to  FIG. 1A ,  FIG. 1A  is a simplified orthographic view illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device  10  in a closed clamshell configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Electronic device  10  may include a base portion  12 , a display portion  14 , a keyboard portion  16 , a display hinge  38 , and a keyboard hinge  20 . Display hinge  38  can define an axis of rotation that is shared between base portion  12  and display portion  14 . Keyboard hinge  20  can define an axis of rotation that is shared between base portion  12  and keyboard portion  16 . In this configuration, keyboard hinge  20  and display hinge  38  can have a low, flat, or relatively flat profile with a low z-height. As used throughout this Specification, the z-height is the height on the z-axis of an X, Y, Z Cartesian coordinate system. In an embodiment, keyboard hinge  20  is a different type of hinge than display hinge  38  and may be a flexible fabric, molded flexible polymer, or some other similar thin flexible material. 
         [0037]    In one or more embodiments, electronic device  10  is a notebook computer or laptop computer. In still other embodiments, electronic device  10  may be any suitable electronic device having a display such as a mobile device, a tablet computer and/or a tablet device (e.g., iPad™), phablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, an audio system, a movie player of any type, a computer docking station, etc. In yet another embodiment, most of the electronics (e.g., processor, memory, etc.) for electronic device  10  reside in base portion  12 . 
         [0038]    Turning to  FIG. 1B ,  FIG. 1B  is a simplified orthographic view of electronic device  10  in an open clamshell configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , display portion  14  has been rotated on display hinge  38 . Keyboard portion  16  has been rotated on keyboard hinge  20 . 
         [0039]    Keyboard portion  16  can include a keyboard  24 . Display portion  14  can include a display  22 . In one or more embodiments, display  22  can 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. Display  22  may be a touchscreen that can detect the presence and location of a touch within the display area. In another embodiment, display portion  14  may contain a camera, a microphone, and speakers. 
         [0040]    Turning to  FIG. 1C ,  FIG. 1C  is a simplified orthographic view of electronic device  10  in an open flat configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, in  FIG. 1C , display portion  14  has been rotated on display hinge  38  such that display portion  14  is in the same plane as base portion  12 . In addition, keyboard portion  16  has been rotated on keyboard hinge  20  such that keyboard portion  16  is also in the same plane as base portion  12 . Keyboard hinge  20  and display hinge  38  are configured to lay relatively flat on a planer surface and allow electronic device  10  to have a low, flat, or relatively flat profile with a low z-height when electronic device  10  is in the flat configuration. 
         [0041]    Turning to  FIG. 1D ,  FIG. 1D  is a simplified orthographic view of electronic device in a tablet configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG. 1D , display portion  14  has been rotated on display hinge  38  such that display  22  faces up and away from base portion  12 . In addition, keyboard portion  16  has been rotated on keyboard hinge  20  such that keyboard  24  (not shown) faces down and away from base portion  12 . In this configuration, display  22  is facing up while on the opposite side, keyboard  24  is facing down. Base portion  12  is between display portion  14  and keyboard portion  16 . Keyboard hinge  20  and display hinge  38  are configured to have a low profile and allow electronic device  10  to have a low, flat, or relatively flat profile with a low z-height when electronic device  10  is in the tablet configuration. 
         [0042]    Turning to  FIG. 1E ,  FIG. 1E  is a simplified orthographic view of electronic device in a tablet configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG. 1E , display portion  14  has been rotated on display hinge  38  such that display  22  faces up and away from base portion  12 . In addition, keyboard portion  16  has been rotated on keyboard hinge  20  such that keyboard  24  (not shown) faces downward and towards base portion  12 . In this configuration, keyboard portion  16  is facing down and is between base portion  12  and display portion  14 . In another embodiment, keyboard portion  16  may be rotated on keyboard hinge  20  such that keyboard  24  faces downward and towards display portion  14  and serves as protective layer for display  22 . In this configuration, display portion  14  is between base portion  12  and keyboard portion  16 . 
         [0043]    In general terms, electronic device  10  may be configured to provide a display portion and a keyboard portion coupled to a base portion using a micro-hinge design. The micro-hinge can be configured such that the display portion and the keyboard portion can be rotated about 360° around the base portion. The overall system can be configured to operate in a low profile clamshell mode configuration, a low profile flat mode configuration, and a low profile tablet mode configuration with a low z-height. 
         [0044]    For purposes of illustrating certain example features of electronic device  10 , the following foundational information may be viewed as a basis from which the present disclosure may be properly explained. With the recent touch optimized operating system (OS) release for hybrid laptops (e.g., tablets, convertible laptops, clamshell computers, etc.) have become more popular. However, convertible hinge designs have drawbacks with usability issues for certain consumer groups. For example, current hinge solutions can have bulky hinge components that can create a large profile and inhibit the functionality and usability of an electronic device. For example, bulky hinge components can constrain hybrid electronic devices or 2-in-1 form-factor scaling. 
         [0045]    Presently the hybrid electronic devices and convertible form-factor limitations are addressed by enabling low profile and small form-factor components (e.g., coreless package and motherboard, connectors, batteries, etc.). High-density super-capacitors are also being developed to further reduce the battery form-factor and density. In at least one example embodiment discussed herein, an electrical device can be configured with a low profile hinge design where the overall system can operate in a low profile clamshell configuration, a low profile flat configuration, and a low profile tablet configuration with a low z-height. The low profile hinge can prevent the hinge form-factor from limiting the scaling of system total z-height by enabling a low profile, total collapse, 360° hinge using a micro-hinge segment design. The total thickness of the hinge can be scaled according to system z-height through configuring the dimension of segment components. Hence, the overall system z-height can be scaled based on the display portion and keyboard portion and not limited by the hinge size. 
         [0046]    Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device, such as a notebook computer, laptop, cellphone, or other mobile device that includes a circuit board coupled to a plurality of electronic components (which includes any type of components, elements, circuitry, etc.). The electronic device may also include a display portion and a keyboard portion coupled to a base using a micro-hinge. The micro-hinge can be configured to allow a low profile 360° hinge design for hybrid electronic devices and 2-in-1 applications. The micro-hinge includes micro-hinge links. The micro-hinge links can be embedded in or covered with a molded flexible polymer (e.g., polyurethane or some other rubber like material). The micro-hinge is mechanically coupled or connected to the display portion (e.g., display panel) and base portion (e.g., system board components) to form the electronic device. 
         [0047]    The micro-hinge link mechanism is designed to provide guidance and support when the main body of the micro-hinge (e.g., support rods) is being bent. For example, the main body can include a bundle of flexible support rods enclosed in polymer heat shrink. The micro-hinge link mechanism (with support rods) can be relatively durable and able to withstand several flipping cycles without mechanical breakdowns. The micro-hinge link can include a mechanical support structure. The mechanical support structure can include metal rods such as thin stainless steel rods with a diameter of about 0.5 mm. Polymer based composite materials may also be used and can provide improved mechanical reliability and durability. 
         [0048]    The electrical connections between the base portion and the display portion can be established through an interconnection embedded or over-molded in the micro-hinge. The micro-hinge can include connectors and mechanical retentions to provide an electrical connection between the display portion and the base portion. In one embodiment, the electrical connections between a motherboard in the base portion and display components in the display portion can be formed through conventional wire-connections via the micro-hinge. In another embodiment, a printed circuit board (PCB) interconnector may be used to electrically connect the display portion and the keyboard portion. In other examples, electrical current and signals can be passed through a plug-in connector (e.g., whose male side protrusion connects to the display portion  14  and whose female side connects to the base portion  12  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 device  10 . [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. 
         [0049]    In an embodiment, the majority of the system components (e.g., motherboard, hard drive, battery, communication modules, etc.) remain in the base portion. In certain embodiments, the display can be a touchscreen display. The display portion may also contain a camera module, microphone, speakers, and/or a wireless module. Such a design allows 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 the display portion to function or operate as a tablet. 
         [0050]    Turning to  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 2  is a simplified orthographic view illustrating an embodiment of a portion of micro-hinge  26 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Micro-hinge  26  can include a base attachment  30 , linkage  32 , a display attachment  34 , and an electrical conduit  40 . Base attachment  30  can couple or connect to base portion  12 . Display attachment  34  can couple or connect to display portion  14 . Linkage  32  allows micro-hinge  26  to be flexible and rotate about 360° while having a low profile. Electrical conduit  40  can allow electrical connections between base portion  12  and display portion  14 . 
         [0051]    Turning to  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 3  is a simplified orthographic exploded view illustrating an embodiment of a portion of micro-hinge  26 . Base attachment  30  can include electrical conduit  40  and a base linkage attachment  54 . Linkage  32  can include electrical conduit  40 , a link linkage attachment  52 , an attachment area  56 , and an attachment support  58 . Attachment area can receive base linkage attachment  54  or link linkage attachment  52  from another link  32 . Display attachment  34  can include electrical conduit  40 , a linkage attachment area  50 , and attachment support  58 . 
         [0052]    When base linkage attachment  54  on base attachment  30  is inserted into attachment area  56 , a pin, rod, or some other securing means can be inserted through attachment support  58  and through base linkage attachment  54  to secure base attachment  30  to linkage  32 . Similarly, when linkage attachment  52  on another linkage  32  is inserted into attachment area  56 , a pin, rod, or some other securing means can be inserted through attachment support  58  and through link linkage attachment  52  (on another linkage  32 ) to secure another linkage  32  to linkage  32 . In addition, when link linkage attachment  52  is inserted into linkage attachment area  50  on display attachment  34 , a pin, rod, or some other securing means can be inserted through attachment support  58  and through link linkage attachment  52  to secure linkage  32  to display attachment  34 . Base linkage attachment  54  can rotate while secured in attachment area  56 . Similarly, link linkage attachment  52  can also rotate while secured in attachment area  56  and linkage attachment area  50 . This configuration gives micro-hinge  26  the flexibility to rotate about 360° while having a low profile, 
         [0053]    Turning to  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 4  is a simplified orthographic view illustrating an embodiment of micro-hinge  26 . Several linkages  32  can be stacked together to allow for a thickness of base portion  12 , display portion  14 , and/or keyboard portion  16 . For example, if base portion  12 , display portion  14 , and/or keyboard portion  16  were relatively thin, then fewer linkages  32  would need to be stacked together than if base portion  12 , display portion  14 , and/or keyboard portion  16  were relatively thick. 
         [0054]    Turning to  FIG. 5A ,  FIG. 5A  is a simplified orthographic view illustrating an embodiment of a portion of display hinge  38 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Display hinge  38  can include micro-hinge  26 , base attachment  30 , display attachment  34 , an electrical conduit  40 , a plurality of support rods  44 , and support arms  46 . Micro-hinge  26  can include linkage  32 . Support arms  46  can couple or connect plurality of support rods  44  to base portion  12  and display portion  14 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5A , display hinge  38  is in an open flat configuration (similar to  FIG. 6B  illustrated below). Display hinge  38  is illustrated without covering  42 , however, in some examples, covering  42  may cover all or a portion of display hinge  38 . In an embodiment, electrical conduit  40  may be configured to accommodate support rod  44  such that support rod  44  is contained in micro-hinge  26  and provides support to micro-hinge  26 . 
         [0055]    Turning to  FIG. 5B ,  FIG. 5B  is a simplified orthographic view illustrating an embodiment of a portion of display hinge  38 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG. 5B , display hinge  38  may be in a closed clamshell configuration (similar to  FIG. 6C  illustrated below) or a tablet configuration (similar to  FIG. 6D  illustrated below). Plurality of support rods  44  are flexible enough to bend and flex with micro-hinge  26  yet strong enough to provide support for display portion  14  when electronic device is in an open clamshell configuration. 
         [0056]    Turning to  FIG. 6A ,  FIG. 6A  is a simplified orthographic view illustrating an embodiment of electronic device  10  in an open clamshell configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG. 6A , display hinge  38  can include a covering  42 , a plurality of micro-hinges  26 , and plurality of support rods  44 . While only a portion of covering  42  is illustrated, covering  42  may cover the entire portion of display hinge  38  or display hinge  38  may not include any covering  42 . Covering  42  can provide an aesthetic and/or a protective covering for plurality of micro-hinges  26  and plurality of support rods  44 . Covering  42  may be a molded flexible polymer (e.g., polyurethane, or some other rubber like material) or some other material that provides an aesthetic and/or protective covering for plurality of micro-hinges  26  and plurality of support rods  44 . 
         [0057]    Turning to  FIG. 6B ,  FIG. 6B  is a simplified orthographic view of electronic device  10  in a flat configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, in  FIG. 6B , display portion  14  has been rotated on plurality of micro-hinges  26  and plurality of support rods  44  such that display portion  14  is in the same plane as base portion  12 . In addition, keyboard portion  16  has been rotated on keyboard hinge  20  such that keyboard portion  16  is also in the same plane as base portion  12 . Plurality of micro-hinges  26 , plurality of support rods  44 , and keyboard hinge  20  are configured to lay relatively flat on a planer surface and allow electronic device  10  to have a low, flat, or relatively flat profile with a low z-height when electronic device  10  is in the flat configuration. 
         [0058]    Turning to  FIG. 6C ,  FIG. 6C  is a simplified orthographic view illustrating an embodiment of electronic device  10  in a closed clamshell configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, in  FIG. 6C , display portion  14  has been rotated on plurality of micro-hinges  26  and plurality of support rods  44  such that display portion  14  is facing base portion  12 . In addition, keyboard portion  16  has been rotated on keyboard hinge  20  such that keyboard portion  16  is facing away from base portion  12 . Plurality of micro-hinges  26 , plurality of support rods  44 , and keyboard hinge  30  are configured to have a low profile and allow electronic device  10  to have a low, flat, or relatively flat profile with a low z-height when electronic device  10  is in the closed clamshell configuration. 
         [0059]    Turning to  FIG. 6D ,  FIG. 6D  is a simplified orthographic view of electronic device in a tablet configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG. 6D , display portion  14  has been rotated on plurality of micro-hinges  26  and plurality of support rods  44  such that display  22  faces up and away from base portion  12 . In addition, keyboard portion  16  has been rotated on keyboard hinge  20  such that keyboard  24  (not shown) faces down and away from base portion  12 . In this configuration, base portion  12  is between display portion  14  and keyboard portion  16 . Plurality of micro-hinges  26 , plurality of support rods  44 , and keyboard hinge  20  are configured to have a low profile and allow electronic device  10  to have a low, flat, or relatively flat profile with a low z-height when electronic device  10  is in the tablet configuration. 
         [0060]    Turning to  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7A  is a simplified orthographic view illustrating an embodiment of electronic device  10  in an open clamshell configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG. 7A , display portion  14  is supported by a single micro-hinge  26 . The single micro-hinge  26  may include extra or more support than a single micro-hinge in plurality of micro-hinges  26 . For example, the single micro-hinge  26  may include support rod  44 . In an illustrative example, electrical conduit  40  may be configured to accommodate support rod  44  such that support rod  44  is contained in the single micro-hinge  26  and provides support to the single micro-hinge  26 . The extra support can allow the single micro-hinge  26  to support display portion  14  in an open clamshell configuration. 
         [0061]    Turning to  FIG. 7B ,  FIG. 7B  is a simplified orthographic view of electronic device  10  in a flat configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, in  FIG. 7B , display portion  14  has been rotated on the single micro-hinge  26  such that display portion  14  is in the same plane as base portion  12 . In addition, keyboard portion  16  has been rotated on keyboard hinge  20  such that keyboard portion  16  is also in the same plane as base portion  12 . The single micro-hinge  26  is configured to have a low profile and allow electronic device  10  to have a low, flat, or relatively flat profile with a low z-height when electronic device  10  is in the flat configuration. 
         [0062]    Turning to  FIG. 7C ,  FIG. 7C  is a simplified orthographic view illustrating an embodiment of electronic device  10  in a closed clamshell configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, in  FIG. 7C , display portion  14  has been rotated on the single micro-hinge  26  such that display portion  14  is facing base portion  12 . In addition, keyboard portion  16  has been rotated on keyboard hinge  20  such that keyboard portion  16  is facing away from base portion  12 . The single micro-hinge  26  is configured to have a low profile and allow electronic device  10  to have a low, flat or relatively flat profile with a low z-height when electronic device  10  is in the closed clamshell configuration 
         [0063]    Turning to  FIG. 7D ,  FIG. 7D  is a simplified orthographic view of electronic device in a tablet configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG. 7D , display portion  14  has been rotated on the single micro-hinge  26  such that display  22  faces up and away from base portion  12 . In addition, keyboard portion  16  has been rotated on keyboard hinge  20  such that keyboard  24  (not shown) faces down and away from base portion  12 . In this configuration, base portion  12  is between display portion  14  and keyboard portion  16 . The single micro-hinge  26  is configured to have a low profile and allow electronic device  10  to have a low, flat or relatively flat profile with a low z-height when electronic device  10  is in the tablet configuration 
         [0064]    Turning to  FIG. 8A ,  FIG. 8A  is a simplified orthographic view illustrating an embodiment of electronic device  10  in an open clamshell configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG. 8A , display portion  14  is supported by a micro-hinge band  28 . Micro-hinge band  28  can include a continuous (or near continuous) band of micro-hinges  26 . One or more of micro-hinges  26  in micro-hinge band  28  may include extra support. For example, one or more of micro-hinges  26  may include support rod  44  (e.g., electrical conduit  40  may be configured to accommodate support rod  44 ). 
         [0065]    Turning to  FIG. 8B ,  FIG. 8B  is a simplified orthographic view of electronic device  10  in a flat configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, in  FIG. 8B , display portion  14  has been rotated on micro-hinge band  28  such that display portion  14  is in the same plane as base portion  12 . In addition, keyboard portion  16  has been rotated on keyboard hinge  20  such that keyboard portion  16  is also in the same plane as base portion  12 . Micro-hinge band  28  is configured to have a low profile and allow electronic device  10  to have a low, flat, or relatively flat profile with a low z-height when electronic device  10  is in the flat configuration. 
         [0066]    Turning to  FIG. 8C ,  FIG. 8C  is a simplified orthographic view illustrating an embodiment of electronic device  10  in a closed clamshell configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, in  FIG. 8C , display portion  14  has been rotated on micro-hinge band  28  such that display portion  14  is facing base portion  12 . In addition, keyboard portion  16  has been rotated on keyboard hinge  20  such that keyboard portion  16  is facing away from base portion  12 . Micro-hinge band  28  is configured to have a low profile and allow electronic device  10  to have a low, flat, or relatively flat profile with a low z-height when electronic device  10  is in the closed clamshell configuration. 
         [0067]    Turning to  FIG. 8D ,  FIG. 8D  is a simplified orthographic view of electronic device in a tablet configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG. 8D , display portion  14  has been rotated on micro-hinge band  28  such that display  22  faces up and away from base portion  12 . In addition, keyboard portion  16  has been rotated on keyboard hinge  20  such that keyboard  24  (not shown) faces down and away from base portion  12 . In this configuration, base portion  12  is between display portion  14  and keyboard portion  16 . Micro-hinge band  28  is configured to have a low profile and allow electronic device  10  to have a low, flat, or relatively flat profile with a low z-height when electronic device  10  is in the tablet configuration. 
         [0068]    Turning to  FIG. 9 ,  FIG. 9  is a simplified block diagram associated with an example ARM ecosystem SOC  900  of the present disclosure. At least one example implementation of the present disclosure can include the micro-hinge features discussed herein and an ARM component. For example, the example of  FIG. 9  can 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. 
         [0069]    In this example of  FIG. 9 , ARM ecosystem SOC  900  may include multiple cores  906 - 907 , an L2 cache control  908 , a bus interface unit  909 , an L2 cache  910 , a graphics processing unit (GPU)  915 , an interconnect  902 , a video codec  920 , and a liquid crystal display (LCD) I/F  925 , which may be associated with mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)/high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) links that couple to an LCD. 
         [0070]    ARM ecosystem SOC  900  may also include a subscriber identity module (SIM) I/F  930 , a boot read-only memory (ROM)  935 , a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) controller  940 , a flash controller  945 , a serial peripheral interface (SPI) master  950 , a suitable power control  955 , a dynamic RAM (DRAM)  960 , and flash  965 . In addition, one or more example embodiments include one or more communication capabilities, interfaces, and features such as instances of Bluetooth™  970 , a 3G modem  975 , a global positioning system (GPS)  980 , and an 802.11 Wi-Fi  985 . 
         [0071]    In operation, the example of  FIG. 9  can 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. 
         [0072]    Turning to  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 10  is a simplified block diagram illustrating potential electronics and logic that may be associated with any of the electronic devices discussed herein. In at least one example embodiment, system  1000  can include a touch controller  1002 , one or more processors  1004 , system control logic  1006  coupled to at least one of processor(s)  1004 , system memory  1008  coupled to system control logic  1006 , non-volatile memory and/or storage device(s)  1032  coupled to system control logic  1006 , display controller  1012  coupled to system control logic  1006 , display controller  1012  coupled to a display device  1010 , power management controller  1018  coupled to system control logic  1006 , and/or communication interfaces  1016  coupled to system control logic  1006 . 
         [0073]    System control logic  1006 , in at least one embodiment, can include any suitable interface controllers to provide for any suitable interface to at least one processor  1004  and/or to any suitable device or component in communication with system control logic  1006 . System control logic  1006 , in at least one example embodiment, can include one or more memory controllers to provide an interface to system memory  1008 . System memory  1008  may be used to load and store data and/or instructions, for example, for system  1000 . System memory  1008 , in at least one example embodiment, can include any suitable volatile memory, such as suitable dynamic random access memory (DRAM) for example. System control logic  1006 , in at least one example embodiment, can include one or more I/O controllers to provide an interface to display device  1010 , touch controller  1002 , and non-volatile memory and/or storage device(s)  1032 . 
         [0074]    Non-volatile memory and/or storage device(s)  1032  may be used to store data and/or instructions, for example within software  1028 . Non-volatile memory and/or storage device(s)  1032  may 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. 
         [0075]    Power management controller  1018  may include power management logic  1030  configured to control various power management and/or power saving functions disclosed herein or any part thereof. In at least one example embodiment, power management controller  1018  is configured to reduce the power consumption of components or devices of system  1000  that 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 example embodiment, when the electronic device is in a closed configuration, power management controller  1018  performs 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)  1004  to 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. 
         [0076]    Communications interface(s)  1016  may provide an interface for system  1000  to communicate over one or more networks and/or with any other suitable device. Communications interface(s)  1016  may include any suitable hardware and/or firmware. Communications interface(s)  1016 , 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. 
         [0077]    System control logic  1006 , in at least one example 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. 
         [0078]    For at least one example embodiment, at least one processor  1004  may be packaged together with logic for one or more controllers of system control logic  1006 . In at least one example embodiment, at least one processor  1004  may be packaged together with logic for one or more controllers of system control logic  1006  to form a System in Package (SiP). In at least one example embodiment, at least one processor  1004  may be integrated on the same die with logic for one or more controllers of system control logic  1006 . For at least one example embodiment, at least one processor  1004  may be integrated on the same die with logic for one or more controllers of system control logic  1006  to form a System on Chip (SoC). 
         [0079]    For touch control, touch controller  1002  may include touch sensor interface circuitry  1022  and touch control logic  1024 . Touch sensor interface circuitry  1022  may be coupled to detect touch input over a first touch surface layer and a second touch surface layer of a display (i.e., display device  1010 ). Touch sensor interface circuitry  1022  may include any suitable circuitry that may depend, for example, at least in part on the touch-sensitive technology used for a touch input device. Touch sensor interface circuitry  1022 , in one embodiment, may support any suitable multi-touch technology. Touch sensor interface circuitry  1022 , 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. 
         [0080]    Touch control logic  1024  may be coupled to help control touch sensor interface circuitry  1022  in any suitable manner to detect touch input over a first touch surface layer and a second touch surface layer. Touch control logic  1024  for 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 circuitry  1022 . Touch control logic  1024  may 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 circuitry  1022 . Touch control logic  1024  for at least one embodiment may support any suitable multi-touch technology. 
         [0081]    Touch control logic  1024  may be coupled to output digital touch input data to system control logic  1006  and/or at least one processor  1004  for processing. At least one processor  1004  for at least one embodiment may execute any suitable software to process digital touch input data output from touch control logic  1024 . Suitable software may include, for example, any suitable driver software and/or any suitable application software. As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , system memory  1008  may store suitable software  1026  and/or non-volatile memory and/or storage device(s). 
         [0082]    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. 
         [0083]    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. 
         [0084]    Numerous other changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications may be ascertained to one skilled in the art and it is intended that the present disclosure encompass all such changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications as falling within the scope of the appended claims. In order to assist the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and, additionally, any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, Applicant wishes to note that the Applicant: (a) does not intend any of the appended claims to invoke paragraph six (6) of 35 U.S.C. section 112 as it exists on the date of the filing hereof unless the words “means for” or “step for” are specifically used in the particular claims; and (b) does not intend, by any statement in the specification, to limit this disclosure in any way that is not otherwise reflected in the appended claims. 
       Example Embodiment Implementations 
       [0085]    One particular example implementation of an electronic device may include activities associated with a low profile-hinge design. The low profile hinge design allows for a hybrid or convertible laptop hinge that does not have bulky hinge components that can create a large profile, inhibit the functionality and usability of an electronic device, and have significant industrial design implications. The low profile hinge can be configured with a micro-hinge that couples a first element to a second element. The micro-hinge can includes a first attachment that couples to the first element, a second attachment that couples to the second element, and a plurality of linkages that couples the first attachment to the second attachment. The first element may be a base portion and the second element may be a display portion. The micro-hinge can rotate about three hundred and sixty degrees and may have a flexible covering. The low profile hinge may further include a plurality of micro-hinges and a plurality of support rods. In an example, the low profile hinge extends about the length of the first element and the second element. In addition, the micro-hinge may further include an electrical conduit. 
       Other Notes and Examples 
       [0086]    Example A1 is a low profile hinge that includes a micro-hinge. The micro-hinge can couple a first element to a second element and includes a first attachment that couples to the first element, a second attachment that couples to the second element, and a plurality of linkages that couples the first attachment to the second attachment. 
         [0087]    In Example A2, the subject matter of Example A1 may optionally include where the low profile hinge can rotate about three hundred and sixty degrees. 
         [0088]    In Example A3, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘A’ Examples can optionally include a plurality of micro-hinges and a plurality of support rods. 
         [0089]    In Example A4, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘A’ Examples can optionally include a flexible covering. 
         [0090]    In Example A5, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘A’ Examples can optionally include where the low profile hinge extends about the length of the first element and the second element. 
         [0091]    In Example A6, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘A’ Examples can optionally include where the micro-hinge further includes an electrical conduit. 
         [0092]    In Example A7, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘A’ Examples can optionally include where the first element is a base portion of an electronic device. 
         [0093]    In Example A8, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘A’ Examples can optionally include where the second element is a display portion of an electronic device. 
         [0094]    Example AA1 can include an electronic device that includes a base portion, a display portion, and a micro-hinge that couples the base portion to the display portion. The micro-hinge can include a first attachment that couples to the base portion, a second attachment that couples to the display portion, and a plurality of linkages that couples the first attachment to the second attachment. 
         [0095]    In Example AA2, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘AA’ Examples can optionally include where the micro-hinge can rotate about three hundred and sixty degrees. 
         [0096]    In Example AA3, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘AA’ Examples can optionally include a plurality of micro-hinges and a plurality of support rods. 
         [0097]    In Example AA4, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘AA’ Examples can optionally include where the micro-hinge further includes a flexible covering. 
         [0098]    In Example AA5, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘AA’ Examples can optionally include where the micro-hinge extends about the length of the base portion and the display portion. 
         [0099]    In Example AA6, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘AA’ Examples can optionally include where the micro-hinge further includes an electrical conduit. 
         [0100]    In Example AA7, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘AA’ Examples can optionally include where the micro-hinge is a low profile hinge. 
         [0101]    Example M1 is a method that includes rotating a display portion around a base portion using a low profile micro-hinge, where the low profile micro-hinge includes a first attachment that couples to the base portion, a second attachment that couples to the display portion, and a plurality of linkages that couples the first attachment to the second attachment. 
         [0102]    In Example M2, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘M’ Examples can optionally include where a plurality of low-profile micro-hinges and a plurality of support rods are used to rotate the display portion around the base portion. 
         [0103]    In Example M3, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘M’ Examples can optionally include where the low profile micro-hinge further includes a flexible covering. 
         [0104]    In Example M4, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘M’ Examples can optionally include where the low profile micro-hinge further includes an electrical conduit. 
         [0105]    An example system S1 can include means for rotating a display portion around a base portion using a low profile micro-hinge, where the low profile micro-hinge includes a first attachment that couples to the base portion, a second attachment that couples to the display portion, and a plurality of linkages that couples the first attachment to the second attachment. 
         [0106]    An example system SS1 can include a processor and a micro-hinge that couples a first element to a second element, where the micro-hinge includes a first attachment that couples to the first element, a second attachment that couples to the second element, and a plurality of linkages that couples the first attachment to the second attachment. 
         [0107]    In Example SS2, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘SS’ Examples can optionally include where the micro-hinge can rotate three hundred and sixty degrees. 
         [0108]    In Example SS3, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘SS’ Examples can optionally include a plurality of micro-hinges and a plurality of support rods. 
         [0109]    In Example SS4, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘SS’ Examples can optionally include where the micro-hinge further includes an electrical conduit. 
         [0110]    In Example SS5, the subject matter of any of the preceding ‘SS’ Examples can optionally include where the first element is a base portion and the second element is a display portion. 
         [0111]    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-AA7, M1-M4. Example Y1 is an apparatus comprising means for performing of any of the Example methods M1-M4. 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.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8