JP6235056B2 - Fixed hinge assembly for electronic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The subject matter described herein relates generally to the field of electronic devices, and more specifically to fixed hinge assemblies for one or more electronic devices.

  Some electronics use a “clamshell” housing. As an example, many notebook computers and portable electronic devices have clamshell housings where the keyboard is located in the first section and the display is located in the second section connected to the first section by a hinge. Use. Alternatively, the “clamshell” can be configured as a versatile display as a first section display that can be utilized as a touch keyboard, as a second section display coupled to the first section by a hinge.

  Touch screen operations are becoming increasingly common in portable devices. In some examples, the touch screen operation may cause the display to be rotated by a force applied to the display during the touch screen operation. Thus, an assembly has been found as a utility that secures or at least inhibits the rotation of the display on the clamshell housing.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an example electronic device that can be modified to include a fixed hinge assembly according to some embodiments. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a hinge assembly according to some embodiments. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of a fixed hinge assembly according to some embodiments. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fixed hinge assembly according to some embodiments. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of a fixed hinge assembly according to some embodiments. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fixed hinge assembly according to some embodiments. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of a fixed hinge assembly according to some embodiments. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fixed hinge assembly according to some embodiments. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of a fixed hinge assembly according to some embodiments. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fixed hinge assembly according to some embodiments. FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a fixed hinge assembly according to some embodiments. FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a fixed hinge assembly according to some embodiments. FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a fixed hinge assembly according to some embodiments. FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a fixed hinge assembly according to some embodiments. FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a fixed hinge assembly according to some embodiments. FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a fixed hinge assembly according to some embodiments. FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a fixed hinge assembly according to some embodiments. FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating controller operation in a method of operating a fixed hinge assembly according to some embodiments. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an example electronic device that can be modified to include a fixed hinge assembly according to some embodiments.

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures.
Exemplary systems and methods are described herein for securing, or at least suppressing, rotation of the display on the clamshell housing. In the following, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. However, it should be understood by one skilled in the art that the various embodiments may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been shown or described in detail so as not to obscure the specific embodiments.

  FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary electronic device 110 that is mounted on a clamshell housing having a first section 160 and a second section 162 according to some embodiments. It is adapted to include systems and methods that fix or at least inhibit rotation of the display. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device 10 can be embodied as a conventional portable device such as a laptop computer, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a portable computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or the like. The particular device configuration is not important.

  In various embodiments, the electronic device 110 includes one or more associated I's including a display, one or more speakers, a keyboard, one or more other input / output device (s), a mouse, a camera, and the like. / O device included or coupled to this I / O device. Other exemplary I / O device (s) include a touch screen, voice activated input device, trackball, geolocation device, accelerometer / gyroscope, biometric input device, and electronic device 110 from the user. Any other device capable of receiving input may be included.

  The electronic device 110 includes system hardware 120 and memory 140, which may be implemented as random access memory and / or read only memory. A file storage device may be communicatively coupled to the computer equipment 110. The file storage device may be internal to the computer equipment 110 as, for example, an eMMC, SSD, one or more hard disk drives, or other types of storage devices. File storage device 180 may be external to computer 110 as, for example, one or more external hard disk drives, network attached storage, or a separate storage network.

  The system hardware 120 may include one or more processors 122, a graphics processor 124, a network interface 126, and a bus structure 128. In one embodiment, the processor 122 is an Intel® ATOM® processor, an Intel® ATOM®-based system system available from Intel, Inc., Santa Clara, California, USA. It may be embodied as an on-chip (SoC), or Intel® Core2Duo® or i3 / i5 / i7 series processor. As used herein, the term “processor” refers to a microprocessor, microcontroller, complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction set (RISC) microprocessor, very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor. By processor, or any other type of computer element, including but not limited to any other type of processor or processing circuit.

  The graphics processor (s) 124 functions as an auxiliary processor that manages graphics and / or video operations. The graphics processor (s) 124 may be integrated into the motherboard of the electronic device 110, or may be coupled via an expansion slot on the motherboard, or placed on the same die or the same package as the processing unit. May be.

  In one embodiment, the network interface 126 is compliant with a wired interface such as an Ethernet interface (see, eg, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers / IEEE 802.3-2002), or IEEE 802.11a, b, or g. Wireless interfaces such as interfaces (eg, IEEE standard for IT-communication and information exchange between LAN / MAN systems-Part II: Wireless LAN medium access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) specifications Revision 4: Further high data rate extension in the 2.4 GHz band, see 802.11G-2003). Another example of a radio interface is the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) interface (eg, Guidelines for GPRS Handset Requirements, Global System for Mobile / GSM® Connection, Version 3.0.1, (See December 2002).

  Bus structure 128 connects the various components of system hardware 120. In one embodiment, the bus structure 128 may include one or more of several types of bus structure (s), including a memory bus, a peripheral bus, or an external bus, and / or an 11-bit bus, industry standard architecture (ISA), Micro Channel Architecture (MSA), Enhanced ISA (EISA), Intelligent Drive Electronics (IDE), VESA Local Bus (VLB), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Universal Serial Bus (USB), Advanced Graphic Port ( AGP), personal computer memory card international connection bus (PCMCIA), small computer system interface (SCSI), high-speed synchronous serial interface (HSI), serial low-power chip-to-chip media Scan (SLIMbus (registered trademark)) including like, or may be a local bus using available bus architectures of various types, including but not limited to.

  The electronic device 110 includes an RF transmission / reception unit 130 that transmits and receives an RF signal, a near field communication (NFC) 134, and a signal processing module 132 that processes a signal received by the RF transmission / reception unit 130. The RF transceiver unit is, for example, an interface conforming to Bluetooth (registered trademark) or 802.11X, IEEE802.11a, b, or g (for example, an IT standard between a LAN / MAN system and an IEEE standard for information exchange). Part II: Wireless LAN medium access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) specifications Revision 4: Further high data rate expansion in the 2.4 GHz band, see 802.11G-2003) for local wireless connectivity May be executed. Other examples of wireless interfaces include WCDMA, LTE, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) interfaces (eg, guidelines for GPRS handset requirements, global systems for mobile communications / GSM connections) , Version 3.0.1, see December 2002).

  The electronic device 110 may further include one or more input / output interfaces such as a keypad 136 and a display 138, for example. In some embodiments, the electronic device 110 does not have a keypad and may use a touch panel for input.

  The memory 140 may include an operating system 142 that manages the operation of the computing device 110. In one embodiment, operating system 142 includes a hardware interface module 154 that provides an interface to system hardware 120. In addition, the operating system 140 may include a file system 150 that manages files as used in the operation of the computer equipment 110 and a process control subsystem 152 that manages processes running on the computer equipment 110.

  The operating system 142 may include (or manage) one or more communication interfaces 146 that operate in conjunction with the system hardware 120 to send and receive data packets and / or data streams from remote sources. Good). The operating system 142 may further include a system call interface module 144 that provides an interface between the operating system 142 and one or more application modules resident in the memory 140. The operating system 142 may be a UNIX® operating system, any derivative system thereof (eg, Linux®, Android®, etc.) or a Windows® operating system, or other It may be embodied as an operating system.

  In some embodiments, the electronic device may have a management engine 170 that includes one or more controllers as separated from the primary execution environment. This separation is physical in the sense that the management engine may be implemented in a controller that is physically separated from the main processor. Alternatively, a reliable execution environment is logical in the sense that the management engine is hosted on the same chip or chipset that hosts the main processor.

  As an example, in some embodiments, the management engine 170 may be implemented as a separate integrated circuit located on the motherboard of the electronic device 110, eg, as a dedicated processor block on the same SOC die. In other embodiments, the trusted execution engine may be implemented on a portion of the processor (s) 122 that is separate from the rest of the processor (s) using a hardware monitoring mechanism.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the management engine 170 includes a processor 172, a memory module 174, a control module 176, and an I / O interface 178. In some embodiments, the memory module 174 may include a persistent flash memory module, and various functional modules are implemented as logical instructions encoded in the persistent memory module, such as firmware or software, for example. May be. The I / O module 178 may include a serial I / O module or a parallel I / O module. Since the management engine 170 is separate from the main processor (s) 122 and the operating system 142, the management engine 170 can be secure, i.e., typically attacking from the host processor 122. Prevent hackers from embedding sensitive software.

  In some embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include a securing assembly that secures or at least inhibits rotation of the display on the clamshell housing of the electronic device 100. In some embodiments, the fixation assembly comprises a fixed hinge assembly. In short, the fixed hinge assembly activates the rotation control assembly in response to detection of a hinge assembly attachable to the first section of the housing of the electronic device 110, a rotation control assembly that controls rotation of the hinge assembly. And thus the second section of the electronic device housing is desired to be fixed relative to the first section of the electronic device housing. In some embodiments, this condition is configured by detecting a user's approach to the second section of the housing. In some embodiments, this condition is configured by detecting a touch signal for the second section of the housing. As an example, in some embodiments, the controller may be implemented by the control module 176 shown in FIG. Thus, in some embodiments, the controller operates as software resident in the memory 140 of a device operating on the processor (s) 122 of the electronic device 110 or on the processor 172 (s) of the management engine 170. It may be implemented as software resident in the memory 174. In an alternative embodiment, the controller can be bundled into firmware or hardwired logic in dedicated circuitry. The specific implementation of the logic is not important.

  An embodiment of a fixed hinge assembly will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3A-5C. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example hinge assembly 200 as used in a clamshell housing of an electronic device according to some embodiments. With reference to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the hinge assembly 200 includes at least one hinge pin assembly 210 that is attachable to the first section 260 of the housing of the electronic device 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the hinge pin assembly 210 is rotatable about a longitudinal axis between a first position and a second position, and the first section 260 of the housing and the second section 262 of the housing. Pin 212 is connectable to. In some embodiments, the first section 260 corresponds to the base portion of the electronic device and the second section 262 corresponds to the display of the electronic device.

  The hinge pin assembly 210 may be attached to the first section 260 of the housing by a base plate 240. The base plate 240 is formed from a suitable metal or polymer material and can be secured to the first section 160 of the housing using an adhesive or by a suitable fastener such as a set screw, rivet or the like. Good. The specific technique of securing the base plate 240 to the first section 160 of the housing is not critical.

  The hinge pin assembly 210 may be implemented as a multi-part element and may have a bearing portion 214 that supports the pin 212. The pin 212 can rotate about its longitudinal axis within the bearing portion 214. The brake portion 216 serves to limit the free angular rotation of the pin within the bearing portion 214, but further rotates the pin overcoming the friction force to adjust the relative position of the first and second sections of the housing. Can be made. The bearing portion 214 extends on both sides of the brake portion 216. The bearing portion 214 and the brake portion 216 define an axis on which the pin 212 is disposed.

  Having described the details of the construction of the hinge assembly 200, the orientation described herein is directed to the embodiment of the rotation control assembly and the operation of that rotation control assembly in conjunction with the controller. In some embodiments, the rotation control assembly may be attached to a portion of the hinge assembly 200, or otherwise integral with the portion. In various embodiments, the rotation control assembly serves to fix or at least inhibit rotation of the display on the clamshell housing according to some implementations.

  A first embodiment of the rotation control assembly 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A-3D. Referring first to FIG. 3A, the rotation control assembly 300 may include a brake 314 and a piezoelectric disk 316 attached to the hinge pin 310. The brake 314 may be attached close to the first collar 312A, and the piezoelectric disk 316 may be attached adjacent to the brake 314. The piezoelectric disk 316 can be connected to a power source, and the output from the power source can be adjusted by one or more control modules 176 running on the electronic device. The mounting bracket 318 may be mounted close to the second collar 312B. Mounting bracket 318 can be used to secure the hinge assembly to the base of the electronic device as described above.

  The operation of the rotation control assembly 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3D and FIG. FIG. 3A shows a configuration of rotation control assembly 300 in an inoperative state in which brake 314 is offset from collar 312A, thereby allowing the hinge assembly to move freely. Referring to FIG. 6, in operation, the controller 176 detects a state in proximity to the second section 162 of the electronic device 110 (operation 610). As used herein, the term “force (load) state” refers to a state in which force is being applied to the second section 162 of the electronic device, eg, touching the second section 162 of the electronic device 110 by the user. It should be interpreted as including a state where the screen is pressed. In such embodiments, the control module 176 can detect input to the touch screen. However, in alternative embodiments, various input / output devices may be used to detect or predict the force applied to the second section 162 of the electronic device 110. As an example, in some embodiments, a strain gauge or other force measurement device can be incorporated into the electronics to detect the application of force to the second section 162. In an alternative embodiment, a touch screen sensor can be used to detect an object approaching the second section 162 of the electronic device 110. In an alternative embodiment, the camera or other input device can detect an object approaching the second section 162 of the electronic device 110 and generate a signal in response to this signal as a control module 176. Can be transferred to. Thus, as used herein, the phrase “force (load) state” refers to a state where an actual force is being applied to the second section 162 of the electronic device 110, or the second section 162 of the electronic device 110. It should be interpreted as including a state that predicts the force applied to.

  In response to detecting the force condition, in operation 615, the controller applies a voltage to activate the rotation control assembly. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric disk 316. By applying a voltage to the piezoelectric disk 316, the disk 316 deforms, causing the piezoelectric disk to expand as shown in FIG. 3D. By expanding the piezoelectric disk 316, the brake 314 is urged against the first collar 312A, and a frictional force is generated so as to suppress the rotation of the hinge assembly. When sufficient force is applied, rotation stops completely, thereby securing the hinge assembly.

  In some embodiments, the opposing surface of the brake 314 and the first collar 312A can be pressed against a tooth-like pattern that engages when the brake 314 engages the first collar 312A, Effectively fix the hinge assembly.

  In some embodiments, the control module 176 releases the rotation control assembly after being actuated for a predetermined period of time, preferably between about 1 and 60 seconds, preferably between 1 and 5 seconds. Thus, in operation 620, if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the control module 176 continues to apply a voltage to the rotation control assembly. In contrast, in operation 620, if the predetermined time has elapsed, control then proceeds to operation 625, and control module 176 ends the application of voltage to the rotation control assembly. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, by terminating the application of voltage, the piezoelectric disk 316 is returned to its original shape so that the assembly allows free rotation of the hinge assembly. Return to the configuration shown. In some embodiments, the controller may provide a locking mechanism unless it detects a force at the back of the display or at the edge of the display that indicates that the user adjusts the screen angle or indicates that the clamshell is about to close. Is always engaged.

  A further embodiment of the rotation control assembly 300 is shown in FIGS. 3E-3H. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3E-3H, a second brake assembly 320 is added that is positioned proximate to the second collar 312B. The second brake assembly 320 can be used instead of the first brake 314 or in conjunction with the first brake 314. The configuration and operation of the second brake assembly 320 is shown in FIGS. 3F and 3H. Referring first to FIG. 3F, the second brake assembly includes an annular ring 322 that surrounds the hinge pin 310 and a pair of opposing legs 324, 326 subordinate to the annular ring 322. A piezoelectric disk 328 is disposed between the legs 324 and 326. When the rotation control assembly is in a non-actuated state, as shown in FIGS. 3E and 3F, the piezoelectric disk 328 pushes open the legs to open the annular ring 322, thereby causing the hinge pin within the annular ring. Allows free rotation of 310. In contrast, when the brake assembly 320 is actuated to extend the piezoelectric disk 328, the opposing legs 324, 326 are closed, causing the annular ring to apply a frictional force to the hinge pin 310.

  Another embodiment of a rotation control assembly 400 is shown in FIGS. 4A-4D. In overview, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4D utilizes a hinge pin that translates along a first axis in response to rotation of the hinge assembly. A hydraulic assembly is coupled to the hinge pin, thereby pushing fluid from the first chamber through the channel and into the second chamber by translation of the hinge pin along the first axis. A solenoid assembly coupled to the channel is movable between a first position where fluid freely flows through the channel and a second position where fluid cannot flow through the channel.

  Referring to FIGS. 4A-4D, the rotation control assembly 400 can be attached to the housing by brackets 410, 412, 414. A hinge pin 420 extends through the brackets 412 and 414. The hinge pin 420 includes a thread 422 and is keyed within the brackets 412 and 414 so that rotation of the hinge assembly causes the hinge pin 420 to translate through the bracket and along its longitudinal axis.

  A hinge pin 420 is coupled to the hydraulic assembly 430. The hydraulic assembly 430 has a first chamber 432 that is in fluid communication with the second chamber 436 via a channel 434. One end of the hinge pin 420 resides in the first chamber 432. By translating the hinge pin 420 along its longitudinal axis in a direction toward the second chamber 436, fluid is forced from the first chamber 436 through the channel 434 into the second chamber 432. Conversely, fluid is drawn from the second chamber 436 through the channel 434 and into the first chamber 432 by translating the hinge pin 420 along its longitudinal axis away from the second chamber.

  The solenoid assembly 440 moves the plunger 442 between a first position where the solenoid plunger 442 is adjacent to the channel 434 but outside the channel 434 and a second position where the plunger 442 is disposed within the channel. Positioned as possible, thereby preventing fluid flowing through the channel 434 and then preventing movement of the hinge assembly, effectively securing the assembly.

  The assembly 400 can be actuated substantially in accordance with the operation shown in FIG. 6, and in act 615 the solenoid assembly 440 is activated by applying a voltage.

  Another embodiment of a rotation control assembly 500 is shown in FIGS. 5A-5D. In overview, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A-5C utilizes a friction housing that defines a shaft and a friction pin positioned within the friction housing. A friction pin between a first position where the solenoid pin is coupled to the friction pin and the friction pin rotates freely within the friction housing and a second position where a portion of the friction pin engages a portion of the friction housing To suppress the rotation of the friction pin in the friction housing.

  With reference to FIGS. 5A-5C, the rotation control assembly 500 may be attached to the housing by a bracket 510. A friction housing 520 is mounted between the blocks 530A and 530B. Friction pin 550 is coupled to plunger 542 of solenoid assembly 540, which friction pin 550 is in a first position (FIG. 5B) such that the friction pin can freely rotate on the shaft, and the friction pin is frictional. It is movable within the shaft of the friction housing 520 between a second position (FIG. 5C) that engages the housing and inhibits rotation of the friction pin 550 relative to the friction housing 520.

  The assembly 500 can be actuated substantially in accordance with the operation shown in FIG. 6, and applying a voltage in operation 615 activates the solenoid assembly 540 to push the friction pin into the friction housing 520.

  As described above, in some embodiments, the electronic device can be embodied as a computer system. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a computer system 700 according to some embodiments. The computer system 700 includes a computer device 702 and a power adapter 704 (eg, that supplies power to the computer device 702). The computer device 702 may be any suitable computer device such as a laptop (or notebook) computer, a personal digital assistant, a desktop computer device (eg, a workstation or desktop computer), a rack mount computer device, and the like. .

  Power may be supplied to various components of the computer equipment 702 from one or more of the following power sources (eg, through the computer equipment power supply 706). These power sources include one or more battery packs, an alternating current (AC) outlet (eg, via a transformer and / or adapter such as power adapter 704), an automotive power source, an aircraft power source, and the like. In some embodiments, the power adapter 704 converts a power output source (eg, an AC voltage outlet between about 110 VAC and 240 VAC) to a direct current (DC) voltage between about 5 VDC and 12.6 VDC. Accordingly, the power adapter 704 can be an AC / DC adapter.

  Computer device 702 may include one or more central processing unit (s) (CPU) 708. In some embodiments, the CPU 708 is a Pentium® II processor family, Pentium® III processor, Pentium® IV, available from Intel® Corporation of Santa Clara, California, or One or more of the Pentium (registered trademark) family processors including the Core2Duo processor. Alternatively, other CPUs such as Intel's Itanium (R), XEON, and Celeron (R) processors may be used. Also, one or more processors manufactured from other vendors can be used. Further, the processor may have a single or multi-core design.

  The chipset 712 can be coupled to the CPU 708 or integrated with the CPU 708. Chipset 712 may include a memory control hub (MCH) 714. The MCH 714 may include a memory controller 716 that is coupled to the main system memory 718. The main system memory 718 stores data and instruction sequences executed by the CPU 708 and other arbitrary devices included in the system 700. In some embodiments, main system memory 718 includes random access memory (RAM); however, main system memory 718 uses other memory types such as dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), and the like. May be implemented. Additional devices such as multiple CPUs and / or multiple system memories may be coupled to bus 710.

  The MCH 714 may also include a graphics interface 720 that is coupled to the graphics accelerator 722. In some embodiments, the graphics interface 720 is coupled to the graphics accelerator 722 via an accelerated graphics port (AGP). In some embodiments, display 740 (such as a flat panel display) converts a digital representation of an image stored in a storage device such as a video memory or system memory into a display signal that is interpreted and displayed by the display. The graphic interface 720 may be coupled through such a signal converter. The display signal 740 generated by the display device is interpreted on the display and passes through various controllers before being subsequently displayed.

  Hub interface 724 couples MCH 714 to a platform control hub (PCH) 726. PCH 726 provides an interface to input / output (I / O) devices coupled to computer system 700. PCH 726 may be coupled to a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus. Thus, the PCH 726 includes a PCI bridge 728 that provides an interface to the PCI bus 730. The PCI bridge 728 provides a data path between the CPU 708 and peripheral devices. In addition, other types of I / O interconnect topologies may be utilized such as the PCI Express architecture available from Intel (R) of Santa Clara, California.

  PCI bus 730 may be coupled to audio device 732 and one or more disk drive (s) 734. Other devices may be coupled to the PCI bus 730. Furthermore, the CPU 708 and the MCH 714 may be combined to form a single chip. Further, the graphics accelerator 722 may be included in the MCH 714 in other embodiments.

  Also, in various embodiments, other peripheral devices coupled to PCH 726 include integrated drive electronics (IDE) or small computer peripheral system interface (SCSI) hard disk drive, universal serial bus (USB) port (s). ), Keyboard, mouse, parallel port (s), serial port (s), floppy disk drive (s), digital output support (eg, digital video interface (DVI)), and the like. Thus, computing device 702 may include volatile and / or nonvolatile memory.

  As used herein, the term “logical instruction” is understood as an expression (expression) that performs one or more logical operations by one or more machines. For example, logical instructions may include instructions that perform one or more operations on one or more data objects by a processor compiler. However, this is merely an example of a machine readable instruction, and embodiments are not limited in this respect.

  The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein relates to a medium capable of holding expressions (formulas) that are perceivable by one or more machines. For example, a computer readable medium may include one or more storage devices for storing computer readable instructions or data. Such a storage device may include, for example, a storage medium such as an optical, magnetic, or semiconductor storage medium. However, this is merely an example of a computer readable medium, and embodiments are not limited in this respect.

  As used herein, the term “logic” refers to a structure that performs one or more logical operations. For example, a logic circuit may be included that provides one or more output signals based on one or more input signals. Such a circuit may include a finite state machine that receives a digital input and provides a digital output, or may include a circuit that provides one or more analog output signals in response to one or more analog input signals. Good. Such a circuit may be provided as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field programmable gate array (FPGA). The logic may also include machine-readable instructions stored in memory in combination with processing circuitry to execute such machine-readable instructions. However, this is only one example of a structure that provides logic, and embodiments are not limited in this respect.

  Some methods described herein can be embodied as logical instructions on a computer-readable medium. When executed on a processor, the logic instructions cause the processor to be programmed as a dedicated machine that performs the described method. When configured to perform the methods described herein with logical instructions, the processor configures a structure to perform the methods described herein. Alternatively, the methods described herein can be reduced to logic, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

  In the detailed description and claims, the terms “coupled”, “connected” or their derivatives may be used. In certain embodiments, “connected” may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. “Coupled” means that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. However, “coupled” also means that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but still cooperate or interact with each other.

  References herein to “one embodiment” or “some embodiments” mean that an embodiment includes at least certain features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment. . The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification may or may not refer to the same embodiment.

  Although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological operations, the claimed subject matter is not limited to the specific features or operations described. I want you to understand. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as sample forms of implementing the claimed subject matter.

Claims (16)

A housing of an electronic device, the housing being
The first section;
A second section coupled to the first section by a hinge assembly;
A rotation control assembly for controlling rotation of the hinge assembly;
In response to predicting the load state of the power close to the second section of the housing of the electronic device, Bei example and a controller to activate the rotational control assembly,
The rotation control assembly includes:
A brake collar attached to the shaft of the hinge assembly, the brake collar including an annular ring and first and second legs extending from the annular ring, A brake collar defining a gap between the first leg and the second leg;
A piezoelectric disk disposed in the gap between the first leg and the second leg,
The controller is adapted to apply a voltage to the piezoelectric disk in response to detection of a force load condition proximate to the second section of the housing of the electronic device. Flattening the section so that the rotation of the hinge assembly can be controlled by the brake collar;
housing. The housing according to claim 1 , wherein the controller ends the voltage applied to the piezoelectric disk after a predetermined period. A housing of an electronic device, the housing being
The first section;
A second section coupled to the first section by a hinge assembly;
A rotation control assembly for controlling rotation of the hinge assembly;
A controller that activates the rotation control assembly in response to predicting a load condition of a force proximate to a second section of the electronic device housing; and
The rotation control assembly includes:
A hinge pin that is translatable along a first axis in response to rotation of the hinge assembly;
A hydraulic assembly coupled to the hinge pin, wherein translation of the hinge pin along a first axis allows fluid to flow from the first chamber through the channel into the second chamber. When,
A solenoid assembly coupled to the channel and made movable between a first position where fluid can flow through the channel and a second position where fluid cannot flow through the channel; And
The controller applies a voltage to the solenoid assembly in response to detecting a force load condition proximate a second section of the electronic device housing;
Housings. In response to the voltage, the solenoid assembly moves from a first position to a second position over a predetermined period of time.
The housing according to claim 3 . A housing of an electronic device, the housing being
The first section;
A second section coupled to the first section by a hinge assembly;
A rotation control assembly for controlling rotation of the hinge assembly;
A controller that activates the rotation control assembly in response to predicting a load condition of a force proximate to a second section of the electronic device housing; and
The rotation control assembly includes:
A friction housing defining a shaft;
A friction pin positioned within the friction housing;
A solenoid assembly coupled to the friction pin, the solenoid assembly having a first position in which the friction pin can freely rotate within the friction housing, and at least a portion of the friction pin being the friction housing. A solenoid assembly that moves the friction pin between a second position that engages at least a portion of the friction housing and inhibits rotation of the friction pin within the friction housing;
The controller applies a voltage to the solenoid assembly in response to detecting a force load condition proximate a second section of the electronic device housing;
Housings. In response to the voltage, the solenoid assembly moves from a first position to a second position over a predetermined period of time.
The housing according to claim 5 . A detector assembly for detecting a force load condition proximate to the second section of the housing;
The housing according to claim 1 , 3 or 5 . The detector assembly includes:
touch screen,
Pressure sensor,
Proximity sensor,
Stereoscopic camera assembly,
Stereoscopic lighting camera assembly,
Time of flight camera assembly,
Including at least one of the video inputs,
The housing according to claim 7 . An electronic device, the electronic device
At least one electronic component;
A housing having a first section and a second section, wherein the second section is coupled to the first portion by a hinge assembly;
A rotation control assembly for controlling rotation of the hinge assembly;
In response to predicting the load state of the power close to the second section of the housing of the electronic device, Bei example and a controller to activate the rotational control assembly,
The rotation control assembly includes:
A brake collar attached to the shaft of the hinge assembly, the brake collar including an annular ring and first and second legs extending from the annular ring, A brake collar defining a gap between the first leg and the second leg;
A piezoelectric disk disposed in the gap between a first leg and a second leg;
The controller is adapted to apply a voltage to the piezoelectric disk in response to detection of a force load condition proximate to the second section of the housing of the electronic device. Flattening the section so that the rotation of the hinge assembly can be controlled by the brake collar;
Electronics. The electronic device according to claim 9 , wherein the controller ends the voltage applied to the piezoelectric disk after a predetermined period. An electronic device, the electronic device
At least one electronic component;
A housing having a first section and a second section, wherein the second section is coupled to the first portion by a hinge assembly;
A rotation control assembly for controlling rotation of the hinge assembly;
A controller that activates the rotation control assembly in response to predicting a load condition of a force proximate to a second section of the electronic device housing; and
The rotation control assembly includes:
A hinge pin that is translatable along a first axis in response to rotation of the hinge assembly;
A hydraulic assembly coupled to the hinge pin, wherein translation of the hinge pin along a first axis allows fluid to flow from the first chamber through the channel into the second chamber. When,
A solenoid assembly coupled to the channel and enabled to move between a first position where fluid can flow through the channel and a second position where fluid cannot flow through the channel; And
The controller applies a voltage to the solenoid assembly in response to detecting a force load condition proximate a second section of the electronic device housing;
Electronic equipment. In response to the voltage, the solenoid assembly moves from a first position to a second position over a predetermined period of time.
The electronic device according to claim 11 . An electronic device, the electronic device
At least one electronic component;
A housing having a first section and a second section, wherein the second section is coupled to the first portion by a hinge assembly;
A rotation control assembly for controlling rotation of the hinge assembly;
A controller that activates the rotation control assembly in response to predicting a load condition of a force proximate to a second section of the electronic device housing; and
The rotation control assembly includes:
A friction housing defining a shaft;
A friction pin positioned within the friction housing;
A solenoid assembly coupled to the friction pin, the solenoid assembly having a first position in which the friction pin can freely rotate within the friction housing, and at least a portion of the friction pin being the friction housing. A solenoid assembly that moves the friction pin between a second position that engages at least a portion of the friction housing and inhibits rotation of the friction pin within the friction housing;
The controller applies a voltage to the solenoid assembly in response to detecting a force load condition proximate a second section of the electronic device housing;
Electronic equipment. In response to the voltage, the solenoid assembly moves from a first position to a second position over a predetermined period of time.
The electronic device according to claim 13 . A detector assembly for detecting a force load condition proximate to the second section of the housing;
The electronic device according to claim 9, 11 or 13 . The detector assembly includes:
touch screen,
Pressure sensor,
Proximity sensor,
Stereoscopic camera assembly,
Stereoscopic lighting camera assembly,
Time of flight camera assembly,
Including at least one of the video inputs,
The electronic device according to claim 15 .

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