Electronic Case Hinge Structure Using Repulsive Magnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic device cases require multiple magnets to maintain opened and closed states, increasing manufacturing costs and risking damage to the device due to magnetic forces. Additionally, foreign materials with magnetic components often adhere to magnetized areas.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device case design featuring a first and second body with connection parts, where a first magnet on the first connection part and a second magnet on the second connection part have the same polarity, allowing the case to transition between open, closed, and intermediate states using repulsive forces between the magnets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple magnets are used to maintain opened and closed states, then the case can maintain stable opened and closed states, but the manufacturing cost increases and the device may be damaged by magnetic forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple magnet functions into a single magnet structure. The first magnet serves both to maintain the closed state (through attraction with the second magnet) and to assist in the opening process (through repulsion when aligned with the second magnet). This merging eliminates the need for separate magnets for each function, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single magnet configuration performs multiple functions: maintaining the closed state through magnetic attraction, assisting opening through magnetic repulsion, and providing consistent structural support. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while achieving all required stability functions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple magnets are used to maintain opened and closed states, then the case can maintain stable opened and closed states, but the device may be damaged by magnetic forces
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple magnet functions into a single magnet, the total magnetic force exerted on the device is reduced compared to using multiple separate magnets. The single magnet configuration provides sufficient magnetic attraction for closing and magnetic repulsion for opening assistance without the cumulative damaging effects of multiple magnets.
3Stability of the object's composition
If magnets are arranged on the case, then the opened and closed states can be maintained, but foreign materials with magnetic components attach near the magnet areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the magnet from the traditional fixed position on the case body and relocates it to the connection part that moves relative to the case. This extraction and relocation reduces the magnet's exposure to foreign materials while maintaining its functional effectiveness in holding the case in opened and closed states.
4Device complexity
If magnets solely perform the function of maintaining opened and closed states, then the case structure is simple, but the opening and closing process lacks assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet configuration achieves multi-functionality without increasing complexity. The same first magnet and second magnet arrangement that maintains the closed state also assists in opening when the connection part moves and aligns the magnets for repulsion. This universal design provides both structural simplicity and operational assistance simultaneously.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration minimizes the number of magnets required, reducing manufacturing costs and preventing device damage from magnetic forces. It also assists in the opening and closing process while maintaining the states effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the first portion of the first magnet and the second portion of the second magnet have a same polarity... the first state is maintained by a repulsive force acting between the first magnet and the second magnet
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device case is provided. The electronic device case includes a first body, a first connection part coupled to the first body, a second body, a second connection part coupled to the second body and movably connected to the first connection part, an accommodating space formed by the first body and the second body, a first magnet fixed on the first connection part and including a first portion, and a second magnet fixed on the second connection part and including a second portion having a same polarity as the first portion. The electronic device case is transitioned, by movement of the second connection part with respect to the first connection part, to a first state in which the accommodating space is opened, and a second state in which the accommodating space is closed.