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US 11,650,632 B2Granted
Synchronous multi-segment hinge for foldable devices
AssigneeDell Products L.P.
InventorsJason Morrison, Chris Torres
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A hinge apparatus may include a plurality of plates configured to be rigidly coupled to a foldable component, and a plurality of gears mechanically coupling the plurality of plates to one another. The hinge apparatus may be operable to expand such that, when the hinge apparatus transitions from a flat state to a folded state, the plurality of gears are configured to cause the plurality of plates to translate laterally apart from one another at a selected rate.
Claims18
A hinge apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of plates configured to be rigidly coupled to a foldable component;
- and
- a plurality of gears mechanically coupling the plurality of plates to one another;
- wherein the hinge apparatus is operable to expand such that, when the hinge apparatus transitions from a flat state to a folded state, the plurality of gears are configured to cause the plurality of plates to translate laterally apart from one another at a selected rate;
- and
- wherein, when the hinge apparatus is in the flat state, the plurality of plates are in contact with one another, without gaps therebetween.
3 more elements
A method comprising:
- coupling a plurality of plates to one another via a plurality of gears to create a hinge apparatus;
- and
- rigidly coupling the plurality of plates to a foldable component;
- wherein the hinge apparatus is operable to expand such that, when the hinge apparatus transitions from a flat state to a folded state, the plurality of gears are configured to cause the plurality of plates to translate laterally apart from one another at a selected rate;
- and
- wherein, when the hinge apparatus is in the flat state, the plurality of plates are in contact with one another, without gaps therebetween.
3 more elements
An information handling system comprising:
- a foldable display panel;
- a hinge apparatus rigidly coupled to the foldable display panel;
- wherein the hinge apparatus includes:
- a plurality of plates;
- and
- a plurality of gears mechanically coupling the plurality of plates to one another;
- wherein the hinge apparatus is operable to expand such that, when the hinge apparatus transitions from a flat state to a folded state, the plurality of gears are configured to cause the plurality of plates to translate laterally apart from one another at a selected rate;
- and
- wherein, when the hinge apparatus is in the flat state, the plurality of plates are in contact with one another, without gaps therebetween.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.