Dynamic Magnetic Attachment for Mobile Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic attachment mechanisms for mobile devices typically produce a magnetic field of fixed strength, which limits the flexibility in attaching and detaching the device based on user operations, as they cannot adjust the magnetic force in response to user interactions.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device equipped with a first attachment module that generates a magnetic field, which can adjust its strength or polarity in response to user operations by controlling electric currents passing through an electromagnet or permanent magnet, allowing for magnetic attachment and detachment based on detected pick-up or drop-off signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a magnetic attachment mechanism uses a fixed strength magnetic field, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot adjust magnetic force in response to user operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of magnetic forceVSAvoidcomplexity of attachment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed magnetic field to a dynamically adjustable magnetic field. The attachment mechanism uses an electromagnet with controllable current to adjust magnetic field strength in real-time based on user operations such as picking up or placing the device, enabling the magnetic force to adapt to different operational states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the magnetic field strength parameter through electrical control. By adjusting the current passing through the electromagnet coil, the system can change the magnetic field intensity from a fixed value to a variable parameter that responds to operational conditions, thereby achieving adaptable attachment force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a magnetic attachment mechanism produces a strong magnetic field, then the device is securely attached to the surface, but the device becomes difficult for the user to pick up

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of attachmentVSAvoidease of picking up device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic adjustment of magnetic field strength to resolve the contradiction between secure attachment and ease of pickup. When the device is stationary, a strong magnetic field ensures reliable attachment. When a user initiates a pickup operation, the system dynamically reduces the magnetic field strength, making the device easy to separate and hold.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect user operations such as attempted pickup or placement. This feedback triggers automatic adjustment of the magnetic field strength, ensuring that the attachment force is strong when needed for security but weak when the user needs to interact with the device, thereby balancing reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If a magnetic attachment mechanism uses an electromagnet to adjust magnetic field strength, then the adaptability is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of magnetic fieldVSAvoidenergy consumption of attachment module
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic or conditional activation of the electromagnet rather than continuous operation. The magnetic field is adjusted or activated only when specific operational conditions are detected (such as pickup or placement operations), reducing energy consumption compared to maintaining a constantly adjusted magnetic field while preserving adaptability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes energy consumption by making parameter changes only when necessary. The electromagnet's current is adjusted based on detected operational states, maintaining low energy consumption during stationary periods while enabling full adaptability during active operations, thus balancing energy efficiency with functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables secure and user-friendly attachment and detachment of the mobile device by dynamically adjusting the magnetic force, enhancing user experience and preventing accidental detachment or loss.

Implementation Method 1

The electromagnet may be configured to generate the first magnetic field. The electromagnet may include a coil and a movable core. A third current may pass through the coil to generate the first magnetic field.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

The control circuit may be configured to adjust a first electric current passing through the first attachment mechanism in response to the pick-up signal to perform the at least one of the reducing the strength of the first magnetic field or the reversing the polarity of the first magnetic field.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The attachment module may further comprise a permanent magnet.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11496175B2Attachment method and system
Publication Date: 2022.11.08 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE
  • US11496175B2 patent drawing
  • US11496175B2 patent drawing
  • US11496175B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mobile device capable of being magnetically attached to a surface may include a first attachment module. The first attachment module may be configured to generate a first magnetic field causing the mobile device to be magnetically attached to the surface. The first attachment module, in response to a pick-up signal corresponding to a detected first operation of a user to pick up the mobile device, may perform at least one of reducing a strength of the first magnetic field or reversing a polarity of the first magnetic field.