Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Devin Samuel Jacob Caplow-Munro

Errol Mark Tazbaz

Brett Andrew Tomky

Denys V Yaremenko

Daniel Clark Park

Karsten Aagaard

Eric Paul Witt

Tung Yuen Lau

Prasad Raghavendra

Anne Maristella Pirie

Mika Martti Ylitalo

Luke Schwartzel

Rajesh Surapureddy

Luke O Schwartzel

A foldable computing device comprises a first portion, a second portion, a hinge assembly rotatably coupling the first portion to the second portion, and a flexible display. The flexible display extends at least partially across the first portion and at least partially across the second portion, and spans the hinge assembly between the first portion and the second portion. The hinge assembly includes a hinge core, a first linkage component rotatably coupling the hinge core to the first portion and forming a portion of a backing support for the flexible display, and a first hinge guide rotatably coupling the hinge core to the first portion. The hinge assembly further includes a second linkage component rotatably coupling the hinge core to the second portion and forming another portion of the backing support for the flexible display, and a second hinge guide rotatably coupling the hinge core to the second portion.

Computing device with hinge and flexible display

A foldable computing device comprises a first portion, a second portion, a hinge assembly rotatably coupling the first portion to the second portion, and a flexible display. The hinge assembly includes a hinge core, a timing element, a first linkage component rotatably coupling the hinge core to the first portion, a first hinge guide rotatably coupling the hinge core to the first portion, a second linkage component rotatably coupling the hinge core to the second portion, and a second hinge guide rotatably coupling the hinge core to the second portion. The first linkage component defines one or more helical surfaces that interface with the timing element, and the second linkage component defines one or more helical surfaces that interface with the timing element. The timing element coordinates rotation of the first linkage component with rotation of the second linkage component.

Timing mechanism for foldable computing device

Hinged computing devices often connect two components via one or more hinges, using either a door-hinge style or other conventional hinge style. Presenting a continuous visual impression of the computing device to the user, with any gaps covered, provides protection to internal components and suggests a higher overall quality of the computing device to the user. Using conventional hinges, achieving a 360-degree range of motion is difficult, and often requires a pair of hinges connected by a spine to accommodate the respective thicknesses of the two hinged components in all orientations. However, using a pair of conventional hinges connected by a spine to achieve a 360-degree range of motion can yield a variable gap between the spine and the hinged components. The presently disclosed technology is directed to mechanically deterministic sliding covers that conceal these variable gaps, while still maintaining a 360-degree range of motion of the computing device.

Computing device hinge with sliding cover

Examples are disclosed relating to computing devices and methods for determining angular orientations of a first planar substrate rotatably coupled to a second planar substrate. In one example, a method comprises: receiving at a three-axis magnetic sensor in the second substrate a magnetic field emanating from a magnet array in the first substrate; determining magnetic flux densities at first and second sensing axes of the sensor throughout a range of degrees; and using the magnetic flux densities to determine multiple angular orientations of the first substrate relative to the second planar substrate.

Rotatably coupled touch screen displays

Growing community of inventors

Seattle, WA, United States of America

Devin Samuel Jacob Caplow-Munro