Hi

We're looking for a dual hinge for a netbook/ notebook - similar to the one on the recently launched E-Reader + Notebook, the Entourage Edge
http://www.entourageedge.com/devices/en ... -edge.html

Could someone please point me to options of sources?

Thanks a ton in advance

 

Re: Looking for 'dual' Hinge like in the Entourage Edge Note

WoI:

I never seen this type of double hinge available as an off-the-shelf item, but I have design several dozen of them over the years for different applications.

 

Re: Looking for 'dual' Hinge like in the Entourage Edge Note

Try these guys http://www.strawberrycorporation.com/pr ... all_en.php , I like the ones under the customized section... They have some pretty cool designs.

 

Re: Looking for 'dual' Hinge like in the Entourage Edge Note

@mvalenti Thanks for the pointer to strawberry. They were the first guys we contacted, but there has been no response. If you know someone there (handling sales preferably), please do paste his contacts on this thread. Are there other similar large scale manufacturers of notebook hinges? Southco was another that came a cropper.

@connectuTS, we thought about a custom hinge, but do not want to go down that route because of constraints of time and resources. Personally, I dont quite like the Entourage's hinge geometry. I would have liked to work with a single axis hinge that went 180degrees, and fore-go the full 360deg rotation.

@Gareth, I think I would agree about the budgets and willingness to go the custom route. I looked at some of the smallest friction hinges to check if I could make a dual hinge by integrating two, but the sizes dont add up (or they add up too much) to close to the Edge's sizes.

In the absence of an off-the-shelf option, any other route you would recommend to create a single hinge - 180deg opening - with mating surfaces opening up into a single plane (at 180deg), almost like a Piano Hinge?.

 

Re: Looking for 'dual' Hinge like in the Entourage Edge Note

I remember calling the company directly but I dont have a contact unfortunatly to give you. If I recall email was almost useless with them. Sounds like you have hit all the direct routes. You might try if you havnt already, google notebook replacement hinges... or something to that effect, but if its a new model chances are slim you will be able to get parts for it yet. I'll keep my eyes open for you!

-Mark

 

Re: Looking for 'dual' Hinge like in the Entourage Edge Note

As I looked at the design of the product you posted... I bet they are accomplishing this through the use of 2 sets of standard friction hinges.... the "bar" between the leafs, is just a link...


I found this...
http://www.laptoprepairco.com/Search/hinges/hinges.asp

 

Re: Looking for 'dual' Hinge like in the Entourage Edge Note

I thought of that too, which means the search should be for the smallest hinge in this class which can be brazed or welded together. But if you look at this review http://www.laptopmag.com/review/tablets ... -edge.aspx and specifically at this gallery http://www.laptopmag.com/review/newgall ... 1007&img=2
it appears that the two hinges are 'connected' by more than just a link to keep them together. It looks like this because otherwise the hinge with less friction would be the one that gives way while opening each time, with the other set 'following' after the first has run its entire rotation. The review images should have betrayed that.

 

Re: Looking for 'dual' Hinge like in the Entourage Edge Note

I wouldnt trust pictures the pictures, they are carefully staged presentations. I still think it is 4 hinges, but not welded together. The hinge body resides in the leafs, and the offset pins reside in the oblong plastic hinge. Pairs of pins are arranged in that they are parrallel and tangent to one another. Your right about the hinge with least resistance, no getting around that, but in this case I dont think they did.

 

Re: Looking for 'dual' Hinge like in the Entourage Edge Note

I found these additional manufacturers
http://www.thomasnet.com/nsearch.html?c ... g=38201554
and a subset here
http://www.thomasnet.com/nsearch.html?c ... g=97003486

Any review of these manufacturers?

I found this manufacturer, in particular, quite interesting
http://www.reell.com/catalog/index.php? ... ucts_id=30

Has anyone used torque inserts before for any application?
http://www.reell.com/catalog/index.php? ... ucts_id=53
It looks like we have to mould these in into glass filled nylon. Not sure how that can be done. Does anyone have any experience creating notebook hinges out of a torque insert?