Multi-pivot timing chain with link flexures

A computing device, comprising:

• a flexible display supported by a first display-supporting frame and a second display-supporting frame;
• and
• a hinge assembly rotatably coupling the first display-supporting frame to the second display-supporting frame, the hinge assembly comprising a multi-pivot timing chain comprising:
• a plurality of first timing links in a first timing chain layer, the first timing links coupled together via meshing gear teeth on opposing ends of each of the first timing links;
• a plurality of second timing links in a second timing chain layer adjacent to the first timing chain layer, the second timing links coupled together via meshing gear teeth on opposing ends of each of the second timing links;
• and
• a plurality of pins rotatably coupling the first timing links in the first timing chain layer to the second timing links in the second timing chain layer,
• wherein each of the first timing links and each of the second timing links comprises:
• a first gear portion comprising a plurality of first gear teeth;
• a second gear portion opposite the first gear portion and comprising a plurality of second gear teeth;
• a first flexure connecting a first side of the first gear portion to a first side of the second gear portion;
• and
• a second flexure opposite to the first flexure, the second flexure connecting a second side of the first gear portion to a second side of the second gear portion;
• wherein the first flexure and the second flexure in at least one of the first timing links are in tension and are configured to cause a pair of meshing gear teeth in the second timing chain layer to be in compression, thereby creating resistance to rotation of the second timing links that comprise the pair of meshing gear teeth in compression in the second timing chain layer.

A method of assembling a multi-pivot timing chain, the multi-pivot timing chain comprising:

• two first timing links in a first timing chain layer, each of the first timing links comprising gear teeth on opposing ends of first timing link;
• a second timing link in a second timing chain layer adjacent to the first timing chain layer, the second timing link comprising gear teeth on opposing ends;
• and
• first and second pins;
• wherein each of the first timing links and the second timing link comprise:
• a first gear portion comprising a plurality of first gear teeth, the first gear portion defining a first aperture;
• a second gear portion opposite the first gear portion, the second gear portion comprising a plurality of second gear teeth and defining a second aperture;
• a first flexure connecting a first side of the first gear portion to a first side of the second gear portion;
• and
• a second flexure opposite to the first flexure, the second flexure connecting a second side of the first gear portion to a second side of the second gear portion;
• the method comprising:
• meshing the gear teeth of the first gear portion of one of the first timing links with the gear teeth of the second gear portion of the other first timing link;
• inserting the first pin through the second aperture of the second gear portion of the second timing link and through the first aperture of the first gear portion of the one of the first timing links to rotatably couple the second timing link to the one of the first timing links, wherein the first aperture of the first gear portion of the second timing link is misaligned relative to the second aperture of the second gear portion of the other first timing link;
• and
• bringing the first aperture of the first gear portion of the second timing link into concentric alignment with the second aperture of the second gear portion of the other first timing link by inserting the second pin through the first aperture of the first gear portion of the second timing link and through the second aperture of the second gear portion of the other first timing link to rotatably couple the second timing link to the other first timing link, thereby creating tension in the first flexure and the second flexure of the second timing link, wherein the tension acts through the first pin and the second pin to compress the meshing gear teeth of the two first timing links, thereby creating resistance to rotation of the two first timing links.