Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a multistage friction hinge that enables a support component to be adjustably attached to an apparatus. The hinge includes different activity stages where movement of the hinge is based on different activity mechanisms. For instance, the hinge includes different sets of components that form different friction engines that provide resistance to rotational and/or pivoting movement of the hinge.

<CIT> discloses a hinge mechanism for rotatable component attachment, which enables a support component to be adjustably attached to an apparatus, such as a computing device. For example, the hinge mechanism can be employed to rotatably attach a kickstand to a mobile computing device. The kickstand can be rotated via the hinge mechanism to various positions to provide support for different orientations of the computing device. For example, the kickstand can be positioned to support the computing device in a typing orientation such that input can be provided via an associated input device. As another example, the kickstand can be positioned to enable viewing and/or interaction with the computing device, such as in a portrait viewing orientation.

In embodiments, a hinge device for supporting an electronic device includes a first portion and a second portion movable relative to the first portion with a biasing element supported by one of the first portion or the second portion.

The first portion has an arcuate groove, and the second portion has an arcuate rail configured to complementarity mate with the arcuate groove and slide therein. The biasing element contacts a leading edge of the other of the first portion or second portion, and the first portion and second portion are bistable in a closed state relative to one another and an open state relative to one another based at least partially on a surface profile of the biasing element applying a radial force to the leading edge.

This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. For better understanding, the like elements have been designated by like reference numbers throughout the various accompanying figures. While some of the drawings may be schematic or exaggerated representations of concepts, at least some of the drawings may be drawn to scale. Understanding that the drawings depict some example embodiments, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:.

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for supporting an electronic device with an integrated support. More particularly, the present invention relates to supporting an electronic device with a thin and lightweight support that is hinged to the chassis of the device. The hinge allows the support to rotate outward, relative to the chassis, to form a stand that supports the electronic device on a surface. The support may support the electronic device with a display oriented toward a user in a comfortable position.

In embodiments, the hinge has two stable positions. The hinge allows for a closed state and an open state of the support, in which the support will be biased into one state or the other. A bistable hinge, therefore, may provide a torque around the rotational axis of the hinge to hold the support in a closed state against the chassis of the electronic device when the hinge is in the closed state. The bistable hinge also provides a torque to hold the support in an open state at a predetermined angle relative to the chassis of the electronic device when the hinge is in the open state.

Some embodiments of a bistable hinge according to the present invention provide a proportionately high amount of torque in a compact package. In at least one embodiment, a bistable hinge has a height or thickness less than <NUM> millimeters and produces at least <NUM> Newton-millimeters of torque. A thin or compact hinge can provide more space in the chassis for electronic components and/or more useable space in the chassis by intruding into the interior volume less. For example, many electronic components for mobile electronic devices flat and thin, such as hardware storage devices, processors, communication devices, etc. However, many components that are thin also have a relatively large area, which can require an uninterrupted interior volume to fit the components into the chassis. A low-profile hinge can, therefore, allow greater freedom in component selection and architecture design for electronic devices. In some embodiments, a bistable hinge according to the present invention provides a hinge mechanism that has a vertical thickness that is equal to or less than that of the chassis housing, meaning the hinge adds no additional thickness to the chassis, nor intrudes into the interior volume.

An example of an electronic device <NUM> including a bistable hinge according to the present invention is a tablet computer, as illustrated in <FIG>. In other embodiments, the electronic device may be a personal electronic device, such as a smartphone, or a mobile display device, such as a travel monitor or other display. In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> has a support <NUM> connected to a rear surface of a chassis <NUM> opposite a display device <NUM>. The support <NUM> is connected to the chassis <NUM> by a support hinge <NUM>. The support hinge <NUM> may be bistable with a closed state positioning the support <NUM> flat against the rear surface of the chassis <NUM>. In the closed state, the support <NUM> may form a substantially flat back to the electronic device <NUM>.

In the open state, the support hinge <NUM> holds the support <NUM> at a predetermined angle relative to the rear surface of the chassis <NUM>. The open state supports the electronic device <NUM> with the display device <NUM> oriented toward a user relative to a surface upon which the electronic device <NUM> rests. For example, assuming the electronic device <NUM> is resting on a horizontal surface, the open state holds the support <NUM> at an angle relative to the chassis <NUM> that is twice the desired orientation of the electronic device <NUM> from vertical. In other words, an open state of the hinge <NUM> that holds the support <NUM> at <NUM>° from the chassis <NUM> orients the display device <NUM> at <NUM>° from vertical to aim the display device <NUM> at a user. For most users, a comfortable viewing angle for a tabletop or desktop device is approximately <NUM>° to <NUM>°. Therefore, a hinge <NUM> according to the present invention may have an open angle between approximately <NUM>° and <NUM>°. While a bistable hinge is described herein, additional stable states may be possible with additional detents, as will be described herein.

Referring now to <FIG>, a support hinge <NUM>, in some embodiments, is thin to minimize intrusion into the interior volume of the chassis while providing no protruding features in the closed state. The hinge <NUM> includes a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> that are rotatable relative to one another via complementary rails and grooves. The arcuate rails <NUM> slide within arcuate grooves <NUM> to create rotation of the hinge <NUM> around a virtual pivot point that is located above an upper surface <NUM> of the hinge <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first portion <NUM> is connected to one of the chassis or the support of the electronic device (such as chassis <NUM> or support <NUM> described in relation to <FIG>). In some embodiments, the second portion <NUM> is connected to other of the chassis or the support of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the first portion <NUM> is integrally formed with one of the chassis or the support of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the second portion <NUM> is integrally formed with the other of the chassis or the support of the electronic device. For example, the first portion <NUM> may include indentions, grooves, rails, slots, pins, or other mechanical interlocking features to mechanically interlock with a complementary feature of the chassis, thereby connecting the first portion <NUM> to the chassis. In another example, the first portion <NUM> is a machined or cast portion of the chassis with a recess and/or arcuate grooves <NUM> or rails <NUM> to receive the second portion <NUM>. In such an example, the first portion <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> is the chassis.

The second portion <NUM> may include indentions, grooves, rails, slots, pins, or other mechanical interlocking features to mechanically interlock with a complementary feature of the support, thereby connecting the second portion <NUM> to the support. In another example, the second portion <NUM> is a machined or cast portion of the support with a recess and/or arcuate grooves <NUM> or rails <NUM> to receive the first portion <NUM>. In such an example, the second portion <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> is the support.

In some embodiments, the first portion <NUM> and second portion <NUM> are discrete pieces that connect to the chassis and support to facilitate assembly of the hinge prior to installation in the electronic device. The hinge <NUM> may assemble by sliding a portion of the arcuate rails <NUM> into the arcuate grooves <NUM> through an open end <NUM> of the arcuate grooves <NUM>. In some embodiments, the arcuate grooves <NUM> include a closed end <NUM> that contacts a rotational surface <NUM> of the arcuate rails <NUM> to capture the arcuate rails <NUM>. In some embodiments, the contact of the rotational surface <NUM> of the arcuate rails <NUM> and the rotational surface <NUM> of the closed end <NUM> of the arcuate grooves <NUM> limits the rotational range of motion of the hinge <NUM>.

The rotational range of motion may be limited to the open angle (e.g., the angle of the hinge in the open state) of the hinge <NUM>. In some instances, the rotational range of motion may be farther than the stable open state to allow some rotational motion beyond the open state and cushion the deceleration of the hinge upon stabilizing in the open state. The arcuate grooves <NUM> may be located in the first portion <NUM>, and the arcuate rails <NUM> may be located in the second portion <NUM>. In other examples, the arcuate grooves may be located in the second portion, and the arcuate rails may be located in the first portion.

In some embodiments, a biasing element <NUM> is fixed at a first end <NUM> to the first portion <NUM>, and a second end <NUM> of the biasing element <NUM> acts upon a leading edge <NUM> of the second portion <NUM>. <FIG> is an assembled perspective view of the hinge <NUM> of <FIG>. In some embodiments, the biasing element is fixed to the second portion and acts upon a leading edge of the first portion. For the purposes of description, the biasing element will be described herein as fixed to the first portion. The biasing element <NUM> applies a force to the leading edge <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> with at least a portion of the force including a radial component relative to the rotational axis of the hinge.

<FIG> and <FIG> are side cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a hinge <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> has a virtual pivot <NUM> positioned above an upper surface <NUM> of the hinge <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second portion may include one or more detents into which a leading edge of the biasing element may rest. In some embodiments, the radial component of the force from the biasing element <NUM> urges the leading edge <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> to rest in a detent <NUM> of the biasing element <NUM>. For example, the biasing element <NUM> may include a surface profile <NUM> at the second end <NUM> of the biasing element <NUM> that includes at least one detent <NUM> in the radial direction relative to the pivot point <NUM>. The surface profile <NUM> can include contours in the radial direction to allow a rounded protrusion <NUM> on the leading edge <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> to stabilize in the closed state and in the open state. By applying force in the radial direction, the biasing element <NUM> can assist the leading edge <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> to stabilize in the closed state and in the open state without applying a torque to the second portion <NUM> to rotate the second portion <NUM> around the rotational axis. For example, the biasing element <NUM> may be a leaf spring that is affixed to the first portion <NUM> at a first end <NUM>, and the second end <NUM> may be free to deflect in the radial direction as the second portion <NUM> rotates around the rotational axis at the pivot point <NUM>. In some embodiments, the leaf spring biasing element <NUM> includes spring steel to provide high elastic forces and durability in a compact geometry. For example, a <NUM> millimeter thick hinge with a spring steel biasing element <NUM> may produce at least <NUM> Newton-millimeters of torque.

In some embodiments, an opening torque (e.g., the amount of torque needed to move the hinge from a closed state to an open state) is greater than a closing torque (e.g., the amount of torque needed to move the hinge to a closed state from an open state). A greater opening torque may cause the hinge to remain in a closed state, such as the support staying flush against the back of a tablet computer, to prevent unintended opening of the support. Conversely, the closing torque being lower than the opening torque may allow a user to more easily close the hinge (and stow the support) while picking up the electronic device to either store or move the electronic device. In at least one embodiment, the closing torque is at least <NUM>% less than the opening torque. In at least one embodiment, the closing torque is at least <NUM>% less than the opening torque.

In some embodiments, the rotational axis of the hinge <NUM> is a virtual pivot point <NUM> located above an upper surface <NUM> of the hinge <NUM>. A hinge <NUM>, according to some embodiments, has a height <NUM> of less than <NUM> millimeters. In some embodiments, the hinge <NUM> has a height <NUM> less than <NUM> millimeters. In some embodiments, the hinge <NUM> has a height <NUM> less than <NUM> millimeters. In some embodiments, the hinge <NUM> has a height <NUM> less than <NUM> millimeters. The pivot height <NUM> of the rotational axis at the virtual pivot <NUM> may be at least <NUM> millimeters above the upper surface <NUM> of the hinge <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pivot height <NUM> is at least <NUM> millimeters.

In some embodiments, a virtual pivot ratio (i.e., the pivot height <NUM> relative to the hinge height <NUM>) is greater than <NUM>. In some embodiments, the virtual pivot ratio is greater than <NUM>. In some embodiments, the virtual pivot ratio is greater than <NUM>. In some embodiments, the virtual pivot ratio is at least <NUM>. For example, a hinge <NUM>, according to some embodiments, may have a height <NUM> of <NUM> millimeters and a pivot height <NUM> of <NUM> millimeters. By moving the pivot point <NUM> higher relative to the thickness of the hinge, the radius of the arcuate rails and grooves can be increased. Increasing the radius of the arcuate rails and grooves can allow the leading edge <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> to move a greater distance across the surface profile <NUM> of the biasing element <NUM>, producing greater torque and greater stability.

Referring now to <FIG>, as the second portion <NUM> slides in the arcuate grooves and rotates around the virtual pivot <NUM>, the leading edge <NUM> applies a force to the biasing element <NUM>. The leading edge <NUM> slides across the surface profile <NUM> of the biasing element <NUM> with an increasing amount of torque needed to overcome the torque resisting the exit from the closed state detent <NUM> until the leading edge <NUM> crosses a ridge <NUM> in the surface profile <NUM>. The radial force of the biasing element <NUM> then applies a force to the leading edge <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> to urge the second portion <NUM> to continue rotating toward the open state. In some embodiments, the biasing element <NUM> has an open state detent (i.e., a second detent) in the surface profile <NUM>. In some embodiments, the biasing element <NUM> has a sloped portion <NUM> of the surface profile <NUM> that terminates at or near a lower surface <NUM> of the hinge <NUM>, where the leading edge <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> contacts a portion of the chassis. In such embodiments, a second detent is formed between the lower surface <NUM> of the hinge and the sloped portion <NUM> of the surface profile <NUM>.

While embodiments of hinges including a leaf spring biasing element have been described herein, other biasing elements may be used. In some embodiments, such as that illustrated in <FIG>, the biasing element <NUM> is a coil spring oriented substantially parallel to the upper surface <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> to apply a force to the leading edge <NUM> of the second portion <NUM>. The leaf spring biasing element (such as the leaf spring biasing element described in relation to <FIG>) may be stamped or otherwise plastically deformed metal or other resilient material that has a surface profile formed in the biasing element. A leaf spring element may be manufactured very thin to reduce the thickness of the device. In some embodiments, a coil spring biasing element <NUM> may apply a force to an endpiece <NUM> that has a surface profile <NUM> oriented toward and contacting the leading edge <NUM> of the second portion <NUM>. The surface profile <NUM> may be similar to that described in relation to the leaf spring biasing element. For example, the surface profile <NUM> of the endpiece <NUM> may have at least one detent <NUM> to stabilize the second portion <NUM> at a predetermined rotational position.

In other examples, the biasing element includes other mechanisms to apply a radial force to the leading edge of the second portion. As illustrated in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the biasing element <NUM> includes one or more magnets <NUM> that are oriented to create a repulsive magnetic force <NUM> therebetween. For example, the magnets <NUM> may be oriented with the same magnetic poles toward one another, producing a repulsive magnetic force <NUM> that applies a force to the endpiece <NUM>. In other embodiments, the biasing element includes a compressible gas chamber that applies a force to the endpiece through a piston and/or cylinder. In some embodiments, a magnetic biasing element <NUM> prevents fatigue and failure that may occur with a coil or leaf spring. As described herein, the surface profile of the biasing element, either the shape of the leaf spring or the endpiece on other biasing elements, may affect the torque produced when moving the second portion relative to the first portion. In some embodiments, the torque profile is relative to the shape of the surface profile. In some embodiments, the torque profile is based at least partially on the radial force produced by the biasing element throughout the range of motion of the second portion.

For example, the more the biasing element is compressed and/or elastically deformed, the greater the force generated by the biasing element. In another example, the leaf spring may have at least two force regimes based at least partially on the nearest anchor point to the contact point with the leading edge of the second portion. Referring now to the example illustrated in <FIG>, during the initial movement of the leading edge <NUM> from the first detent <NUM> (e.g., the closed state), the leaf spring biasing element <NUM> is anchored to the rear of the first portion <NUM>. When elastically bending from the rear of the first portion <NUM>, the first lever arm <NUM> is long and the first lever arm <NUM> bends downward around a first pivot <NUM> with a first amount of force. As the leaf spring biasing element <NUM> continues to bend downward, the leaf spring biasing element <NUM> contacts a second pivot <NUM> the front of the first portion <NUM>. The lever arm shortens to the second lever arm <NUM>, and the biasing element <NUM> generates a larger force in resistance of further movement by the leading edge <NUM> downward on the surface profile <NUM> of the biasing element <NUM>.

A torque profile of the torque generated by the hinge, shown in <FIG>, reflects the first torque region <NUM> where the biasing element provides a first force initially from the closed state. After contacting the first portion with the bent biasing element, the amount of torque increases in a second torque region <NUM>, producing an inflection point in the torque profile. Finally, the torque decreases and changes direction in a torque well <NUM> as the leading edge of the second portion crosses the ridge in the surface profile and moves toward the open state. The torque well <NUM> then urges the second portion toward the open state to snap the support of the electronic device open. Because the torque well <NUM> urges the second portion toward the open state and resists movement of the second portion toward the closed state, the hinge holds the support in the open state.

In some embodiments, the amount of force applied by the biasing element may be further adjusted by use of shape memory materials, such as shape memory alloys or shape memory polymers. For example, a shape memory material bar, wire, sheet, or spring may change length, shape, or elastic modulus based at least partially on the application of electrical current to the shape memory material. In some embodiments, the hinge requires a greater amount of torque to move the hinge from the closed state to the open state than is required to move the hinge from the open state to the closed state.

A hinge according to the present invention may provide additional benefits in assembly and installation. For example, the arcuate rails and grooves may allow the first portion <NUM> and second portion <NUM> to be assembled by simply inserting the arcuate rails <NUM> into the grooves <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. There is no additional axle or other rotational mechanism needed to support the hinge. Arcuate grooves <NUM> with closed ends limit the movement of the second portion <NUM> in the open direction. After the hinge <NUM> is installed in or connected to the chassis, the chassis, itself, limits the movement of the second portion <NUM> in the closed direction, preventing the disassembly of the hinge <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first portion and/or the second portion of the hinge includes longitudinal grooves <NUM> or slots that allow the hinge <NUM> to slide into place in the chassis. The grooves <NUM> allow the first portion <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, to slide along complementary rails <NUM> machined into a side surface of the chassis between an outer surface of the chassis <NUM> and the inner surface of the chassis <NUM>. Pins <NUM> may be inserted into the seam between the chassis <NUM> and the hinge <NUM> to lock the hinge <NUM> in place and retain the hinge <NUM> in the chassis <NUM>. In some embodiments, a similar connection mechanism may be used between the second portion and the support. A longitudinal connection mechanism between the hinge and the chassis can limit the overall height of the hinge connected to the chassis by eliminating layering the hinge on a surface of the chassis, thereby minimizing the intrusion into the interior volume of the chassis and providing a flat back surface to the electronic device.

A hinge according to the present invention provides a relatively high amount of torque to hold the support closed in a closed state and open in an open state, while requiring less thickness in the hinge and/or in the connection to the chassis than conventional hinges. A low-profile bistable hinge enables, therefore, thinner electronic devices and more flexibility in selection and arrangement of components.

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for supporting an electronic device with an integrated support. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to supporting an electronic device with a thin and lightweight support that is hinged to the chassis of the device. The hinge allows the support to rotate outward, relative to the chassis, to form a stand that supports the electronic device on a surface. The support may support the electronic device with a display oriented toward a user in a comfortable position.

Some embodiments of a bistable hinge according to the present invention provide a proportionately high amount of torque in a compact package. In at least one embodiment, a bistable hinge has a height or thickness less than <NUM> millimeters and produces <NUM> Newton-millimeters of torque. A thin or compact hinge can provide more space in the chassis for electronic components and/or more useable space in the chassis by intruding into the interior volume less. For example, many electronic components for mobile electronic devices flat and thin, such as hardware storage devices, processors, communication devices, etc. However, many components that are thin also have a relatively large area, which can require an uninterrupted interior volume to fit the components into the chassis. A low-profile hinge can, therefore, allow greater freedom in component selection and architecture design for electronic devices. In some embodiments, a bistable hinge according to the present invention provides a hinge mechanism that has a vertical thickness that is equal to or less than that of the chassis housing, meaning the hinge adds no additional thickness to the chassis, nor intrudes into the interior volume.

In some embodiments, an opening torque (e.g., the amount of torque needed to move the hinge from a closed state to an open state) is greater than a closing torque (e.g., the amount of torque needed to move the hinge from a closed state to an open state). A greater opening torque may cause the hinge to remain in a closed state, such as the support staying flush against the back of a tablet computer, to prevent unintended opening of the support. Conversely, the closing torque being lower than the opening torque may allow a user to more easily close the hinge (and stow the support) while picking up the electronic device to either store or move the electronic device. In at least one embodiment, the closing torque is at least <NUM>% less than the opening torque. In at least one embodiment, the closing torque is at least <NUM>% less than the opening torque.

An example of an electronic device including a bistable hinge according to the present invention is a tablet computer. In other embodiments, the electronic device may be a personal electronic device, such as a smartphone, or a mobile display device, such as a travel monitor or other display. In some embodiments, the electronic device has a support connected to a rear surface of a chassis opposite a display device. The support is connected to the chassis by a support hinge. The support hinge may be bistable with a closed state positioning the support flat against the rear surface of the chassis. In the closed state, the support may form a substantially flat back to the electronic device.

In the open state, the support hinge holds the support at a predetermined angle relative to the rear surface of the chassis. The open state supports the electronic device with the display device oriented toward a user relative to a surface upon which the electronic device rests. For example, assuming the electronic device is resting on a horizontal surface, the open state holds the support at an angle relative to the chassis that is twice the desired orientation of the electronic device from vertical. In other words, an open state of the hinge that holds the support at <NUM>° from the chassis orients the display device at <NUM>° from vertical to aim the display device at a user. For most users, a comfortable viewing angle for a tabletop or desktop device is approximately <NUM>° to <NUM>°. Therefore, a hinge according to the present disclosure may have an open angle between approximately <NUM>° and <NUM>°. While a bistable hinge is described herein, additional stable states may be possible with additional detents, as will be described herein.

As described herein, a support hinge, in some embodiments, is thin to minimize intrusion into the interior volume of the chassis while providing no protruding features in the closed state. The hinge includes a first portion and a second portion that are rotatable relative to one another via complementary rails and grooves. The arcuate rails slide within arcuate grooves to create rotation of the hinge around a virtual pivot point that is located above an upper surface of the hinge.

In some embodiments, the first portion is connected to one of the chassis or the support of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the second portion is connected to other of the chassis or the support of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the first portion is integrally formed with one of the chassis or the support of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the second portion is integrally formed with the other of the chassis or the support of the electronic device. For example, the first portion may include indentions, grooves, rails, slots, pins, or other mechanical interlocking features to mechanically interlock with a complementary feature of the chassis, thereby connecting the first portion to the chassis. In another example, the first portion is a machined or cast portion of the chassis with a recess and/or arcuate grooves or rails to receive the second portion. In such an example, the first portion of the hinge is the chassis.

The second portion may include indentions, grooves, rails, slots, pins, or other mechanical interlocking features to mechanically interlock with a complementary feature of the support, thereby connecting the second portion to the support. In another example, the second portion is a machined or cast portion of the support with a recess and/or arcuate grooves or rails to receive the first portion. In such an example, the second portion of the hinge is the support.

In some embodiments, the first portion and second portion are discrete pieces that connect to the chassis and support to facilitate assembly of the hinge prior to installation in the electronic device. The hinge may assemble by sliding a portion of the arcuate rails into the arcuate grooves through an open end of the arcuate grooves. In some embodiments, the arcuate grooves include a closed end that contacts a rotational surface of the arcuate rails to capture the arcuate rails. In some embodiments, the contact of the rotational surface of the arcuate rails and the rotational surface of the closed end of the arcuate grooves limits the rotational range of motion of the hinge.

The rotational range of motion may be limited to the open angle (e.g., the angle of the hinge in the open state) of the hinge. In some instances, the rotational range of motion may be farther than the stable open state to allow some rotational motion beyond the open state and cushion the deceleration of the hinge upon stabilizing in the open state. The arcuate grooves may be located in the first portion, and the arcuate rails may be located in the second portion. In other examples, the arcuate grooves may be located in the second portion, and the arcuate rails may be located in the first portion.

In some embodiments, a biasing element is fixed at a first end to the first portion, and a second end of the biasing element acts upon a leading edge of the second portion. In some embodiments, the biasing element is fixed to the second portion and acts upon a leading edge of the first portion. For the purposes of description, the biasing element will be described herein as fixed to the first portion. The biasing element applies a force to the leading edge of the second portion with at least a portion of the force including a radial component relative to the rotational axis of the hinge.

In some embodiments, the leading edge of the second portion may include one or more detents into which a leading edge of the biasing element may rest. In some embodiments, the radial component of the force urges the leading edge of the second portion to rest in the detent of the biasing element. For example, the biasing element may include a surface profile at the second end of the biasing element that includes at least one detent in the radial direction. The surface profile can include contours in the radial direction to allow the leading edge of the second portion to stabilize in the closed state and in the open state. By applying force in the radial direction, the biasing element can assist the leading edge of the second portion to stabilize in the closed state and in the open state without applying a torque to the second portion to rotate the second portion around the rotational axis. For example, the biasing element may be a leaf spring that is affixed to the first portion at a first end, and the second end may be free to deflect in the radial direction as the second portion rotates around the rotational axis.

In some embodiments, the rotational axis of the hinge is a virtual pivot point located above an upper surface of the hinge. A hinge, according to some embodiments, has a height of less than <NUM> millimeters. In some embodiments, the hinge has a height less than <NUM> millimeters. In some embodiments, the hinge has a height less than <NUM> millimeters. In some embodiments, the hinge has a height less than <NUM> millimeters. The pivot height of the rotational axis at the virtual pivot may be at least <NUM> millimeters above the upper surface of the hinge. In some embodiments, the pivot height is at least <NUM> millimeters.

In some embodiments, a virtual pivot ratio (i.e., the pivot height relative to the hinge height) is greater than <NUM>. In some embodiments, the virtual pivot ratio is greater than <NUM>. In some embodiments, the virtual pivot ratio is greater than <NUM>. In some embodiments, the virtual pivot ratio is at least <NUM>. For example, a hinge, according to some embodiments, may have a height of <NUM> millimeters and a pivot height of <NUM> millimeters. By moving the pivot point higher relative to the thickness of the hinge, the radius of the arcuate rails and grooves can be increased. Increasing the radius of the arcuate rails and grooves can allow the leading edge of the second portion to move a greater distance across the surface profile of the biasing element, producing greater torque and greater stability.

As the second portion slides in the arcuate grooves and rotates around the virtual pivot, the leading edge applies a force to the biasing element. The leading edge slides across the surface profile of the biasing element with a greater amount of torque needed to overcome the torque resisting the exit from the closed detent until the leading edge crosses a ridge in the surface profile. The radial force of the biasing element then applies a force to the leading edge of the second portion to urge the second portion to continue rotating toward the open state. In some embodiments, the biasing element has an open detent (i.e., a second detent) in the surface profile. In some embodiments, the biasing element has a sloped portion of the surface profile that terminates at or near a lower surface of the hinge, where the leading edge of the second portion contacts a portion of the chassis. In such embodiments, a second detent is formed between the lower surface of the hinge and the sloped portion of the surface profile.

While embodiments of hinges including a leaf spring biasing element have been described herein, other biasing elements may be used. In some embodiments, the biasing element is a coil spring oriented substantially parallel to the upper surface of the hinge to apply a force to the leading edge of the second portion. The leaf spring biasing element may be stamped or otherwise plastically deformed metal or other resilient material that has a surface profile formed in the biasing element. A coil spring may apply a force to an endpiece that has a surface profile oriented toward and contacting the leading edge of the second portion. The surface profile may be similar to that described in relation to the leaf spring biasing element. For example, the surface profile of the endpiece may have at least one detent to stabilize the second portion at a predetermined rotational position.

In other examples, the biasing element includes other mechanisms to apply a radial force to the leading edge of the second portion. In some embodiments, the biasing element includes one or more magnets that are oriented to create a repulsive force. For example, the magnets may be oriented with the same magnetic poles toward one another, producing a repulsive magnetic force that applies a force to the endpiece. In other embodiments, the biasing element includes a compressible gas chamber that applies a force to the endpiece through a piston and/or cylinder.

As described herein, the surface profile of the biasing element, either the shape of the leaf spring or the endpiece on other biasing elements, may affect the torque produced when moving the second portion relative to the first portion. In some embodiments, the torque profile is relative to the shape of the surface profile. In some embodiments, the torque profile is based at least partially on the radial force produced by the biasing element throughout the range of motion of the second portion.

For example, the more the biasing element is compressed and/or elastically deformed, the greater the force generated by the biasing element. In another example, the leaf spring may have at least two force regimes based at least partially on the nearest anchor point to the contact point with the leading edge of the second portion. For example, during the initial movement of the leading edge from the first detent (e.g., the closed state), the leaf spring biasing element is anchored to the rear of the first portion. When elastically bending from the rear of the first portion, the lever arm is long and the arm bends downward with a first amount of force. As the leaf spring biasing element continues to bend downward, the leaf spring biasing element contacts the front of the first portion. The lever arm shortens, and the biasing element generates a larger force in resistance of further movement by the leading edge downward on the surface profile of the biasing element.

A torque profile of the torque generated by the hinge reflects the first force regime where the biasing element provides a first force initially from the closed state. After contacting the first portion with the bent biasing element, the amount of torque increases, producing an inflection point in the torque profile. Finally, the torque decreases and changes direction as the leading edge of the second portion crosses the ridge in the surface profile and moves toward the open state. The torque then urges the second portion toward the open state to snap the support of the electronic device open.

In some embodiments, the amount of force applied by the biasing element may be further adjusted by use of shape memory materials, such as shape memory alloys or shape memory polymers. For example, a shape memory material bar, wire, sheet, or spring may change length, shape, or elastic modulus based at least partially on the application of electrical current to the shape memory material.

A hinge according to the present invention may provide additional benefits in assembly and installation. For example, the arcuate rails and grooves may allow the first portion and second portion to be assembled by simply inserting the rails into the grooves. There is no additional axle or other rotational mechanism needed to support the hinge. Arcuate grooves with closed ends limit the movement of the second portion in the open direction. After the hinge is installed in or connected to the chassis, the chassis, itself, limits the movement of the second portion in the closed direction, preventing the disassembly of the hinge.

In some embodiments, the first portion and/or the second portion of the hinge includes longitudinal grooves or slots that allow the hinge to slide into place in the chassis. The grooves allow the first portion, for example, to slide along complementary rails machined into the chassis. Pins may be inserted into the seam between the chassis and the hinge to lock the hinge in place and retain the hinge in the chassis. In some embodiments, a similar connection mechanism may be used between the second portion and the support. A longitudinal connection mechanism between the hinge and the chassis can limit the overall height of the hinge connected to the chassis by eliminating layering the hinge on a surface of the chassis, thereby minimizing the intrusion into the interior volume of the chassis and providing a flat back surface to the electronic device.

The articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements in the preceding descriptions.

Additionally, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. For example, any element described in relation to an embodiment herein may be combinable with any element of any other embodiment described herein. Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are "about" or "approximately" the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by embodiments of the present invention.

A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a suitable manufacturing or production process, and may include values that are within <NUM>%, within <NUM>%, within <NUM>%, or within <NUM>% of a stated value.

A person having ordinary skill in the art should realize in view of the present disclosure that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made to embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Each addition, deletion, and modification to the embodiments that falls within the meaning and scope of the claims is to be embraced by the claims.

Claim 1:
A hinge device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) for supporting an electronic device (<NUM>), the hinge device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) comprising:
a first portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) including an arcuate groove (<NUM>; <NUM>);
a second portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) including an arcuate rail (<NUM>; <NUM>) configured to complementarily mate with the arcuate groove (<NUM>; <NUM>) and slide therein; and
a biasing element (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) supported by one of the first portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) or the second portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and contacting a leading edge (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) of the other of the first portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) or the second portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), wherein the first portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and the second portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) are bistable in a closed state relative to one another and an open state relative to one another based at least partially on a surface profile (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) of the biasing element (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) applying a radial force to the leading edge (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>).