HK1194179B - Computer hinge with hollow and partially annular clutch - Google Patents

Description

Computer hinge with hollow and partially annular clutch

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the manufacture of portable computing devices, and more particularly to the formation of advanced hinge assemblies for connecting major elements.

Background

Portable computing devices with moving parts often require hinge mechanisms that facilitate movement of one primary element relative to another. For example, a laptop computer or a clamshell-type mobile phone may be formed from a lower base element that is movably connected to an upper display element. The lower base unit or component may typically include items such as a keyboard, touchpad, buttons, speakers, processor, memory, battery, etc., while the upper display unit or component may have one or more displays, touch screens, buttons, speakers, etc. It is often desirable to electrically connect the various operating elements of the lower base to the upper display assembly and vice versa.

Typically, hinge assemblies are used to connect together lower and upper display elements in laptop computers, clamshell phones, and the like. The hinge assembly allows the upper display element to rotate or pivot relative to the lower base element, which may remain in a desired static position at all times. The display housing is typically movable about the hinge assembly between a closed position proximate the base housing and an open position exposing the display, keyboard, and other input devices for use. Such hinge assemblies typically have one portion secured to the upper display housing and another portion secured to the lower base housing. Portable computer hinges typically contain a spring/friction mechanism for rotating the display housing and for holding it in a static position. As the size of portable computers and other similar devices continues to decrease, there is a strong desire to reduce the size of the hinge assembly.

However, various problems arise when the design of the hinge assembly is reduced. For example, a greater external force may be required to generate an appropriate frictional force sufficient to maintain the upper display assembly in the open position. This increase in force can result in increased stress on the hinge assembly and any associated electrical connectors. In this regard, there remains a need to maintain electrical connections between the upper display portion and the bottom base portion without unduly compromising the reliability of such wiring or connections. In addition, it would be advantageous from a manufacturing standpoint to be able to provide stronger components and assemblies that perform the hinging function with fewer integral components.

While many designs and techniques for providing hinge mechanisms for portable computing devices have generally worked well in the past, there is a continuing need to provide improvements to such hinges, particularly where such improvements can result in smaller overall hinge designs. Accordingly, there is a need for a smaller, yet reliable, robust and low force hinge assembly that facilitates an associated electrical connector for use in a portable computing device, while using fewer components.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an advantage of the present invention to provide a hinge assembly for a portable computing device that is smaller but still reliable, robust and requires less external force, and also facilitates the passage of associated electrical wiring while using fewer integral components. This may be accomplished, at least in part, through the use of a hinge assembly that includes a hollow and partially annular clutch that allows the electrical wires to pass therethrough, and at least one connector integrally formed with the hollow and partially annular clutch.

Broadly speaking, embodiments disclosed herein describe a hinge assembly arranged to pivotally connect a lower base portion of a portable computing device to an upper lid or display portion of the portable computing device. The portable computing device may be, for example, a laptop computer or a mobile phone.

In various embodiments, a hinge assembly arranged to pivotally connect a portable computer base portion to a portable computer lid portion includes an elongated, hollow, partially open clutch, a first fastening element adapted to connect the hollow clutch to a lid portion of a portable computing device, and a second fastening element adapted to connect the hollow clutch to a base portion of the portable computing device. The hollow clutch may be part-cylindrical in nature and may include a part-annular outer region and a central bore region surrounded by the part-annular outer region. The central aperture region may be arranged to allow passage of and provide support for one or more electrical conductors adapted to electrically connect a base portion to a lid portion of the portable computing device. Furthermore, at least one of the first and second fastening elements may be integrally formed with the hollow and partially annular clutch, resulting in stronger and overall fewer parts. The partially annular outer region may have a cross-section defining a material bearing portion and an open region. In some embodiments, the partially annular outer region can have a thickness that varies across a cross-section of the material bearing portion of the partially annular outer region.

Other apparatus, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

Drawings

The drawings are included for illustrative purposes and serve only to provide examples of possible structures and arrangements of the disclosed computer hinge with a hollow clutch. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the invention by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary portable computing device in a side elevation view.

Fig. 1B illustrates an exemplary hinge mechanism of the portable computing device from fig. 1A in a side cutaway view.

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary hinge mechanism with a hollow clutch in a side cross-sectional view, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates the example hollow clutch of FIG. 2A in a side cross-sectional view, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates, in partial side cross-sectional view, the exemplary hinge mechanism of FIG. 2A when installed in a portable computing device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates, in partial top perspective view, the integrated hollow clutch and connector of the exemplary hinge mechanism of FIG. 3 with wiring installed but removed, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B shows the example integrated hollow clutch and connector of FIG. 4A with wiring installed, removed, in a front end perspective view, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary hollow clutch and friction band combination in a top perspective view, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates, in a front perspective view, an exemplary alternative form of a hollow and partially annular clutch and friction band combination in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A illustrates a partial annular outer member of the clutch of FIG. 6 in a front perspective view, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7B illustrates the partially annular outer member of FIG. 7A in side cross-section, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 provides a flow chart of an exemplary method of attaching a cover portion of a computing device to a base portion using an integrated hollow clutch and fastener in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

In this section, exemplary applications of the apparatus and method according to the invention are described. These examples are provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the invention. It will thus be apparent 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 have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Other applications are possible so that the following examples should not be considered limiting.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments of the invention. While these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it is to be understood that these examples are not limiting; such that other embodiments may be used and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The present invention, in various embodiments, relates to portable computing devices, such as any of the various laptop computers manufactured by Apple Inc (Cupertino, California), Cupertino, California. While the various embodiments detailed herein are described with respect to a laptop computer, it is readily understood that the various embodiments described herein are also applicable to other forms of computing devices having hinged primary elements in communication with each other. For example, clamshell-type mobile phones among other computing and electronic devices may also employ the various hinge assemblies, hollow clutches, and details of the present invention.

Computing device

One example of a portable computing device in the form of a laptop computer is shown in fig. 1A in a side elevation view. As shown, the laptop computer 1 may include an upper lid or display portion 10 and a lower base portion 20, which may include one or more processors, memory, batteries, power supplies, keyboards, buttons, touchpad ports, and the like. A hinge mechanism 30 may typically be used to mechanically pivotally connect the lid portion 10 to the base portion 20.

Referring next to fig. 1B, an exemplary hinge mechanism from the portable computing device of fig. 1A is shown in a side cutaway view. Hinge mechanism 30 may include a collection of outer clutch barrel 40, inner clutch 50, and electrical wires or other electrical connectors 62, which may be enclosed in a housing 60 or otherwise bundled together as will be readily appreciated. Such electrical connectors are commonly used to provide power and communication between devices in the lid and base portions of the portable computing device, such as providing power and data from the base unit to a display device in the lid unit. Communication from the antenna in the cover portion to the processor in the base portion is another example of an application for one of the electrical connectors 62.

As shown, the grouped electrical connectors 60 are generally displaced from a first position a to a second position B when the lid portion and the base portion of the portable computing device are moved or pivoted relative to each other. While this movement in the grouped wires or electrical connectors 60 is generally well known, such movement is generally disadvantageous because continued movement can cause the wires 62 to wear and tear, or even become clogged, increase friction, or other undue inconvenience associated with pivoting of the hinge mechanism itself over extended periods of use.

Hollow and complete ring clutch

Turning next to fig. 2A, an exemplary hinge mechanism with a hollow clutch according to one embodiment of the present invention is similarly shown in side cross-sectional view. Similar to hinge mechanism 30 described above, hinge mechanism 100 of the present invention can include an outer clutch barrel 140 and an inner clutch 150. Unlike the hinge mechanisms described above, however, the internal clutch 150 of the hinge mechanism 100 is hollow and allows the cluster or collection 160 of electrical conductors 162 to pass through the cavity 152 therein. In some embodiments, this inner hollow clutch 150 may be cylindrical in nature and may have an annular outer region and a central bore region surrounded by the annular outer region. Also, the central aperture region is adapted to allow passage of and provide support for one or more electrical conductors adapted to electrically connect the base portion to the lid portion of the portable computing device.

The advantages of this hollow clutch element are numerous. The annular clutch can be stiffer and lighter while having a larger diameter because the need for space outside the clutch for electrical conductors is eliminated. In one example, the radius of the cylindrical clutch can be increased from 4.0 millimeters to 4.8 millimeters without changing the clutch barrel size because the electrical conductors are repositioned inside the hollow clutch. As will be readily appreciated, a mechanical stop placed on the outside of a larger diameter clutch in turn has less torque to apply force, so that less force is required to stop the clutch during rotation. As will also be readily appreciated, the larger diameter clutch also creates a larger surface area to help resist movement using the friction band. Furthermore, unlike the movement of wires or cables back and forth between points (e.g., points a and B described above), rotation of the cover and base elements causes only a slight twisting of the electrical connector, which eliminates or substantially reduces wear and tear problems in this regard. In one example, the hollow clutch material may be steel, but it will be readily appreciated that a variety of different materials may be used.

Referring next to FIG. 2B, the example hollow clutch of FIG. 2A is shown in a side cross-sectional view, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Clutch 150 may be formed of any suitable material, such as having an outer radius R₁Having an external surface area per unit length S as defined in equation 1_A：

Formula (1) S_A=2πR₁

Clutch 150 may include an inner region 152 having an inner radius R, bounded byDefining an internal volume S per unit length as defined by equation (2)_VOL：

Formula (2) S_VOL=πR²

In the illustrated embodiment, the inner radius R may vary to provide sufficient space to accommodate the cable bundle 160. As noted above, cable bundle 160 may include a plurality of electrical connectors, wires, or cables arranged to electrically connect the upper cover portion (e.g., display assembly) and the electronic components in the base portion or unit that are pivotally connected to each other via clutch 150. In this way, both power and data can be transferred between the display assembly and the base unit.

Isolating the cable bundle 160 within the interior volume 152 of the clutch 150 helps to reduce cable slippage and reduces the probability of cable chafing. In this way, reduced rub-off phenomena may provide longer term reliability. In addition, the shape integrity of cable bundle 160 is improved, which can prove to improve the design because the entire system is no longer required to account for the cables within cable bundle 160 functioning according to specifications. To provide a restraining force F sufficient to maintain the display assembly in an open position relative to the base unit_resThe friction band 170 may be placed in contact with the outer surface S of the clutch 150_AIn direct contact at the outer friction surface. Thus, the restraining force F per unit length_resCan be matched with the outer radius R₁Are directly related.

Thus, in addition to providing a safe internal repository for cable bundle 160, the resulting friction may also increase due to the increased outer radius, which may result in an increased moment arm due at least in part to the increased outer surface area and due to the larger value of outer radius R1. In this way, the hollow clutch 150 may be stiffer and lighter. In addition, the end stop 154 may be placed on the outer surface S of the clutch 150_AThe above. As will be readily appreciated, because the clutch has a larger radius R1, in the event that it is desired to terminate the amount of rotation between the cover portion and the base portion, a given force resisting movement of the display assembly or upper assembly can be generated with only a small application of torque, for example by abutting the clutchThe end stops 154 act as corresponding stops (not shown) on the outside of the hollow clutch.

Turning next to fig. 3, the exemplary hinge mechanism of fig. 2A is shown in a partial side cutaway view when installed in a portable computing device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The portable computing device 200 may be, for example, a laptop computer having an upper or lid portion 210 and a lower or base portion 220, only some of which are shown here for purposes of illustration and prominence. The hinge mechanism for pivotally connecting the lid portion and the base portion can include a clutch barrel 240, a hollow clutch 250, and at least one fastening element 280 that can be used to connect the hollow clutch to the base portion 220 of the portable computing device 200. A plurality of cables or electrical connectors 260 may pass through the hollow portion of the clutch 250 and travel to corresponding connections at the base portion 220 beyond one end of the hollow portion and also travel to corresponding connections at the cover portion 210 (not shown) beyond the other end of the hollow portion.

The fastening element 280 can include a portion 282 that surrounds all or part of the outer circumference of the hollow clutch 250 in at least one location, and further include another portion 284 having one or more apertures 286 therethrough to allow fastening to the base portion 220 of the portable computing device. One or more fasteners 290 may be used through one or more holes 286 in the fastening element 280 to fasten the base portion 220 to the hollow clutch 250. As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, such fasteners 290 may be, for example, screws, bolts, nails, pins, rivets, or any other suitable fastening means.

Reference is next made to fig. 4A, which is a partial top perspective view of the integrated hollow clutch and connector of the exemplary hinge mechanism of fig. 3, shown with the wiring lines removed, and again installed. Likewise, the portable computing device 200 can include a base portion 220 (shown partially in cross-section) pivotally connected to a top or lid portion (not shown) via a hinge mechanism having a hollow clutch 250. The hollow clutch 250 may have a first region 256 having an annular outer member and a central bore member surrounded by the annular outer member, wherein the central bore member is adapted to allow passage of and provide support for one or more electrical conductors adapted to electrically connect the base portion and the cover portion, as described above. This first region 256 may be, for example, cylindrical.

In addition, the hollow clutch 250 may also include a second region 258 having a fastening element adapted to connect the hollow clutch to a lid portion or a base portion of the portable computing device. This second region 258 may be, for example, flat and have one or more holes 259 therethrough. Preferably, the first hollow region 256 and the second region 258 with the fastening elements are integrally formed as a single component, which again may be formed of any suitable material, such as stainless steel or alloy steel. The one or more holes 259 are adapted to allow one or more fasteners (not shown) to pass therethrough, which in turn causes the hollow clutch and connector 250 to be secured to a cover portion of the computing device.

As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, similar to the above, such fasteners may be, for example, screws, bolts, nails, pins, rivets, or any other suitable fastening means. Additionally, it is readily appreciated that while the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3 and 4A shows a separate fastening element 280 when coupling the clutch portion 256 to the base portion 220 and an integrated fastening element 258 when coupling the clutch portion to the lid portion 210 of the portable computing device, this arrangement may be readily reversed. That is, the integrated clutch and fastening element 250 may instead be fastened directly to the base portion, while the separate fastening element 280 may connect the hollow clutch portion 256 to the lid portion of the computing device.

FIG. 4B shows the example integrated hollow clutch and connector of FIG. 4A with wiring installed, removed, in a front end perspective view, according to one embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from this different perspective view, the integrated hollow clutch and fastening element 250 again includes a hollow and cylindrical first region 256 that supports various cables or electrical connectors 260 and allows the various cables or electrical connectors 260 to pass therethrough, and a fastening element second region 258 having one or more apertures 259 passing therethrough. Likewise, the second region 258 is adapted to facilitate securing the hollow clutch directly to one of a cover portion or a base portion of an associated computing device. A separate fastening element 280 is also shown connecting the integrated hollow clutch and fastening element 250 to the other of the cover portion and the base portion.

Referring next to FIG. 5, an exemplary hollow clutch and friction band combination is shown in a top perspective view, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The hollow clutch and friction band combination 201 may be the same or substantially similar in many or all respects to that shown in fig. 4A and 4B. In particular, the integrated hollow clutch and connector 250 may include a first region or shaft 256 having an internal cavity 252 and a second region or integrated mount 258 having one or more apertures 259. The integral stop 254 may also be formed on the outer surface of the shaft portion 256.

In addition, the integrated friction band and fastening element 270 may be used to provide friction against the shaft 256 during element rotation, and may also be used to fasten or mount the friction band to a corresponding base portion or cover portion of a computing device. In this arrangement, where the friction belt doubles as a mounting element or a fastening element, the friction belt 270 essentially serves as the fastening element 280 described above. Thus, the integrated mount portion 278 corresponds to the portion 284 described above, while the apertures 286 and 279 are substantially identical. Additionally, the friction band and integral stops 274 on the integral mount 270 may be strategically formed and positioned to interact with the opposing integral stops 254 on the hollow clutch and connector 250 such that relative rotation between these components is stopped at a particular angle or position.

By using this integrated hollow clutch and fastening element as a single component, a number of advantages can be created. Also, the hollow clutch part may be stiffer and lighter, while having a larger diameter, since the need for space outside the clutch for electrical conductors is eliminated. The mechanical stop placed on the outside of the larger diameter clutch, in turn, has less torque to apply force, requiring less force to stop the clutch during rotation, so that the mechanical stop can be smaller but more robust and reliable. As will also be readily appreciated, larger diameter clutches also create a larger surface area, helping to resist movement using a friction band. It is also an advantage to have the cable or electrical connector less moving. Furthermore, integrating at least one fastening element with the hollow clutch element (e.g., elements 256 and 258) into a single component 250 results in a smaller number of components, smaller component size, and greater strength of the overall hinge mechanism, all of which makes manufacturing easier.

By using this hollow clutch design, even more advantages can be achieved. For example, a hollow clutch may also be easy to facilitate the use of heat pipes or heat exchangers extending therethrough in addition to electrical cables or connectors. This heat exchange element may be adapted to dissipate heat at one or more locations at the base portion and conduct this heat through the hollow clutch to the upper or lid portion where it may then be dissipated. If the heat in the cover part is a major problem, it is also possible for this heat pipe through the hollow clutch to transfer heat in the opposite direction.

Another application of the hollow portion of the clutch may be as a reservoir for grease, oil, or any other suitable lubricant. As will be readily appreciated, it may be advantageous to facilitate lubrication of the various frictional contact components within the hinge mechanism. Where a continuously prepared supply of lubricant may be located within the hinge mechanism itself, suitable designs may increase the life of such frictionally contacting components, or at least extend the length of time required between component repairs. This lubricant may be contained within a hollow clutch region having one or more covers, seals, and/or strategically located and appropriately sized openings so that a desired amount of grease, oil, or other suitable lubricant may be used where lubrication of the components is desired.

The formation of the friction band and fastening elements 270 may be facilitated in a variety of ways. For example, in one embodiment, the sheet metal strip may be generally wrapped around the hollow shaft. Alternatively, multiple metal sheets may be stamped into certain patterns, and the resulting stamped portions then stacked and combined together to form the finished component. Sheet metal having a thickness of, for example, about 0.4mm may be used for this purpose. As a specific, non-limiting example, the thickness of the integrated mount portion 278, the integrated stop 274, and the entire annular portion of the element 270 may be about 1.0mm, although other dimensions are certainly possible.

Advantages of these techniques may include well-controlled component tolerances, as well as simple processes using standard off-the-shelf materials. However, in using these types of forming techniques, the hollow annular outer shaft portion of the element 270 tends to be closed, and the outer wall thickness is generally constant and symmetrical in nature. This can pose limitations on where the hollow clutch can be located, and can place limitations on the requirement to add material where greater component strength is required (e.g., to facilitate attachment to other components or items). If the sheet metal used to form the elements is too thin, weak spots or damage may also occur in the integral barrier 274.

Hollow and partially annular clutch

Turning now to FIG. 6, an exemplary alternative form of a hollow and partially annular clutch and friction band combination is shown in a front perspective view in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The hollow and partially annular clutch 300 may be similar in many respects to the hollow clutch and friction band combination 201 shown in FIG. 5. In particular, the integrated hollow clutch and connector 350 may include a first element or shaft 356 having an internal cavity and a second element or integrated mount having one or more holes. An integral stop may also be formed on the outer surface of the shaft portion (not shown).

The partially looped outer member 370 may be similar in function to the friction band and fastening member 270 of the above-described embodiments, with several significant differences. Similar to the embodiments described above, the partially annular outer member 370 may include an outer portion that substantially surrounds the shaft 356 of the hollow clutch 350, and may be flat and include one or more apertures 379 for mounting the integral mount portion 378 therethrough. Additionally, the integral stop 374 may be strategically formed and positioned to interact with an opposing integral stop on the hollow clutch 350 such that relative rotation between these components is stopped at a particular angle or position.

Unlike the embodiments described above, however, the partially annular outer member 370 may have a significant gap 390 around the outer circumference of its partially annular and elongated portion. Gap 390 may be positioned opposite mount portion 378 such that overall clutch 300 may be advantageously positioned closer to an inner wall or other tight area within an overall computing device. In addition, the wall thickness of the partially annular outer member surrounding shaft 356 may be asymmetric, such that more material is provided where more strength is needed along various portions of member 370. For example, the amount of material used for the integral barrier 374 can be increased simply by increasing the thickness of the partially annular outer element 370 itself at the location of the integral barrier. As noted above, such an increase in the thickness of the portion of material is often difficult when forming the element using a wound or stamped sheet metal forming process.

Referring next to fig. 7A and 7B, the partially annular outer member of the clutch of fig. 6 is shown in front perspective and side cross-sectional views, respectively. Likewise, the partially annular outer member 370 may include a partially open cylindrical region or inner cavity 352 designed to receive the shaft of the hollow clutch therein. The partially annular or partially open cylindrical appearance is due to the presence of a gap 390 that interrupts the continuity of the outer annular element at one location, preferably opposite or offset from the integral mount portion 378. In practice, the partially annular outer region of the element 370 has a cross-section defining material-carrying portions 391, 392 and an open region 390.

As can be seen in fig. 7B, the thickness of the partially annular region of the element 370 can vary from no thickness at the gap 390 to being thinner at a region 391 proximate the gap and thicker at a region 392 proximate the integral mount portion 378. The variation in thickness along the partially annular region may be specifically designed as desired to account for any issues or features that may require increased strength or more space. For example, when less strength is needed and more space is desired (e.g., at region 391), then the material thickness may be deliberately thinner. Conversely, when greater strength is desired and space is less of an issue (e.g., at the integral stop 374 or where the ring portion is integral with the mount portion 378 at the region 392), then the material may be intentionally thicker. Other thicknesses and features may also be built into the varying thickness of the entire partially annular portion as desired.

The integral mount portion 378 may be flat, relatively thick, and may include a plurality of holes 379 therethrough to facilitate mounting the clutch 300 to another piece of equipment, such as an outer housing of a base or cover for a laptop computer. The integral barrier 374 can be formed in a thicker region of the partially annular outer member 370 so that the article can retain greater strength and less damage. In addition, the thickness of the integral mount portion 378 may be increased so that portion of the element 370 has greater strength and stability when the element 370 is mounted in the rest of the overall device. Additionally, while only two holes 379 are shown through the integrated mount portion 378, it will be readily appreciated that more or fewer holes may be used.

Various methods may be used to facilitate the formation of the partially annular outer member 370. For example, a cold draw extrusion process may be used to longitudinally draw the material according to the particular cross-section desired. Alternatively, casting or metal injection molding may be used to form the element 370. According to either of these forming methods, secondary machining or finishing steps may be used to form the final element, particularly when the inner diameter of the partially annular region must be very precise. As a specific, non-limiting example, the thickness of the integrated mount portion 378, the integrated stop 374, and the region 392 can be about 1.5mm, while the thickness of the region 391 can be about one-third (i.e., 0.5 mm) of the thickness of the thicker region, although other dimensions are certainly possible.

Various advantages may be realized by forming and using such a partially annular outer region having an asymmetric thickness. For example, the need to add additional material to the sheet metal formed cylindrical region to facilitate attachment to other components may be eliminated. Furthermore, the asymmetric thickness profile of the wall sections allows for openings or gaps 390 and thin regions 391, which allow the overall clutch to be positioned closer to the inner wall of the overall device. The asymmetric wall thickness may also provide more thickness where particularly desired (e.g., at the integral barrier 374 and near the integral mount portion 378), thereby providing greater strength. In addition, the asymmetric wall thickness distribution results in a more even distribution of the operating pressure and friction forces over the entire inner surface of the partially annular region (against the shaft received therein), thereby more evenly distributing wear and extending the life of the respective components.

Method of producing a composite material

Finally, fig. 8 provides a flow chart of an exemplary method of attaching a cover portion of a computing device to a base portion using an integrated hollow clutch and fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the steps provided are shown for illustrative purposes only, and that many other or different steps may be included in the method if desired. Further, the order of the steps may be changed where appropriate, and not all of the steps need to be performed in various circumstances. For example, steps such as steps 404 and 406 may be reversed, while step 412 may be performed at least partially at any point in the flow. Other differences are also possible, and it is to be understood that the steps and sequences are not limited in any way.

After start step 400, an initial flow step 402 involves selecting a lid portion and a base portion to be connected together to form a single computing device (e.g., a laptop computer). At a subsequent process step 404, the single component integrated hollow clutch and fastening element is secured to the cover portion. Likewise, the integrated clutch and fastening element may additionally alternatively be fastened to the base portion, for example when a separate fastening element is to be alternatively fastened to the cover portion, as indicated above.

At a next process step 406, a separate fastening element is slid over or otherwise connected to the outer surface of the hollow clutch element, followed by a step 408 where the separate fastening element is fastened to a base portion or bottom of the computing device. At step 410, one or more cables or one or more electrical connectors are fed through the hollow clutch portion, one end of the connector being used by the cover portion and the other end of the connector being used by the base portion. At a next flow step 412, the cables or electrical connectors are then connected to their respective connections at the base portion and the cover portion of the computing device. At a minimum, such connection is preferably completed at step 412, e.g., an initial connection may be made early in the flow, followed by terminating the method at end step 414.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be recognized that the above-described invention may be embodied in many other specific variations and embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Certain changes and modifications may be practiced, and it is understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but rather is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (19)

1. A hinge assembly arranged to pivotally connect a portable computer base portion to a portable computer lid portion, the hinge assembly comprising:

a hollow and partially open clutch having a partially annular outer member with a first integral barrier formed thereon, a shaft portion located at least partially within the outer member and having a second integral barrier formed thereon, and a central bore region internal to the shaft portion and the outer member, wherein the first and second integral barriers interact to limit relative rotation between the outer member and the shaft portion, and wherein the central bore region is adapted to allow passage of and provide support for one or more electrical conductors adapted to electrically connect a base portion to a cover portion of a portable computing device;

a first fastening element adapted to secure the hollow and partially open clutch to the lid portion of the portable computing device; and

a second fastening element adapted to secure the hollow and partially open clutch to the base portion of the portable computing device, wherein at least one of the first fastening element and the second fastening element is integrally formed as a single component with the hollow and partially open clutch.

2. The hinge assembly of claim 1, wherein the partially annular outer element has a cross-section defining a material bearing portion and an open area.

3. The hinge assembly of claim 2, wherein the partially annular outer element has a thickness that varies across the cross-section of its material-carrying portion.

4. The hinge assembly of claim 3, wherein the thickness of the partially annular outer element varies asymmetrically.

5. The hinge assembly of claim 3, wherein the thickness of the partially annular outer element varies from a maximum thickness to a minimum thickness that is about one-third of the maximum thickness.

6. The hinge assembly of claim 2, wherein the open region of the partially annular outer element and the integrally formed fastening element are located on opposite sides of the central bore region.

7. The hinge assembly of claim 1, wherein the central bore region has an inner radius R₁。

8. The hinge assembly of claim 7, further comprising:

a friction band at said radius R₁Is in direct contact with the outer surface of the shaft portion.

9. The hinge assembly of claim 8, wherein the friction band provides a restraining force sufficient to retain the lid portion in an open position relative to the base portion.

10. The hinge assembly of claim 9, wherein the friction band is integrally formed with the outer element.

11. The hinge assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the portable computing device is a laptop computer.

12. A laptop computer, comprising:

an upper cover portion;

a base portion;

a hinge mechanism for pivotally connecting the lid portion and the base portion, the hinge mechanism comprising:

a partially annular outer member having a first integral barrier formed thereon,

a shaft portion at least partially disposed within the outer member and having a second integral barrier formed thereon,

a central bore region inside the shaft portion and the outer element, wherein the first and second integral stops interact to limit relative rotation between the outer element and the shaft portion, the central bore region adapted to support and allow passage of at least one electrical connector therethrough, and

a fastening element coupled to the partially annular outer element, the fastening element having one or more apertures and configured to facilitate fastening of the partially annular outer element directly to the base portion using the fastening element; and

a cable passing through the central bore region and traveling to a corresponding connection at the base portion beyond a first end of the central bore region and also traveling to a corresponding connection at the cover portion beyond a second end of the central bore region.

13. The laptop computer of claim 12, wherein the partially annular outer member has a cross-section defining a material bearing portion and an open area.

14. The laptop computer of claim 13, wherein the partially annular outer member has a thickness that varies across the cross-section of its material-carrying portion.

15. The laptop computer of claim 14, wherein the thickness of the partially annular outer member varies asymmetrically.

16. The laptop computer of claim 14, wherein the thickness of the partially annular outer element varies from a maximum thickness to a minimum thickness that is about one-third of the maximum thickness.

17. The laptop computer of any of claims 12-16, wherein the central aperture region has a radius R₁。

18. The laptop computer of claim 17, further comprising:

a friction band at said radius R₁Is in direct contact with the outer surface of the shaft portion.

19. A method of attaching a lid portion of a computing device to a base portion, comprising:

securing a hollow clutch to the cover portion, wherein the hollow clutch includes an outer element having a first integral barrier formed thereon, a shaft portion located at least partially within the outer element and having a second integral barrier formed thereon, a central bore region located at least partially within the shaft portion and the outer element, and a fastening element integrally formed with the outer element, wherein the first and second integral barriers interact to limit relative rotation between the outer element and the shaft portion, and wherein the outer element has a varying cross-sectional thickness defining a hollow and partially open material-carrying portion;

securing the hollow clutch to the base portion of the computing device;

feeding one or more electrical connectors through the hollow clutch such that ends of the one or more electrical connectors are connected to the cover portion and ends of the one or more electrical connectors are connected to the base portion; and

connecting the one or more electrical connectors to corresponding connectors in the lid portion and the base portion.