Electro-permanent magnet locking mechanism for power-efficient latches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional magnetic locking mechanisms in electronic devices require continuous power to maintain magnetism, which is inefficient and limits battery life, especially in smaller devices where power conservation is crucial.
Innovation Solution
The use of electro-permanent magnets, which can be turned on and off or have their polarity switched without continuous power, by pulsing them with an electric charge, allowing for controlled magnetic attraction and repulsion to lock or unlock mechanisms like clasping surfaces in electronic devices and accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electromagnetic magnets are used to maintain magnetic locking, then the locking mechanism remains reliably engaged, but continuous power consumption reduces battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed electrical current to the electromagnetic magnet only when locking or unlocking is required, rather than continuous power supply. The magnet is activated temporarily to switch states, then powered down while maintaining its magnetic state through residual magnetism or mechanical positioning, dramatically reducing power consumption while preserving reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic magnet system provides self-service by using the electrical pulse to switch between locked and unlocked states, then maintaining those states without continuous external power. The system serves itself by leveraging the magnetic properties and mechanical configuration to hold positions without active power consumption, eliminating the need for continuous energy input to maintain the locking state.
2Reliability
If magnets are used to hold components together, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the ability to control magnetization limits application versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the magnetic field controllable and switchable between different states (attracted, repelled, or neutral). The electromagnetic magnet can dynamically change its magnetic polarity or strength through electrical control, allowing the same mechanism to adapt to different operational requirements such as locking, unlocking, or temporary release, thereby increasing application versatility while maintaining connection reliability when needed.
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 solution enables efficient power management by allowing magnetic locking mechanisms to be activated or deactivated as needed, enhancing battery life and versatility in applications such as laptop lids, buckles, and device attachments without continuous power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic assembly having an effective polarity that varies in accordance with an electric current pulse received at the magnetic assembly
Implementation Method 2
when the effective polarity of the magnetic assembly is the first polarity, the magnetic circuit is repulsive causing the first and second clasping surfaces to separate, otherwise, the magnetic circuit is attractive causing the clasping surfaces to come together
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments can include a retention mechanism having a first component including a first clasping surface and a first magnet having a first polarity as well as a second component having a second clasping surface configured to be alignable to and to coordinate with the first clasping surface. The second component can have a magnetic assembly having an effective polarity that varies in accordance with a electric current pulse received at the magnetic assembly, where a magnetic circuit is formed between the first magnet and the magnetic assembly, and where when the effective polarity of the magnetic assembly is the first polarity, the magnetic circuit is repulsive causing the first and second clasping surfaces to separate otherwise, the magnetic circuit is attractive causing the clasping surfaces to come together.