US 2026/0277279 A1 · MULTI-AXIS PIN JOINT HINGE

Abstract

Laptop or tablet computing devices may utilize various hinge types and styles to connect a display component with a keyboard component of a laptop or a kickstand or other accessory to a tablet. Presenting a continuous visual impression to the user suggests a higher overall quality of the computing device and is thus desirable. The presently disclosed multi-axis pin joint hinge both hides aspects of the hinge and maintains a minimal and consistent gap between connected components. The hinge includes a trio of pin joints that connect first and second links to a tablet and a kickstand, for example. As each pin joint rotates through the range of motion of the hinge, pivot axes all remain intersecting with a point coincident with the rotation axis. As a result, the rotation axis remains in a fixed position throughout the range of motion of the hinge.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A multi-axis pin joint hinge comprising:

a first link;
a second link;
a first pin joint connecting the first link to a first hinged component, the first pin joint rotatable about a first pivot axis;
a second pin joint connecting the first link to the second link, the second pin joint rotatable about a second pivot axis;
and
a third pin joint connecting the second link to a second hinged component, the third pin joint rotatable about a third pivot axis, the hinge to permit the first hinged component to rotate relative to the second hinged component about a rotation axis, wherein the first, second, and third pivot axes intersect at a first point on the rotation axis.

3 more elements

A computing device comprising:

a first device component;
a second device component;
and
a first hinge connecting the first device component to the second device component, the first hinge to permit the first device component to rotate relative to the second device component about a rotation axis, the first hinge including:
a first link;
a second link;
a first pin joint connecting the first link to the first device component, the first pin joint rotatable about a first pivot axis;
a second pin joint connecting the first link to the second link, the second pin joint rotatable about a second pivot axis;
and
a third pin joint connecting the second link to the second device component, the third pin joint rotatable about a third pivot axis, wherein the first, second, and third pivot axes intersect at a first point on the rotation axis.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multi-axis pin joint hinge

Life of this patent

Multi-axis pin joint hinge

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20