Patent Application
20060133052
This invention relates in general to hinge mechanisms, and more specifically to flexible hinge mechanisms for use in foldable electronic devices.
With the increasing popularity of electronic devices, a large number of mobile electronic devices such as mobile phones, pagers, personal digital assistants and the like have been introduced in the market. These devices are designed in small sizes so that users can carry them easily. However, their small size reduces the area available for keys and displays on the mobile electronic device. To solve this problem, devices with hinge structures were developed. These devices have hinges, so that they can be folded while not in use.
The foldable electronic devices generally have two housings, which are connected through a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanisms also provide a space for routing electrical connections between the two housings. Various designs have been provided in the prior art for the foldable electronic devices and the hinge mechanisms. In one of the designs, a foldable electronic device having two housings are connected using a hinge mechanism, which allows the two housings to rotate, relative to each other. The hinge mechanism also houses a connector to establish an electrical connection between the two casings.
Apart from electronic devices, hinge mechanisms are also used in many consumer products such as money clips, boxes, etc. A hinge, for connecting a lid to a box, generally includes a flexible web to connect the lid to the box, a mounting means to attach the lid to the hinge, and a pinching means to attach the hinge to the box.
One or more of the hinge mechanisms described above suffer from one or more of the following limitations. First, the routing of electrical connection through the hinge mechanisms in electronic devices is complicated, leading to an increase in the cost of manufacturing the electronic device. Second, due to a number of openings around the hinge area, such electronic devices are not water resistant.
Various embodiments will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:
A foldable electronic device has a flexible hinge mechanism for connecting two housing elements. The flexible hinge mechanism includes a flexible hinge element and a drag link. The flexible hinge element is elastic in nature and is attached to the two housing elements. The drag link also connects the two housing elements and holds the housing elements in a predefined open position. The flexible hinge mechanism further includes a flexible connection strip for connecting electrical circuits in the two housing elements.
The instant disclosure is provided to further explain, in an enabling manner, the best modes of making and using various embodiments, in accordance with the present invention. The disclosure intends to enhance the perception and appreciation of the inventive principles and advantages thereof, rather than to limit in any manner the invention. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims, including any amendments made during the pendency of this application, and all the equivalents of the claims, as issued.
It is further understood that the relational terms, if any, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order between such entities or actions.
The flexible hinge element 106 connects the first housing element 102 and the second housing element 104 and is attached to them by means such as screws, adhesives, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, heat stakes, assembled pins, snaps or any combination of the above-mentioned methods. The flexible hinge element 106 is elastic in nature and has a relaxed position when the opening angle of the foldable electronic device 100 is 180 degrees or greater. When rotated away from the relaxed position, a torque is generated in the flexible hinge element 106, in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation. As a result, the flexible hinge element 106 tends to force the foldable electronic device 100 back into the relaxed position. In accordance with an embodiment, the flexible hinge element 106 covers the entire width of the foldable electronic device 100, eliminating the openings around the hinge area. This makes the foldable electronic device 100 water resistant. In accordance with another embodiment, the width of the flexible hinge element 106 may be less than width of the foldable electronic device 100. The flexible hinge element 106 may have a plurality of strips, each strip being placed so as to cover at least a part of the width of the foldable electronic device 100, in accordance with yet another embodiment.
The drag link 108 connects the first housing element 102 to the second housing element 104. It is connected to one of the housing elements though a pivoting joint and to the other housing element through a sliding pivoting joint. In accordance with an embodiment, both the joints of the drag link 108 may be sliding pivoting joints. In accordance with another embodiment, drag link 108 is connected to the first housing element 102 through a pivoting joint at a first end 110, and to the second housing element 104 through a sliding pivoting joint at a second end 112. The second housing element 104 has a slot 114 that enables the second end 112 of the drag link 108 to slide inside it, thereby facilitating the opening and closing of the foldable electronic device 100. The length of the drag link 108 is such that it prevents the flexible hinge element 106 from getting in the relaxed position, thereby generally limiting the opening angle of the foldable electronic device 100 to an angle less than 180 degrees. In the implementation shown, the opening angle is maintained in the range of 150 degrees to 160 degrees. An opening angle of 150 degrees to 160 degrees increases the ease with which the foldable electronic device 100 can be operated. In order to control the opening velocity of the foldable electronic device 100, a dampening force, in the form of a spring, damper or frictional force, may be added to the drag link 108.
In accordance with an embodiment, the first housing element 102 and the second housing element 104 may contain electrical circuits inside them to support features, such as input keys for providing input to the foldable electronic device 100, and displays for output. The foldable electronic device 100 further includes a flexible connection strip for connecting electrical circuits in the first housing element 102 and the second housing element 104. The flexible connection strip is explained in detail in conjunction with
The flexible hinge element 106 generates the maximum torque in the closed position, tending to force the foldable electronic device 100 to open unless constrained. The foldable electronic device 100 can be retained in the closed position using various methods. In one of the methods, a pair of magnets is placed inside the first housing element 102 and the second housing element 104, so that their force of attraction keeps the foldable electronic device 100 closed. In accordance with another embodiment, a magnet and a steel post or steel plate may be used instead of a pair of magnets. A snap and catch hook may also be used to achieve this purpose. The snap and catch hook can be mounted on two opposing ends of the flexible hinge element 106 and attached to each other or to the foldable electronic device 100. The length of the flexible hinge element 106 is designed so that the snap reaches the hook when the foldable electronic device 100 is in the closed position.
The flexible hinge element 106 may further have a pair of connectors 408 for connecting electrical circuits in the first housing element 102 to the electrical circuit in the second housing element 104. The connectors 408 are connected to a flexible connection strip placed inside the flexible hinge element 106. Electrical circuits in the first housing element 102 and the second housing element 104 are connected to each other to enable the flow of signals between the first housing element 102 and the second housing element 104.
In accordance with another embodiment, different materials may be used for manufacturing the pair of covers 504. For example, one of the covers may be made from a decorative material, while the other may be manufactured from a thick layer of black polyester. Also, controlling the stiffness of the pair of covers 504 enables control of the opening velocity of the foldable electronic device 100. In accordance with an embodiment, a single cover covering at least one side of the flexible hinge strip 502 may be used instead of the pair of covers 504.
The flexible connection strip 506 connects electrical circuits in the first housing element 102 and the second housing element 104, as shown in
By changing the geometry of the flexible hinge strip 502, by (for example) halving the width of the flexible hinge strip 502, the range of torque from the open position to the closed position can be reduced to −12 N-mm to −27 N-mm, which results in less variation in torque than (for example) the flexible hinge strip 502 in
In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the first housing element 102 and the second housing element 104 is 10.78 mm and 11.88 mm. The length of the drag link 108 from the first end 110 to the second end 112 is 18.40 mm. The length of the flexible hinge element 106, lying between the first housing element 102 and the second housing element 104, is 34.98 mm. Further, in the open position, the flexible hinge element 106 forms an arc with a radius of 67.58 mm. In the closed position, it forms an arc with a radius of 11.33 mm.
While the dimensions have been stated above in connection with an specific embodiment, it is to be clearly understood that it is made only by way of example and not as a limitation on the scope of the invention
Therefore, it should be clear from the preceding disclosure that the invention provides a flexible hinge mechanism, which simplifies the complexity in routing the flexible connection strip between the housing elements, thereby reducing the cost of the flexible hinge mechanism. It further eliminates the openings around the hinge area, hence creating a potential for a water resistant foldable electronic device. It also allows the use of leather or textile across the top, bottom and hinge areas of the cell phone, increasing its appeal. Moreover, it increases the design flexibility.
This disclosure is intended to explain how to fashion and use various embodiments in accordance with the invention rather than to limit the true, intended, and fair scope and spirit thereof. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims, as may be amended during the pendency of this application for patent, and all equivalents thereof, when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.
