Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to hinge mechanisms. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hinge mechanism which is suitable for use in a portable computing device such as a notebook computer. 
     Advances in computing hardware technology continue to enable lower dimensional profile computing devices while maintaining robust processing power typically associated with larger devices. No where are these advances more apparent than in the portable computing field. Notebook computers, once a burdensome luxury with limited capability, are now full-featured computing devices that are quickly becoming ubiquitous in both the business and home markets. 
     Portable computing devices may be typically configured with a base housing various computer components and a display. In one such example,  FIG. 1  is an illustrative representation of a portable computing device  100 . Portable computing device  100  includes a base  106  and a display  104 . Base  106  may house a variety of computer components including a keyboard  110 , a pointing device  112 , a removable disk drive  114 , and a permanent disk drive  116 . Base  106  may further include a variety of access ports for interfacing with other computing components including, but not limited to, a USB port (not shown), a parallel port (not shown), a serial port (not shown), a docking station interconnect (not shown), a network port (not shown) or a monitor port (not shown). Further, display  104  may be configured in any of a number of different sizes and resolutions depending on user preference. 
     Base  106  and display  104  may be attached with a hinge mechanism  108 . In the example illustrated, display  104  rotates about an axis defined by hinge  108  from closed (0°) to approximately 120°. In a typical configuration, a single pin is integral to hinge  108  and provides a rotational axis about which display  104  may rotate. In some examples, hinge  108  may be configured with a braking device (not shown). Braking devices generally apply sufficient holding force to allow freedom of movement of a display without lifting a base and to allow a display to maintain a desired position. 
     As can be appreciated, a pinned hinge mechanism configuration requires the mechanism to be located at or nearly proximal to a base edge because of clearance requirements. That is, in order for a display to rotate freely about a pinned hinge mechanism, the display must be located such that any display portion extending beyond the pinned hinge mechanism does not interfere with the base. Furthermore, because the location of a pinned hinge mechanism must be located at or nearly proximal to a base edge, there must be sufficient structural strength to support the configuration at the base edge. 
     In current examples, where portable computing device bases range from approximately 20 to 30 mm in thickness, there exists ample structural strength to support a hinge located at or nearly proximal to a base edge. However, as noted above, portable computing device profiles are continually shrinking along with integral computer components. As such, base thicknesses under approximately 20 mm are becoming increasingly common. In at least some of those examples, a pinned hinge mechanism&#39;s structural requirements may exceed the structural capability of base materials given smaller size design requirements thus necessitating relocation of a hinge mechanism away from a base edge. Therefore improved hinge mechanisms are described herein. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     In embodiments of the present invention, hinge mechanisms for use in a portable computing device having a base and a lid are presented, the hinge mechanism including: a base link pivotally connected with a base such that the base link rotates about a first axis of rotation, the base link being in sliding communication with a lid; a lid link pivotally connected with the lid such that the lid link rotates about a second axis of rotation, the lid link being in sliding communication with the base; and a center pin pivotally connecting the base link with the lid link such that the base link and the lid link rotate about a third axis of rotation wherein the base link, the lid link, and the center pin cooperatively function to translate the lid over at least two planes of motion with respect to the base. In some embodiments, the hinge mechanism further includes: a base slider pin rigidly attached with the base link, the lid configured to slidingly receive the base slider pin; and a lid slider pin rigidly attached with the lid link, the base configured to slidingly receive the lid slider pin. 
     In other embodiments, portable computing devices are presented including: a base; a lid; and a hinge mechanism coupled with the base and the lid and arranged to translate the lid vertically and horizontally with respect to the base while the lid pivotally rotates with respect to the base. In some embodiments, the hinge mechanism further includes: a base link pivotally connected with the base such that the base link rotates about a first axis of rotation, the base link being in sliding communication with the lid; a lid link pivotally connected with the lid such that the lid link rotates about a second axis of rotation, the lid link being in sliding communication with the base; a center pin pivotally connecting the base link with the lid link such that the base link and the lid link rotate about a third axis of rotation wherein the base link, the lid link, and the center pin cooperatively function to translate the lid over at least two planes of motion with respect to the base; a base slider pin rigidly attached with the base link, the lid configured to slidingly receive the base slider pin; and a lid slider pin rigidly attached with the lid link, the base configured to slidingly receive the lid slider pin. 
     In other embodiments, hinge mechanisms for coupling a first piece to a second piece are presented including: a first link pivotally connected with the first piece such that the first link rotates about a first axis of rotation, the first link being in sliding communication with the second piece; a second link pivotally connected with the second piece such that the second link rotates about a second axis of rotation, the second link being in sliding communication with the first piece; a center pin pivotally connecting the first link with the second link such that the first link and the second link rotate about a third axis of rotation wherein the first link, the second link, and the center pin cooperatively function to translate the second piece over at least two planes of motion with respect to the first piece; a first piece slider pin rigidly attached with the first link, the second piece configured to slidingly receive the first piece slider pin; and a second piece slider pin rigidly attached with the second link, the first piece configured to slidingly receive the second piece slider pin. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustrative representation of a portable computing device; 
         FIGS. 2A-2F  is an illustrative representation of an embodiment of the present invention in a closed (0°) position; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  is an illustrative representation of an embodiment of the present invention in an open position at approximately 45° from closed position; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  is an illustrative representation of an embodiment of the present invention in an open position at approximately 90° from closed position; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustrative representation of an embodiment of the present invention in an open position at approximately 120° from closed position; 
         FIG. 6  is an illustrative representation of an embodiment of the present invention in various open positions; 
         FIG. 7  is a graphical representation illustrating a system movement curve of translation over rotation in embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 8  is an illustrative representation of a friction clip in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is an illustrative representation of an embodiment of the present invention in a closed (0°) position. It should be noted that illustrations of embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in cross-section for clarity. As such, although embodiments illustrated appear to be located on the outside of a side edge of a base and a lid no such limitation is intended. Further, mirror views of embodiments are intended to clarify the present invention. As such, a portable computing device  200  is illustrated having a base  204  and a lid  208 . In some embodiments, lid  208  may be configured as a display. As such, an integrated lid/display may be utilized under embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, base  204  and lid  208  are in a closed (0°) position. Base  204  and lid  208  may be attached with a hinge mechanism which includes a base link  212  and a lid link  228 . Base link  212  and lid link  228  function cooperatively to rotate and translate lid  208  with respect to base  204 . 
     Base link  212  includes a base pin  216 , a center pin  224 , and a base slider pin  220 . Base pin  216  pivotally attaches base link  212  with base  204 . Base pin  216  may be configured so that base link  212  rotates around a first axis of rotation  260 . Base pin  216  may be fixedly attached to either base link  212  or to base  204 . Frictional force may be applied to base pin  216 . Frictional force may be applied by any of a number of friction elements well-known in the art. In one embodiment, frictional element  804  (see  FIG. 8 ) may be used to apply frictional force to base pin  216 . Friction elements may be selected such that an application of linear friction through a defined degree of rotation may be applied. 
     Center pin  224  may be configured so that base link  212  may rotate around a second axis of rotation  270 . Center pin  224  pivotally attaches base link  212  with lid link  228 . Center pin  224  may be fixedly attached to base link  212 ; to lid link  228 ; or to neither. Further, in some embodiments, a friction element (not shown) may be applied to center pin  224  without departing from the present invention. Finally, base slider pin  220  may be configured to allow base link  212  to translate along lid slide way (see  604 ,  FIG. 6 ). Lid slide way  604  (see  FIG. 6 ) may be configured to limit translation of lid  208 . In some configurations, a lid slide way may be arcuate in path. In other configurations a lid slide way may be semi-arcuate or straight in path. The particular geometry selected for a slide way path depends on user requirements. 
     Lid link  228  includes a lid pin  232 , a center pin  224 , and a lid slider pin  236 . Lid pin  232  pivotally attaches lid link  228  with lid  208 . Lid pin  232  may be configured so that lid link  228  rotates around a third axis of rotation  250 . Lid pin  232  may be fixedly attached to either lid link  228  or to lid  208 . Frictional force may be applied to lid pin  232 . Frictional force may be applied by any of a number of friction elements (not shown) well-known in the art. As noted above, in one embodiment, frictional element  804  (see  FIG. 8 ) may be used to apply frictional force to base pin  216 . Friction elements may be selected such that an application of linear friction through a defined degree of rotation may be applied. 
     Center pin  224  may be configured so that, like base link  212 , lid link  228  may rotate around a second axis of rotation  270 . Center pin  224  pivotally attaches base link  212  with lid link  228 . Center pin  224  may be fixedly attached to base link  212 ; to lid link  228 ; or to neither. Further, in some embodiments, a friction element (not shown) may be applied to center pin  224  without departing from the present invention. Finally, lid slider pin  236  may be configured to allow lid link  228  to translate along base slide way (see  608 ,  FIG. 6 ). Base slide way  608  (not shown) may be configured to limit translation of lid  208 . In some configurations, a base slide way may be arcuate in path. In other configurations a base slide way may be semi-arcuate or straight in path. The particular geometry selected for a slide way path depends on user requirements. 
     As can be appreciated, a combination of multiple axes of rotation in cooperative communication with at least one slide way allows a lid to be translated in two dimensions while undergoing rotation. One advantage, as noted above, to this translation is that centers of gravity may be translated to a more favorable position. Another advantage is that translation allows a hinge mechanism to be located to a more structurally advantageous position, which may be desirable in low profile configurations. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 3  is an illustrative representation of an embodiment of the present invention in an open position at approximately 45° from closed position. As can be appreciated, as illustrated, base link  212  and lid link  228  have each rotated about a common axis  270  (see  FIG. 2 ). Further, base link  212  and lid link  228  may each rotate about axes  260 ,  250  (see  FIG. 2 ) respectively. Still further, base link  212  and lid link  228  have translated along slide ways  604  and  608  respectively. As can be seen, base slide way  608  may be configured to direct lid link  228  upward and thus correspondingly direct lid  208  upward. Lid slide way  604  may be configured to constrain lid&#39;s movement relative to base link  212  to a desired geometry. Further, as noted above, friction elements (not shown) may be configured to linearly engage base pin  216  or lid pin  232  at approximately 45° from closed position. 
     Turning to  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 4  is an illustrative representation of an embodiment of the present invention in an open position at approximately 90° from closed position. As can be appreciated, as illustrated, base link  212  and lid link  228  have each further rotated about a common axis  270  (see  FIG. 2 ). Further, base link  212  and lid link  228  have each further rotated about axes  260 ,  250  (see  FIG. 2 ) respectively. Still further, base link  212  and lid link  228  have further translated along slide ways  604  and  608  respectively. 
       FIG. 5  is an illustrative representation of an embodiment of the present invention in an open position at approximately 120° from closed position. As can be appreciated, as illustrated, base link  212  and lid link  228  have each further rotated about a common axis  270  (see  FIG. 2 ). Further, base link  212  and lid link  228  have each further rotated about axes  260 ,  250  (see  FIG. 2 ) respectively. Still further, base link  212  and lid link  228  have further translated along slide ways  604  and  608 , respectively, to an extended position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 6  is an illustrative representation of an embodiment of the present invention in various open positions. More particularly,  FIG. 6  illustrates relative positions of base slide way  608  and lid slide way  604  in various open positions (e.g. 0°( 612 ), 45°( 616 ), 90°( 620 ), and 120°( 624 )). As noted above, slide ways  604  and  608  may be configured to constrain movement to a desired geometry. In some configurations, slide ways may be arcuate in path. In other configurations slide ways may be semi-arcuate or straight in path. The particular geometry selected for a slide way path depends on user requirements. 
     Turning to  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 7  is a graphical representation illustrating a system movement curve  700  of translation over rotation in embodiments of the present invention. As can be appreciated, the translation curves described herein are for illustrative purposes to demonstrate general trends and are not intended to be inherently limiting. As such, a translation axis  704  and a rotation (in degrees) axis  708  are illustrated. An x-translation curve  712  may represent a general trend of movement of a lid. That is, the movement of a lid through a first plane of motion with respect to a base. As noted above, an orientation legend  120  is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Thus, x-translation may be thought of as horizontal movement (i.e. first plane) with respect to a base  204  (see  FIG. 2 ). X-translation curve  712  demonstrates a general trend upward  716  from a net zero position. A net zero position is a position corresponding to a position at 0° of rotation. The general upward trend  716  continues to approximately 65° of rotation whereupon a general downward trend  720  may be observed. The general downward trend  720  then continues until the end of rotation at approximately 120° of rotation. 
     A y-translation curve  724  may represent a general trend of movement of a lid. That is, the movement of a lid through a second plane of motion with respect to a base. As noted above, an orientation legend  120  is illustrated at  FIG. 1 . Thus, y-translation may be thought of as vertical movement (i.e. second plane) with respect to a base  204  (see  FIG. 2 ). Y-translation curve  724  demonstrates a general trend upward  728  from a net zero position. A net zero position is a position corresponding to a position at 0° of rotation. The general upward trend  728  continues to approximately 10° of rotation whereupon a general downward trend  732  may be observed. The general downward trend  732  then continues until the end of rotation at approximately 120° of rotation. 
     As may be appreciated, selection of particular geometries of the components described herein may have a marked effect on exact translation curves. Thus, translation curves illustrated in this example, is indicative of a general trend rather than as an exact path. For example, where a slide way is configured as a arcuate path, a corresponding translation curve may differ from a translation curve from a slide way configured as a straight path although, in some examples, a start point and an endpoint may be the same for both paths. By selecting a particular geometry for a slide way path, specific tolerances may be achieved. Likewise, in other examples, different selected pin placements may result in different translation curves. 
     Turning to  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 8  is an illustrative representation of a friction clip in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, friction clip  804  may be configured to apply friction to base pin  216 . Frictional elements may be selected in accordance with user preferences. In one embodiment, frictional element  804  may apply a linear friction component to base  216  through out the rotation range of movement. Linear friction may be desirable so that movement of a lid is uniform. Further, friction may be selected so as not to overcome the stationary weight of a base in embodiments of the present invention. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. For example, a ratcheting mechanism may be used instead of or in coordination with friction elements as illustrated. One skilled in the art can appreciate that a ratcheting mechanism may provide similar functionality as a friction element. Further more, embodiments of the present invention may find utility in other low profile applications requiring a hinge mechanism. The present invention may find further utility in applications requiring light weight construction materials. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Technology Category: g