Electromagnetic Hinge Opening for Hands-Free Electronic Components

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users find manual processes for opening hinged components in electronic devices, such as kickstands and display portions, to be frustrating and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an electrical winding or coil paired with a magnet in electronic devices, where applying current to the winding generates a magnetic field that repels the magnet's field, automatically opening the hinged component, and reversing the current closes it.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual processes are used to open hinged components, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of opening hinged componentVSAvoidcomplexity of opening mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electromagnetic actuation system. A magnet and electrical winding generate magnetic fields that automatically open the hinged component when current is applied, eliminating the need for manual unlocking and extending actions. This substitution improves ease of operation while the automated control system manages the added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinged component system performs self-service by using electromagnetic forces to automatically open and close itself without requiring continuous manual intervention. The magnet and electrical winding create automatic actuation that serves the opening function autonomously based on electrical control signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If electromagnetic actuation is implemented to automatically open hinged components, then ease of operation improves and productivity increases, but device complexity increases and harmful electromagnetic factors are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of opening hinged componentVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful electromagnetic interference into a beneficial function. The electrical winding and magnet that generate electromagnetic fields are positioned and controlled to provide useful magnetic actuation forces for opening the hinged component. The same electromagnetic fields that could be harmful are harnessed to perform the useful work of automatic opening, improving productivity while managing interference through strategic placement and control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 the hinged components to open and close automatically, reducing user effort and time, while maintaining electromagnetic interference protection through strategic placement of components and shielding.

Implementation Method 1

When current is applied to the electrical winding (e.g., in a direction opposite of the North/South direction of the magnets' magnetic field), the electrical winding may generate a magnetic field that repels the magnet's magnetic field. The magnetic repulsion may cause the hinged component to separate from the rest of the electronic device, thereby opening the hinged component.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic repulsion: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11789499B2Systems and methods for automatically opening hinged components of electronic devices

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 INTEL CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed at automatically opening hinged components of computing devices. One of the computing device and a hinged component may include an electrical winding or coil while the other may include a magnet. When current is applied to the electrical winding (e.g., in a direction opposite of the North/South direction of the magnets' magnetic field), the electrical winding may generate a magnetic field opposite that repels the magnet's magnetic field. The magnetic repulsion may cause the hinged component to separate from the rest of the computing device, thereby opening the hinged component. When the current is removed from the electrical winding, the electrical winding may no longer generate a magnetic field, enabling the hinged component to be closed.