Computing device

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12530054-B2
Application number	US-202318206957-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jun 7, 2023
Priority date	Jun 7, 2023
Publication date	Jan 20, 2026
Grant date	Jan 20, 2026

Abstract

A computing device can include a processor, memory accessible to the processor; a display operatively coupled to the processor, a housing that includes four corners formed by opposing side edges that extend between opposing front and back edges; and breakable bumpers, where each of the breakable bumpers is coupled to the housing at one or more of the four corners.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . A computing device comprising:
a processor; memory accessible to the processor; a display operatively coupled to the processor; a housing that comprises four corners formed by opposing side edges that extend between opposing front and back edges; and breakable bumpers, wherein each of the breakable bumpers is coupled to the housing at one or more of the four corners, and wherein each of the breakable bumpers comprises an expressible material that is expressed responsive to a breaking force.

2 . The computing device of claim 1 , wherein each of the breakable bumpers comprises multiple pieces.

3 . The computing device of claim 2 , wherein the multiple pieces comprise interlocking pieces.

4 . The computing device of claim 3 , wherein the interlocking pieces comprise at least one extension receivable in at least one socket.

5 . The computing device of claim 2 , wherein the interlocking pieces are connectable via an interference fit.

6 . The computing device of claim 5 , wherein the interference fit comprises an associated interference fit force.

7 . The computing device of claim 6 , wherein the interference fit force is equal to the product of a contact surface interference pressure, a contact surface area of an interface, and a coefficient of friction at the interface.

8 . The computing device of claim 1 , wherein each of the breakable bumpers comprises a plastically deformable material.

9 . The computing device of claim 8 , wherein the plastically deformable material comprises a yield strength.

10 . The computing device of claim 1 , wherein each of the breakable bumpers comprises at least one plastically deformable structure.

11 . The computing device of claim 10 , wherein the at least one plastically deformable structure comprises one or more of a plastically deformable cavity, a plastically deformable spike, and a plastically deformable ridge.

12 . The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the expressible material comprises a fluid.

13 . The computing device of claim 12 , wherein the fluid comprises one or more of a liquid and a gas.

14 . The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the expressible material comprises a gel.

15 . The computing device of claim 1 , wherein each of the breakable bumpers comprises an electro- and/or magneto-rheological fluid.

16 . The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the housing is a first housing and comprising a second housing and a hinge assembly that couples the first housing and the second housing for transitions between a closed position and open positions.

17 . The computing device of claim 16 , wherein the second housing comprises breakable bumpers.

18 . The computing device of claim 17 , wherein, in the closed position, portions of the breakable bumpers are disposed between the first housing and the second housing.

19 . The computing device of claim 18 , wherein the portions of the breakable bumpers disposed between the first housing and the second housing form a gap between the first housing and the second housing, wherein the gap is less than 5 mm.

20 . A computing device comprising:
a processor; memory accessible to the processor; a display operatively coupled to the processor; a housing that comprises four corners formed by opposing side edges that extend between opposing front and back edges; and breakable bumpers, wherein each of the breakable bumpers is coupled to the housing at one or more of the four corners, and wherein each of the breakable bumpers comprises an electro- and/or magneto-rheological fluid.

Assignees

• Lenovo Singapore Pte Ltd

Inventors

• Norton Jr Robert James
• Kapinos Robert J
• Vanblon Russell S
• Li Scott Wentao

Classifications

• G06F1/1616

  with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position · CPC title

• G06F1/1656 Primary

  Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories (mounting of accessories to a computer display G06F1/1607; display hoods G06F1/1603; cooling arrangements for portable computers G06F1/203) · CPC title