Magnetic closure system for a device

Abstract

An improved method and system for providing a magnetic closure system for an electronic device (100) can include a first portion (130), a second portion (150), a connecting element (145) pivotally connecting the first portion to the second portion and configured to enable the electronic device to be folded between a closed position and an open position, and a magnetic element (160, 165) for providing a closing force to bias the electronic device in the closed position. The magnetic element can include a first pair of magnets and a second pair of magnets, each of the first pair of magnets and the second pair of magnets including a first magnet housed within the first portion and a second magnet housed within the second portion. The first pair of magnets can provide an attractive magnetic force that biases the electronic device in the closed position, while the second pair of magnets can provide a repulsive magnetic force that partially offsets the bias from the attractive magnetic force as a gap between the first portion and the second portion decreases, and a pole size of the second pair of magnets is smaller than a pole size of the first pair of magnets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to closed magnets for electronic devices, and more specifically to systems and methods for leveling magnetic closure force curves to keep the device in a closed position. Background Technology

[0002] Many computer users utilize screen protectors on their electronic devices to protect the screen from accidental damage and scratches (e.g., screen protectors) or to provide privacy by limiting the viewing angle of the screen (e.g., by using privacy films). Such screen protectors are typically made of a thin film that can be removably attached to the screen. For electronic devices such as laptops, foldable mobile phones, foldable tablets, or devices with foldable covers, the presence of a screen protector can increase the distance between the two parts of the device when it is in a closed (e.g., folded) position. Because it is often important to keep such devices closed after they have been placed in a closed position, a closure mechanism can be used to hold these devices in their closed position. However, the presence of a screen protector can adversely affect the closure mechanism.

[0003] To compensate for this, some devices utilize mechanisms that provide increased closing force. However, this can lead to an increase in the force required to open the device, especially without a screen protector. This increased force typically means that users must exert more effort (e.g., use both hands instead of just one) and concentrate to open their device. Furthermore, the increased force can make the device more difficult to use for people with disabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Apparatus and methods for a closing structure of an electronic device are described. In one general aspect, this disclosure proposes an electronic device comprising a first portion, a second portion, a connecting element pivotally connecting the first portion to the second portion and configured to allow the electronic device to fold between a closed position and an open position, and a magnetic element for providing a closing force to bias the electronic device in the closed position. In some implementations, the magnetic element includes a first magnet pair and a second magnet pair, each of the first and second magnet pairs including a first magnet housed within the first portion and a second magnet housed within the second portion, the first magnet pair providing an attractive magnetic force biasing the electronic device in the closed position, the second magnet pair providing a repulsive magnetic force partially counteracting the bias from the attractive magnetic force as the gap between the first and second portions decreases, and the pole size of the second magnet pair being smaller than the pole size of the first magnet pair.

[0005] In another general aspect, this application describes a method for manufacturing a magnetic closure system for an electronic device. The method may include: providing a magnetic material; forming a first magnet array from the magnetic material; and forming a second magnet array from the magnetic material, wherein each of the first and second magnet arrays includes a first magnet and a second magnet, the first magnet of the first magnet array and the first magnet of the second magnet array being configured to provide an attractive magnetic force that biases the electronic device in a closed position, the second magnet of the first magnet array and the second magnet of the second magnet array being configured to provide a repulsive magnetic force that partially counteracts the bias from the attractive magnetic force when the gap between a first and a second portion of the electronic device decreases, and the pole dimensions of the second magnet of the first magnet array and the second magnet of the second magnet array being selected such that the pole dimensions are smaller than the pole dimensions of the first magnet of the first magnet array and the first magnet of the second magnet array.

[0006] This disclosure is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts also described in the detailed description. This disclosure is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to the implementation of solutions to any or all the shortcomings mentioned in any part of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more implementations of this teaching by way of example only and not limitation. In the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. Furthermore, it should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0008] Figure 1A A schematic side view of an electronic device including a magnetic closure system is depicted.

[0009] Figure 1B Depicting Figure 1A A schematic representation of an alternative side view of an electronic device.

[0010] Figure 2A-2B A simplified schematic representation of a magnetic closure system for use in electronic devices is depicted.

[0011] Figures 3A-3B A front view depicting a simplified schematic representation of an electronic device in its closed position.

[0012] Figure 4 A diagram depicting how magnetic force changes with the gap size between the top and bottom components of an electronic device.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a magnetic closure system for electronic devices. Detailed Implementation

[0014] In the detailed description below, numerous specific details are illustrated by way of example to provide a thorough understanding of the teachings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, upon reading this specification, that various aspects can be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and / or circuit systems have been described at a relatively high level without detailed explanation in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various aspects of the teachings.

[0015] Many personal computing devices today incorporate foldable elements. These include laptops with a display and a dock, devices with two displays (e.g., dual-screen laptops), foldable tablets, foldable mobile phones, and devices that are not foldable themselves but utilize a foldable casing. Users typically fold their devices to a closed position when not in use. This can be done to prevent damage to the device, facilitate transportation, and so on. Once the device is in a closed position, it is usually important for the user to keep it closed until they decide to open it again. Additionally, to increase accessibility and user convenience, some electronic devices utilize a one-finger opening mechanism, which ensures that the device can be fully opened using only one finger (e.g., it does not require using one hand to hold the device and the other to open it). Therefore, it is important to balance the need for sufficient closing force (e.g., magnetic closure) to keep the device closed with the need for an opening mechanism that is accessible to the user.

[0016] To balance the need to keep the device closed while also providing a low-effort opening experience, some devices utilize magnetic closure mechanisms involving the use of magnetic elements. The magnetic elements can be selected such that they provide an amount of attraction sufficient to hold the device in the closed position, while also minimizing the difficulty of opening the device.

[0017] In addition, many users may choose to apply a screen protector to their devices to protect the display elements, one or more other components of the device (e.g., a keyboard cover), and / or protect their privacy. As used herein, the term "screen protector" can refer to any protective film used to protect components of an electronic device and / or protect user privacy. When the device is in the closed position, a screen protector positioned between two foldable elements may increase the distance between the foldable elements. This, in turn, affects the amount of magnetic force required to keep the device closed and the amount of force required to open the device. Therefore, a closure mechanism not adapted for use with a screen protector or not used with a screen protector may not function correctly for all users.

[0018] To address these and other issues, a solution is provided that utilizes a magnetic closure system comprising two pairs of magnets. In some implementations, each pair includes one magnet housed within a first portion of the device and another magnet housed within a second portion of the device. The first pair of magnets provides an attractive magnetic force that biases the device into a closed position, while the second pair of magnets provides a repulsive magnetic force that partially counteracts the attractive force of the first pair as the distance between the first and second portions decreases. The pole sizes of the second pair of magnets can be smaller than those of the first pair of magnets, so that the curve of the closing force versus distance is flattened when the device is closed. The resulting magnetic closure mechanism operates to hold the device in a closed position with or without a screen protector, while also providing the user with an accessible opening experience.

[0019] As those skilled in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, the benefits and advantages provided by such implementations may include, but are not limited to, solutions to the technical problem of providing a closure mechanism for foldable devices that keeps the device closed when in the closed position and provides an accessible, unobstructed opening experience, regardless of whether a screen protector is used. Furthermore, the closure system is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and implement, thereby saving on design and production costs.

[0020] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1A A schematic side view of an electronic device 100 including a magnetic closure system is depicted. In some implementations, device 100 is a foldable personal computer with an open and closed configuration. Examples of suitable electronic devices include, but are not limited to, single-screen laptops, dual-screen laptops, foldable tablets, foldable mobile phones, and non-foldable electronic devices used with a foldable housing. Figure 1A In the example, device 100 is a single-screen laptop computer having a top portion 130 movably connected to a bottom portion 150. The top portion 130 may include a housing 135 and a display screen 120. The outer housing 135 may provide a enclosure for the display screen 120 and various other components that may be included in the top portion 130 of device 100.

[0021] The bottom portion 150 may include a keyboard on its top surface. In some implementations, the bottom portion 150 includes an outer housing 155 having internal volumes for accommodating various components. Each of the outer housings 135 or 155 may be formed of a material such as metal, plastic, or polymer. The bottom portion 150 may be movably connected to the top portion 130 via a connecting element 145. In one example, the connecting element 145 includes one or more hinges. The connecting element 145 allows the top portion 130 to pivot relative to the bottom portion 150 to provide multiple modes. For example, the connecting element 145 may allow the top portion 130 to move from a vertically open position to a horizontally closed position and vice versa. In the closed position, the top portion 130 may be positioned adjacent to the bottom portion 150.

[0022] To bias the top portion to hold it securely in place during the closed position, device 100 may include magnetic elements. The magnetic elements may include a top magnetic element 165 housed within the top portion 130 and a bottom magnetic element 160 housed within the bottom portion 150. The magnetic elements may be positioned anywhere within the top and bottom portions 130, provided they provide sufficient magnetic force to hold the device in the closed position. The magnetic elements may provide both an attractive magnetic force and a repulsive magnetic force that partially counteracts the attractive magnetic force, as discussed further below.

[0023] In some implementations, device 100 includes a screen protector 140 attachable to display screen 120. Screen protector 140 may include a thin protective film that is attached directly or indirectly to display screen 120 (or a keyboard or other component of the device) to protect the screen (or any other component to which it is attached) from damage and / or provide privacy (e.g., a privacy film). It should be noted that in some implementations, the privacy film is thicker than the screen protector, and the term "screen protector" as used herein includes screen protectors, keyboard protectors, and privacy films. In some implementations, screen protector 140 is made of glass or acrylic and provides high transparency. Because the screen protector is attached to display screen 120, it is located between the top portion 130 and the bottom portion 150 when the device is in a closed configuration. This may increase the distance between the top magnetic element 165 and the bottom magnetic element 160 in the closed position, and thus may affect the strength of the magnetic force between the two elements. The increased distance affects the amount of attractive magnetic force required to hold device 100 in the closed position and the amount of force required to open device 100.

[0024] Figure 1BAn alternative side view schematic representation of device 100 when it is opened is depicted. When a user wishes to begin operating device 100 and device 100 is in a closed position (e.g., top element 130 is positioned adjacent to bottom portion 150), the user can apply a force to top element 130 in a vertical direction (e.g., the z-direction) to open device 100. The force applied to top element 130 can exert a rotational force or torque about connecting element 145, which moves top element 130 away from bottom portion 150. The amount of force required to move top element 130 from the closed position to the desired vertical position can vary for devices of various sizes and weights and can depend in part on the attractive magnetic force that biases device 100 in the closed position. In some implementations, the pair of magnetic elements is designed such that device 100 can be opened using only one hand or only one finger. As used herein, the amount of force required to achieve a single-finger opening operation from the closed position to the open position is 10 Newtons or less. In some implementations, the opening force for a single finger-opening operation is 4 Newtons or less to further improve user accessibility. In some cases, the force required to hold the device in the closed position is 1 Newton or more. In some cases, the force required to hold the device in the closed position is 2 Newtons or more. Therefore, in some implementations, the magnetic force provided by the magnetic element generates a total magnetic force when the device is in the closed position, which enables the device 100 to be opened with a user force between 2 and 10 Newtons.

[0025] To achieve this, the magnetic element can be configured to provide both an attractive magnetic force and a repulsive magnetic force that partially cancels out the attractive magnetic force over short distances (e.g., partially canceling out the attractive magnetic force at a distance on the thickness scale of a screen protector). In some implementations, this is achieved by utilizing two sets of magnets (e.g., an attractive set and a repulsive set), such as... Figure 2A-2B The magnetic closed system described therein. Figure 2A The magnetic closure system 200A described in the text includes a first magnet assembly 210 and a second magnet assembly 230.

[0026] The first magnet assembly 210 includes a top magnet 215 that can be housed in a top element of the electronic device (e.g., top element 130 of device 100) and a bottom magnet 220 that can be housed in a bottom element of the electronic device (e.g., bottom element 150 of device 100). The combination of the top magnet 215 and the bottom magnet 220 forms a magnet assembly with an attractive magnetic force therebetween. This is because the magnet assembly 210 is arranged such that when the device is in a closed position, opposing magnetic poles are adjacent to each other, thereby generating an attractive magnetic force that biases the device in the closed position.

[0027] Conversely, the top magnet 235 and bottom magnet 240 forming the second magnet assembly 230 are arranged such that the same magnetic poles are adjacent to each other when the device is in the closed position. Similar to the top magnet 215, the top magnet 235 in the second assembly can also be housed in a top element of the electronic device (e.g., top element 130 of device 100), and the bottom magnet 240 can be housed in a bottom element of the electronic device (e.g., bottom element 150 of device 100). As a result, when the device is in the closed position, the second pair of magnets 230 provides a repulsive force that partially counteracts the attractive force of the first pair of magnets 210.

[0028] The magnetic flux range of the magnet assembly is based on the magnetic pole size of the magnets. As depicted in the magnetic closure system 200A, the magnetic pole size P1 of the first pair of magnets 210 can be the distance from the midpoint of each magnetic element having a single polarity (e.g., south pole) to the midpoint of the next magnetic element having an alternating polarity (e.g., north pole). Similarly, the magnetic pole size P2 of the second pair of magnets 230 can be the distance from the midpoint of each magnetic element having a single polarity (e.g., north pole) to the midpoint of the next magnetic element having an alternating polarity (e.g., south pole). In some implementations, the magnetic pole size P2 of the second pair of magnets 230 is chosen such that it is smaller than the magnetic pole size P1 of the first pair of magnets 210. Therefore, in those implementations, the first magnet assembly 210 has a magnetic flux that extends further than the magnetic flux of the second magnet assembly 230. In some implementations, the magnetic pole size P2 is substantially the same as the closure distance d between magnets 235 and 240 when a screen protection device is present. For example, when the screen protector is positioned between magnets 235 and 240, the magnetic pole size P2 is between 0.5 and 1.5 times the distance d. In this way, when the closing distance d increases due to the presence of the screen protector, the attracting magnets 215 and 220 exert a smaller attracting magnetic force to keep the device closed. However, due to the increased distance, the repulsive magnetic force between the top magnet 235 and the bottom magnet 240 also decreases, and therefore has less of a counteracting effect on the attracting magnetic force. As a result, in the case of a screen protector with an increased distance (e.g., the gap size between the top and bottom elements of the device in the closed position), the total magnetic force can be substantially equal to the attracting magnetic force between the first sets 210 (e.g., the total magnetic force is within 10% or 5% of the attracting magnetic force). In this way, magnets 215 and 220 can be selected and positioned such that, in the presence of a screen protector, their attractive magnetic force biases the device in a closed position while providing an unobstructed opening experience (e.g., biasing the device to require a user force between 2N and 10N to open it).

[0029] For devices that do not include a screen protector, the gap dimension d can be smaller, resulting in magnets 235 and 240 being closer to each other when in the closed position. When the device is closed, the closer distance causes the second magnet assembly to exert a greater repulsive magnetic force. In this case, the second magnet assembly 230 provides a repulsive magnetic force that partially counteracts the attractive magnetic force of the first magnet assembly 210. In this way, magnets 235 and 240 can be selected and positioned such that, in the absence of a screen protector, their repulsive magnetic force partially counteracts the attractive force of the first magnet assembly 210, such that the total magnetic force is substantially equal to the total magnetic force when the screen protector is present (e.g., within 20%, 10%, or 5%). This ensures that, in the absence of a screen protector, the attractive magnetic force provided by the magnetic closure system 200A is sufficient to bias the device in the closed position, but it is not so strong as to prevent an easy opening experience (e.g., a one-finger opening experience).

[0030] In some implementations, the magnetic pole size P2 is chosen such that it is in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 times the gap size d (the gap size where the screen protector is present), while the magnetic pole size P1 is chosen to be greater than 1.5 times the gap size d. In some implementations, the magnetic pole size P2 can be chosen such that when the screen protector is in the closed position between the top and bottom portions, the closing force of the device differs from the closing force of the device in the closed position without the screen protector by less than 1 Newton.

[0031] It should be noted that although magnets 215, 220, 235, and 240 are depicted as magnetic arrays, other types of magnetic systems can be used to achieve the same result. In some implementations, one or more portions of the first set of magnets can be replaced by objects made of high-iron grade steel. In such implementations, the high-iron grade steel is combined with one or more magnets to produce the desired magnetic attraction. In one example, 400 series stainless steel (e.g., SUS 430) is used instead of any of magnets 215, 220, 235, and 240. In another instance, bar magnets or solenoids are utilized.

[0032] Furthermore, although two separate magnet arrays are shown for magnets 215 and 235 and magnets 220 and 240, other configurations are also possible. Figure 2B An alternative implementation of the magnetic closure system is provided. Figure 2BIn the magnetic closure system 200B, attractive and repulsive magnets are combined into the same magnet array. Therefore, the magnetic closure system 200B provides a pair of magnets including a first magnet array 250 and a second magnet array 270. The first magnet array 250 includes a first portion 255 and a second portion 260, while the second magnet array 270 includes a first portion 275 and a second portion 280. The first portions 255 and 275 generate an attractive magnetic force, while the second portions 260 and 280 generate a repulsive magnetic force. The magnet pairs 250 and 270 operate in a manner similar to the two pairs of magnets in the magnetic system 200A to provide a closure system that functions as desired, with or without a screen protection device.

[0033] Image 3A depicts a simplified schematic front view of an electronic device 300A in its closed position. The electronic device 300A may include a top portion 330 movably connected to a bottom portion 350 via a connecting element 345. The components of the electronic device 300A may be similar to... Figure 1A-1B The components of the device 100, and can be configured with... Figure 1A-1B The components of device 100 operate in a similar manner, and thus will not be discussed in detail herein.

[0034] Electronic device 300A may include two sets of magnets. A first set may include a top magnet 360 housed in a top portion 330 and a bottom magnet 365 housed in a bottom portion 350. Similarly, a second set may include a top magnet 370 housed in the top portion 330 and a bottom portion 375 housed in the bottom portion 350. In some implementations, the first set may include an attractive magnet that generates an attractive magnetic force to hold the device closed in a closed position, while the second set provides a repulsive magnetic force that balances the attractive magnetic force when the distance between the top portion 330 and the bottom portion 350 falls below a predetermined threshold. As discussed above, the predetermined threshold may be equal to the pole dimensions of magnets 370 and 375 and may be based on the thickness of the screen protector. In some alternative implementations, the first set includes a repulsive magnet, while the second set includes an attractive magnet.

[0035] It should be noted that although the magnets in the first set and the magnets in the second set are shown at the same linear distance from the connecting element 345, they can be positioned at various different locations in the electronic device 300A. Furthermore, the top magnet 360 and the bottom magnet 365 (and similarly, the top magnet 370 and the bottom magnet 375) may not always be housed within the top and bottom portions such that they are aligned when the device is in the closed position. Depending on design parameters and the needs of the electronic device, the magnets can be designed such that they are partially aligned or that they have sufficiently large magnetic poles to generate magnetic force, even if they are not fully aligned. Thus, the magnets can be positioned anywhere within the top and / or bottom elements of the device.

[0036] Figure 3B A simplified schematic front view of an electronic device 300B with an alternative implementation is depicted. Similar to electronic device 300A, electronic device 300B may include a top portion 330 movably connected to a bottom portion 350 via a connecting element 345. However, instead of having two separate magnets in the top portion 330 and two separate magnets in the bottom portion 350, electronic device 300B includes a magnet array 380 in the top portion and a magnet array 390 in the bottom portion. As discussed above, each of magnet arrays 380 and 390 may include attractive and repulsive portions such that they provide a balanced magnetic system similar to that of electronic device 300A. In yet another alternative implementation, two or more magnet arrays are provided for each of the sets of attractive and / or repulsive magnets.

[0037] Figure 4 A diagram depicting how magnetic force changes with the gap size between the top and bottom components of an electronic device. Figure 4 Graph 400 includes two lines 410 and 420. Line 410 illustrates an example of the magnetic force curve when only attracting magnets are used in a closed magnetic system. In such examples, the magnetic force is inversely proportional to the gap size between the top and bottom elements. This is because as the gap size increases, the distance between the attracting magnets also increases, thereby reducing their magnetic force. G1 depicts an example gap size between the top and bottom elements of an electronic device without a screen protector, while G2 depicts an example gap size with a screen protector. Figure 4As shown, the rate of change of magnetic force increases as the gap size decreases. Therefore, when attracting magnets are designed to provide sufficient magnetic force in the presence of a screen protector, the resulting magnetic force may become too strong when the screen protector is not in use. This could cause the magnetic force to interfere with the user's ability to easily open the device when the gap size becomes smaller (e.g., without a screen protector). Conversely, when attracting magnets are designed to provide sufficiently low magnetic force to achieve a one-finger opening experience without a screen protector, the resulting magnetic force may be too weak to hold the device in the closed position when a screen protector is used.

[0038] The lower line 420 depicts the variation in magnetic force when both the first set of attracting magnets and the second set of repulsive magnets are used in the magnetic closure system disclosed herein. As depicted, the use of repulsive magnets has minimal effect when the gap size is large. However, as the gap size decreases, the repulsive magnets begin to counteract the magnetic force of the attracting magnets. As a result, the entire curve begins to flatten or level out as the gap size decreases. This ensures that a sufficiently large attracting magnet can be used to bias the device into the closed position when a screen protector is used, while simultaneously ensuring that the device can be easily opened with one finger even without a screen protector. This provides an easy-to-implement and efficient closure mechanism that works well with and without a screen protector.

[0039] Figure 5 It describes the use of materials for manufacturing electronic devices (such as...) Figure 1A-1B Equipment 100 and Figures 3A-3B The flowchart below shows an example method 500 for a magnetic closure system of devices 300A / 300B. In 510, method 500 can begin by providing a magnetic material to the magnetic closure system. In some implementations, the magnetic material comprises one or more arrays of magnets having an alternating north-south pattern. Alternatively, the magnetic material may comprise magnetic strips, solenoids, objects made of high-iron grade steel, or any other material that can efficiently provide attractive and / or repulsive magnetic forces.

[0040] Once the magnetic material is provided, at 520, method 500 can proceed to form a first magnet array from the magnetic material. The first magnet array may include a first portion and a second portion. The pole dimensions of the magnet array in the first portion may be selected such that they are larger than the pole dimensions of the magnet array in the second portion. In some implementations, the first and second portions are connected to each other. Alternatively, the first and second portions may be two separate magnet arrays. In some implementations, the pole dimensions of the first portion are selected such that they provide a sufficient amount of magnetic force to bias the device into a closed position when facing magnet arrays of opposite polarities, regardless of whether a screen protector is used. On the other hand, the pole dimensions of the second portion may be selected such that, when the device is in the closed position, without a screen protector, they are approximately equal to the gap size between the two portions of the device.

[0041] After forming the first magnet array, at 530, method 500 can continue to form a second magnet array from the magnetic material. The second magnet array may also include a first portion and a second portion. The pole dimensions of the magnet array in the first portion can be selected such that they are larger than the pole dimensions of the magnet array in the second portion. Similar to the first magnet array, the first and second portions of the second magnet array can be connected to each other. Alternatively, the first and second portions can be two separate magnet arrays. In some implementations, the pole dimensions of the first portion of the second magnet array are selected such that they are approximately the same as the pole dimensions of the first portion of the first magnet array. Similarly, the pole dimensions of the second portion of the second magnet array are selected such that they are approximately the same as the pole dimensions of the second portion of the first magnet array. However, the poles on the first portion of the second magnet array can be arranged such that they face opposing poles on the first portion of the first magnet array. On the other hand, the poles on the second portion of the second magnet array can be selected such that they face poles with the same polarity.

[0042] Once the first and second magnet arrays are formed, at 540, method 500 can proceed to positioning the first magnet array in the top portion of the device, and subsequently at 550, to positioning the second magnet array in the bottom portion of the device. The first and second magnet arrays can be positioned anywhere within the top and bottom portions of the device, provided they provide sufficient magnetic force to bias the device into a closed position when needed and provide an easy opening experience when required. It should be noted that although the closure mechanism discussed herein has been described for use in devices having top and bottom portions, the disclosed closure mechanism is equally effective for devices with other configurations, such as left / right portions. In a device with a left / right configuration, the first magnet array can be positioned within the left portion, while the second magnet array can be accommodated within the right portion.

[0043] Apparatus and methods for providing a magnetic closure system for electronic devices are disclosed. In some implementations, the magnetic closure system provides one or more sets of attracting magnets and one or more sets of repulsive magnets, which counteract at least some of the attracting magnetic force of the attracting magnets when the gap size between the magnets falls below a threshold. As a result, the magnetic closure system can provide a balance between the attracting magnetic force required to bias the device into a closed position in the presence of a screen protector and the expectation of opening the device with a small force in the absence of a screen protector. The resulting balance provides the desired outcome regardless of how the user chooses to utilize their device (e.g., with or without a screen protector), thus providing the user with flexibility and convenience of use. This provides a simple and inexpensive mechanism for providing a magnetic closure system that works well in various environments and is easy and inexpensive to manufacture and incorporate into electronic devices.

[0044] In the following description, further features, characteristics, and advantages of the invention will be described by means of the following:

[0045] Item 1. An electronic device, comprising:

[0046] Part One;

[0047] Part Two;

[0048] A connecting element that pivotally connects the first part to the second part and is configured to allow the electronic device to fold between a closed position and an open position; and

[0049] Magnetic element used to provide a closing force to bias the electronic device into the closed position.

[0050] in:

[0051] The magnetic element includes a first magnet pair and a second magnet pair, each of the first magnet pair and the second magnet pair including a first magnet housed within a first portion and a second magnet housed within a second portion.

[0052] The first pair of magnets provides an attractive magnetic force that biases the electronic device into the closed position.

[0053] The second magnet provides a repulsive magnetic force, which partially counteracts the bias from the attractive magnetic force as the gap between the first and second parts decreases.

[0054] The pole size of the second magnet pair is smaller than that of the first magnet pair.

[0055] Item 2. An electronic device as described in Item 1, wherein the first portion includes a first magnet array, and the first magnet array includes a corresponding first magnet in a first magnet pair and a second magnet pair.

[0056] Item 3. The electronic device of Item 2, wherein the first magnet array comprises:

[0057] A first array of magnets having an alternating north and south pole pattern for the first magnet of the first magnet pair, and

[0058] A second array of magnets having alternating north and south pole patterns for the second pair of magnets.

[0059] Item 4. An electronic device as described in any of the preceding items, wherein the first portion includes a first magnet array and a second magnet array, the first magnet array including first magnets of a first magnet pair, and the second magnet array including first magnets of a second magnet pair.

[0060] Item 5. An electronic device as described in any of the preceding items, wherein, when the electronic device is in the closed position, the magnetic pole size of the second magnet pair is between 0.5 and 1.5 times the gap size between the first and second magnets in the second magnet pair.

[0061] Item 6. An electronic device as described in any of the preceding items, wherein the electronic device has a closing force between 2 Newtons and 10 Newtons when in a closed position, and the closing force includes the attractive magnetic force of the first pair of magnets and the repulsive magnetic force of the second pair of magnets.

[0062] Item 7. The electronic device of any of the preceding items further includes: a screen protector removably connected to the display portion of the first portion, the screen protector being configured such that when the electronic device is in the closed position, the screen protector can be positioned between the first portion and the second portion.

[0063] Item 8. The electronic device of Item 7, wherein the closing force of the electronic device in the closed position of the screen protection device between the first part and the second part differs from the closing force of the electronic device in the closed position of the screen protection device without the screen protection device between the first part and the second part by less than 1 Newton.

[0064] Item 9. An electronic device as described in any of the preceding items, wherein the first magnet pair and the second magnet pair are configured such that the closing force can be overcome and the electronic device can be folded to an open position using a single finger.

[0065] Item 10. An electronic device as described in any of the preceding items, wherein the first portion includes a display element and the second portion includes a keyboard.

[0066] Item 11. An electronic device as described in any of the preceding items, wherein the first portion includes a first display element and the second portion includes a second display element.

[0067] Item 12. An electronic device as described in any of the preceding items, wherein the first part is a first part of a foldable display and the second part is a second part of the foldable display.

[0068] Item 13. A method for manufacturing a magnetic closure system for an electronic device, the method comprising:

[0069] Provide magnetic materials;

[0070] Forming a first magnet array from the magnetic material; and

[0071] A second magnet array is formed from the magnetic material;

[0072] in:

[0073] Each of the first magnet array and the second magnet array includes a first magnet and a second magnet.

[0074] The first magnet of the first magnet array and the first magnet of the second magnet array are configured to provide an attractive magnetic force that biases the electronic device into the closed position.

[0075] The second magnet of the first magnet array and the second magnet of the second magnet array are configured to provide a repulsive magnetic force that partially counteracts the bias from the attractive magnetic force as the gap between the first and second parts of the electronic device decreases.

[0076] The pole size of the second magnet in the first magnet array and the second magnet in the second magnet array are selected such that the pole size is smaller than the pole size of the first magnet in the first magnet array and the first magnet in the second magnet array.

[0077] Item 14. The manufacturing method as described in Item 13 further includes:

[0078] Positioning the first magnet array within the first part of the electronic device; and

[0079] The second magnet array is positioned in the second part of the electronic device.

[0080] Item 15. A method of manufacturing as described in any of Items 13 or 14, wherein the first magnet array comprises:

[0081] A first array of magnets having an alternating north and south pole pattern for a first magnet array, and

[0082] A second array of magnets having an alternating north and south pole pattern for the second magnet of the first magnet array.

[0083] While what is considered the best pattern and / or other examples has been described above, it is understood that various modifications can be made, and the subject matter disclosed herein can be implemented in various forms and examples, and the teachings can be applied to many applications, only some of which have been described herein. The appended claims are intended to claim any and all applications, modifications, and variations that fall within the true scope of these teachings.

[0084] Unless otherwise stated, all dimensions, numerical values, ratings, positions, sizes, dimensions and other specifications listed in this specification (including the appended claims) are approximate and not precise. They are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions they relate to and the custom in the fields to which they relate.

[0085] The scope of protection is limited only by the appended claims. When interpreted in accordance with this specification and subsequent litigation history, this scope is intended and should be interpreted as consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language used in the claims and covers all structural and functional equivalents. Nevertheless, none of the claims are intended to include subject matter that does not meet the requirements of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the Patent Act, nor should such subject matter be interpreted in this manner. Any unintentional inclusion of such subject matter is hereby denied.

[0086] Except as described above, no statement or description should be intended or interpreted in any way that results in any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or contribution to the public, whether or not it is stated in the claims.

[0087] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used in this article have the general meaning consistent with those of such terms and expressions in relation to their respective fields of investigation and research, unless otherwise specified herein.

[0088] Relational terms such as "first" and "second" may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprising," "including," and any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further constraints, an element beginning with "a" or "an" does not preclude the presence of additional equivalent elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0089] This abstract is provided to allow the reader to quickly identify the nature of this disclosure. It is understood that this abstract is not intended to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, as can be seen in the foregoing detailed description, various features have been grouped together in various examples for the purpose of succinctness. The approach of this disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that any claim requires more features than those explicitly stated in the claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the invention lies in fewer than all features in a single disclosed example. Accordingly, the appended claims are incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim independently represents a separate claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. An electronic device (100), comprising: Part 1 (130); Part Two (150); A connecting element (145) pivotally connects the first portion (130) to the second portion (150) and is configured to allow the electronic device (100) to fold between a closed position and an open position; as well as Magnetic elements (200A, 200B) are used to provide a closing force to bias the electronic device (100) in the closed position. in: The magnetic elements (200A, 200B) include a first magnet pair (210) and a second magnet pair (230), each of the first magnet pair (210) and the second magnet pair (230) including a first magnet (215, 235) housed in the first portion (130) and a second magnet (220, 240) housed in the second portion (150). The first pair of magnets (210) provides an attractive magnetic force that biases the electronic device (100) into the closed position. The second magnet pair (230) provides a repulsive magnetic force, which partially counteracts the bias from the attractive magnetic force as the gap between the first portion (130) and the second portion (150) decreases, and The pole size (P2) of the second magnet pair (230) is smaller than the pole size (P1) of the first magnet pair (210).

2. The electronic device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first portion (130) includes a first magnet array (250), and the first magnet array (250) includes a corresponding first magnet (255) in the first magnet pair (210) and the second magnet pair (230).

3. The electronic device as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The first magnet array (250) includes: A first array (255) of magnets having an alternating north and south pole pattern for the first magnets of the first magnet pair, and A second array (260) of magnets having alternating north and south pole patterns for the second pair of magnets (230).

4. The electronic device (100) as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The first part (130) includes a first magnet array (215) and a second magnet array (235), the first magnet array (215) including the first magnet (215) of the first magnet pair (210), and the second magnet array (235) including the first magnet (235) of the second magnet pair (230).

5. The electronic device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, When the electronic device (100) is in the closed position, the magnetic pole size (P2) of the second magnet pair (230) is between 0.5 and 1.5 times the gap size (d) between the first magnet (235) and the second magnet (240) in the second magnet pair (230).

6. The electronic device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The electronic device (100) has a closing force between 2 Newtons and 10 Newtons when it is in the closed position, and the closing force includes the attractive magnetic force of the first pair of magnets (210) and the repulsive magnetic force of the second pair of magnets (230).

7. The electronic device (100) of claim 1, further comprising: A screen protector (140) is removably connected to the display portion of the first portion (130), the screen protector (140) being configured such that when the electronic device (100) is in the closed position, the screen protector can be positioned between the first portion (130) and the second portion (150).

8. The electronic device (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The closing force of the electronic device (100) when it is in the closed position of the screen protection device (140) between the first part (130) and the second part (150) is within 1 Newton different from the closing force of the electronic device (100) when it is in the closed position without the screen protection device (140) between the first part (130) and the second part (150).

9. The electronic device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first magnet pair (210) and the second magnet pair (230) are configured to allow the closing force to be overcome and the electronic device (100) to be folded to the open position by using a finger.

10. The electronic device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first part (130) includes a display element (120), and the second part (150) includes a keyboard.

11. The electronic device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first portion (130) includes a first display element (120), and the second portion (150) includes a second display element.

12. The electronic device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first part (130) is the first part (130) of the foldable display, and the second part (150) is the second part of the foldable display.

13. A method of manufacturing a magnetic closure system for an electronic device (100), the method comprising: Provide magnetic materials; A first magnet array (250) is formed from the magnetic material; as well as A second magnet array (270) is formed from the magnetic material; in: Each of the first magnet array (250) and the second magnet array (270) includes a first magnet (255, 275) and a second magnet (260, 280). The first magnet (255) of the first magnet array (250) and the first magnet (275) of the second magnet array (270) are configured to provide an attractive magnetic force that biases the electronic device (100) in a closed position. The second magnet (260) of the first magnet array (250) and the second magnet (280) of the second magnet array (270) are configured to provide a repulsive magnetic force that partially counteracts the bias from the attractive magnetic force as the gap between the first portion (130) and the second portion (150) of the electronic device (100) decreases, and The pole size (P2) of the second magnet (260) of the first magnet array (250) and the second magnet (280) of the second magnet array (270) is selected such that the pole size (P2) is smaller than the pole size (P1) of the first magnet (255) of the first magnet array (250) and the first magnet (275) of the second magnet array (270).

14. The manufacturing method of claim 13, further comprising: The first magnet array (250) is positioned in the first portion (130) of the electronic device (100); as well as The second magnet array (270) is positioned in the second part (150) of the electronic device (100).

15. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein, The first magnet array (250) includes: A first array of magnets having an alternating north and south pole pattern of the first magnets (255) for the first magnet array (250), and A second array of magnets having alternating north and south pole patterns for the second magnet (260) of the first magnet array (250).

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