Deployable Attachment Mechanism for Computing Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current computing devices lack an efficient and reliable mechanism for attaching and detaching peripheral devices, particularly in varying orientations and under different conditions such as movement, which can lead to detachment issues.

Innovation Solution

A deployable attachment mechanism incorporating electromagnets and sensors that adjust magnetic attraction forces to securely attach and detach peripheral devices, utilizing a combination of magnetic fields and friction-enhancing materials like microfiber arrays to maintain attachment across different angles and movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a deployable attachment mechanism with electromagnets is used to securely attach peripheral devices, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is divided into separate deployable components that can be independently activated. The electromagnet system is segmented into multiple zones that can be controlled separately, allowing selective attachment in different areas of the housing surface, thereby managing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism transitions from a static to a dynamic state through deployment. The electromagnets are concealed within the housing and can be deployed on-demand to attach peripheral devices, reducing complexity when not in use while providing reliable attachment when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If magnetic attraction forces are increased to maintain attachment under movement and varying orientations, then attachment stability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic attraction force is dynamically adjusted based on operational conditions. Sensors detect device orientation and movement, and the system modulates the electromagnet strength accordingly, applying maximum force only when necessary to maintain attachment stability during movement or varying orientations, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that provide feedback on attachment status, device orientation, and movement conditions. This feedback loop allows the control system to adjust magnetic attraction forces in real-time, increasing force only when detachment risk is detected, thus maintaining stability while minimizing energy usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If sensors and adjustable magnetic forces are implemented to detect and respond to movement conditions, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system serves multiple functions: detecting device orientation, monitoring attachment status, and triggering electromagnet deployment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors, managing complexity while improving attachment reliability through comprehensive environmental awareness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Strength

If electromagnets are deployed to attach objects, then attachment strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring power activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects when a peripheral device approaches or contacts the housing surface and autonomously activates the appropriate electromagnets to secure attachment. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual power activation or user intervention, maintaining strong attachment while simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The solution ensures stable attachment of peripheral devices across a range of orientations and movements, reducing the risk of detachment and enhancing user convenience while conserving power by adjusting magnetic forces and using non-powered attachment mechanisms when necessary.

Implementation Method 1

A deployable attachment mechanism incorporating electromagnets and sensors that adjust magnetic attraction forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

securely attach and detach peripheral devices, utilizing a combination of magnetic fields

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

using friction-enhancing materials like microfiber arrays to maintain attachment across different angles and movements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11460936B2Computing device

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH

AI summary

A computing device can include a processor; memory accessible by the processor; a housing that includes a surface; and a deployable attachment mechanism for releasable attachment of an object to the surface.