Abstract: A user input device may provide variable (e.g., adjustable and/or adaptive) feedback. Some embodiments can include a controllable magnetic system that can be configured to selectively resist rotation of a control stick about a first and second axis. The resistance applied by the magnetic system can be adjusted based on a user input, adjusted based on an input from a computer application, dynamically based on events occurring in an application (such as feedback from events in a gaming application), or a combination of these and other feedback controls. In at least one aspect, an input device includes a shaft configured to rotate about a first axis and a second axis, the shaft having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a first magnet configured to emit a controllable magnetic field; and a second magnet interposed between the first magnet and the first end of the joystick.

Abstract: An input device for an information handling system may include a body and a plurality of three-input switches positioned on the body. Each of the plurality of three-input switches includes a first outer portion, pressable to enter a first input, a center portion, pressable to enter a second input, and a second outer portion, pres sable to enter a third input. The first outer portion is adjacent to a first side of the center portion, and the second outer portion is adjacent to a second side of the center portion.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, devices, apparatuses, and methods of adjusting a resistance of user-input device, such as a joystick. In particular configurations, the device includes a joystick configured to rotate about a first axis and a second axis and a first resistance mechanism coupled to the joystick. The first resistance mechanism can include a rotary damper configured to selectively resist rotation of the joystick about the first axis and a processor in communication with the rotary damper and configured to adjust a resistance torque of the rotary damper. The rotary damper may provide resistance through manipulation of a magnetorheological (MR) fluid in the fluid damper.

Abstract: A secondary display may be integrated into a form factor of an information handling system having a primary display in a manner that synchronizes movement of the secondary display with the primary display. The secondary display may move from a closed position to an open position along with moving of a primary display from a closed to an open position. A rack and pinion mechanism may synchronize the secondary display with the primary display through a first and second primary pinion coupling a primary shaft of the primary display to a rack. A secondary pinion may couple a secondary shaft of the secondary display to the rack. Movement of the secondary display may be synchronized with movement of the primary display through the rack and pinions.

Abstract: An integral toolless-installation Compression Attached Memory Module (CAMM) bolster plate has a generally flat, parallelepiped body portion configured to contact one surface of a CAMM Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and provide compression between the CAMM and a z-axis compression connector. The bolster plate body defines (a) ramped keyhole(s), each ramped keyhole converts lateral displacement of the toolless-installation CAMM bolster plate into vertical displacement, providing the compression between the CAMM and the z-axis compression connector, by the ramped keyhole(s) sliding along (a) bottom face(s) of (a) head(s) of (a) fixed standoff(s) extending from an information handling system (IHS) PCB, through the z-axis compression connector and the CAMM PCB. The integral toolless-installation CAMM bolster plate may lock in place, laterally displaced, to maintain the compression between the CAMM and the z-axis compression connector.

Abstract: A fingerprint reader/power button system includes a base member defining base leg apertures extending into the base member. A spring member engages the base member to provide a spring force that is directed away from the base member. Spring legs on the spring member define respective spring leg apertures that are located adjacent respective base leg apertures. A support member engages the spring member and includes support legs that are configured to extend through the spring leg apertures and into the base leg apertures. A power actuator element connected to the support member is configured to engage a power actuator engagement element when an actuation force on the support member overcomes the spring force. A fingerprint reader connected to the support member is configured to read a fingerprint from a finger that engages a fingerprint reader surface on the fingerprint reader.

Abstract: A secondary display may be integrated into a form factor of an information handling system having a primary display in a manner that synchronizes movement of the secondary display with the primary display. The secondary display may move from a closed position to an open position along with moving of a primary display from a closed to an open position. A rack and pinion mechanism may synchronize the secondary display with the primary display through a first and second primary pinion coupling a primary shaft of the primary display to a rack. A secondary pinion may couple a secondary shaft of the secondary display to the rack. Movement of the secondary display may be synchronized with movement of the primary display through the rack and pinions.

Abstract: A fingerprint reader/power button system includes a base member defining base leg apertures extending into the base member. A spring member engages the base member to provide a spring force that is directed away from the base member. Spring legs on the spring member define respective spring leg apertures that are located adjacent respective base leg apertures. A support member engages the spring member and includes support legs that are configured to extend through the spring leg apertures and into the base leg apertures. A power actuator element connected to the support member is configured to engage a power actuator engagement element when an actuation force on the support member overcomes the spring force. A fingerprint reader connected to the support member is configured to read a fingerprint from a finger that engages a fingerprint reader surface on the fingerprint reader.

Abstract: A fingerprint reader/power button system includes a base member defining base leg apertures extending into the base member. A spring member engages the base member to provide a spring force that is directed away from the base member. Spring legs on the spring member define respective spring leg apertures that are located adjacent respective base leg apertures. A support member engages the spring member and includes support legs that are configured to extend through the spring leg apertures and into the base leg apertures. A power actuator element connected to the support member is configured to engage a power actuator engagement element when an actuation force on the support member overcomes the spring force. A fingerprint reader connected to the support member is configured to read a fingerprint from a finger that engages a fingerprint reader surface on the fingerprint reader.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a computing system, including a first hinge bracket including a hinge shaft, the first hinge bracket coupled to a first body of the computing system; a second hinge bracket coupled to the hinge shaft, the second hinge bracket coupled to a second body of the computing system; friction disks positioned on the hinge shaft, the friction disks configured to exert a torque on the hinge shaft; an adjustment nut coupled to the hinge shaft, the adjustment nut configured to exert a force on the friction disks; a first spring clutch coupled to the adjustment nut, the first spring clutch configured to control a positioning of the adjustment nut relative to the friction disks; a first shape memory alloy (SMA) wire coupled to the spring clutch, wherein, upon energization, a length of the first SMA wire is adjusted to change the positioning of the adjustment nut.

Abstract: A portable information handling system rotationally couples housing portions with a hinge having an adjustable friction device that adjusts a torque resisting rotation of the housing portions between alternate settings by sending an electronic pulse to an electropermanent magnet. For instance, activation of a magnetic field pulls a lever that compresses compression discs coupled to a hinge axle to increase torque, such as to hold the housing portions in position. An electronic pulse deactivates the magnetic field when an end user desires to rotate the housing portions, such as may be indicated by an end user touch at a housing portion.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a computing system, including a first hinge bracket including a hinge shaft, the first hinge bracket coupled to a first body of the computing system; a second hinge bracket coupled to the hinge shaft, the second hinge bracket coupled to a second body of the computing system; friction disks positioned on the hinge shaft, the friction disks configured to exert a torque on the hinge shaft; an adjustment nut coupled to the hinge shaft, the adjustment nut configured to exert a force on the friction disks; a first spring clutch coupled to the adjustment nut, the first spring clutch configured to control a positioning of the adjustment nut relative to the friction disks; a first shape memory alloy (SMA) wire coupled to the spring clutch, wherein, upon energization, a length of the first SMA wire is adjusted to change the positioning of the adjustment nut.

Abstract: A keyboard translates key inputs to a touchscreen display disposed under the keyboard with the keys biased away from the touchscreen display by an elastic material that engages with the touchscreen display. The elastic material couples the keys to a lattice held within a frame and having a height of less than the frame. The keys extend to an input position if the lattice presses against the touchscreen display, such as by being held in place with magnetic attraction. The keys retract to within the lattice if the lattice is raised relative to the touchscreen display, the elastic material biasing the lattice upward away from the touchscreen display.

Abstract: A portable information handling system rotationally couples first and second housing portions with a multi-axis hinge and disposes a flexible display over the first and second housing portions supported by a first sliding support over the first housing portion and a second sliding support over the second housing portion. An actuator interfaced with the multi-axis hinge translates hinge axis rotation into lateral movement of the sliding supports to adjust sliding support positions relative to flexible display positions as the flexible display folds around the hinge inner circumference.

Abstract: A portable information handling system rotationally couples housing portions with a hinge having an adjustable friction device that adjusts a torque resisting rotation of the housing portions between alternate settings by sending an electronic pulse to an electropermanent magnet. For instance, activation of a magnetic field pulls a lever that compresses compression discs coupled to a hinge axle to increase torque, such as to hold the housing portions in position. An electronic pulse deactivates the magnetic field when an end user desires to rotate the housing portions, such as may be indicated by an end user touch at a housing portion.

Abstract: A portable information handling system rotationally couples first and second housing portions with a multi-axis hinge and disposes a flexible display over the first and second housing portions supported by a first sliding support over the first housing portion and a second sliding support over the second housing portion. An actuator interfaced with the multi-axis hinge translates hinge axis rotation into lateral movement of the sliding supports to adjust sliding support positions relative to flexible display positions as the flexible display folds around the hinge inner circumference.

Abstract: A keyboard translates key inputs to a touchscreen display disposed under the keyboard with the keys biased away from the touchscreen display by an elastic material that engages with the touchscreen display. The elastic material couples the keys to a lattice held within a frame and having a height of less than the frame. The keys extend to an input position if the lattice presses against the touchscreen display, such as by being held in place with magnetic attraction. The keys retract to within the lattice if the lattice is raised relative to the touchscreen display, the elastic material biasing the lattice upward away from the touchscreen display.

Abstract: A latch with magnetically-assisted operation is described. In some embodiments, a latch may include: a first magnetic device fixedly coupled to a first portion of an Information Handling System (IHS); a second magnetic device coupled to a second movable portion of the IHS; and a carrier, comprising: a compression bracket fixedly coupled to the first portion of the IHS, the compression bracket having a slot configured to accommodate the second magnetic device, at least one guidepost configured to receive a return spring, and at least one stopping pin; and a actuator bracket movably coupled to compression bracket, the actuator bracket having a button configured to translate the second magnetic device with respect to the first magnetic device, at least one orifice configured to engage with the at least one guidepost, and at least one detent configured to engage with the at least one stopping pin.

Abstract: A flexible roll-up information handling system may include two chassis bodies that are connected using two scissor hinges for opening and closing. A coiled flexible display may be provided at an external surface for operation by a user, and may be rolled up in one of the chassis bodies, while being fixed to the other chassis body. The scissor hinges may be adjusted to provide friction to balance the closing force of the coiled flexible display, which may include a steel spring backing layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for preventing a display component of a portable information handling system from opening when in an upside down position. The portable information handling system may include a base component coupled to the display component by a gravity lockout hinge. The gravity lockout hinge may include a shaft, a bearing channel having a bearing channel surface opposite the shaft, and a movable bearing disposed in the bearing channel. The gravity lockout hinge may, when the portable information handling system is in an upside down position and a gravitational force is exerted on the display component, exert a first frictional torque on the shaft that may cause the movable bearing to contact the shaft and the bearing channel surface, and exert a second frictional torque on the shaft that may prevent an angular position of the display component relative to the base component from being changed.