Engaging Module With Electromagnet Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional engaging mechanisms in electronic apparatuses face limitations in engaging capability due to the reliance on elastic deformation of hooks, which can lead to fracture during disassembly and compromise the appearance of the device, as they require user-applied force and have restricted minimum length for thin design.

Innovation Solution

An engaging module utilizing a movably disposed engaging component with an elastic component and electromagnets, where the engaging component moves between positions using elastic and magnetic forces, allowing for enhanced engagement capability without relying on hook deformation, reducing the risk of fracture, and enabling a thinner design by eliminating the need for user-applied force and exposed hooks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a hook is used for appearance engagement, then the engaging capability is improved, but a portion of the hook has to be exposed which causes affection to the appearance of the electronic apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengaging capabilityVSAvoidappearance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the engaging function from the visible appearance portion by using an internal hook mechanism that operates within the device housing. The hook is positioned inside the electronic apparatus and does not protrude externally, separating the engagement function from the aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic component as an intermediary between the internal hook and the external environment. The magnetic component interacts with the hook internally through magnetic attraction, allowing the hook to be actuated without external mechanical access, thus maintaining appearance while enabling engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If an internal hook is used, then the appearance is improved, but the minimum length of the hook is limited which is unfavorable for thinning the appearance of the electronic apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveappearanceVSAvoidhook length

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional long mechanical hook structure with a shorter internal hook combined with a magnetic actuation system. The magnetic component provides the additional engagement force and leverage that would otherwise require a longer mechanical hook, enabling thinning of the device while maintaining engagement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If a hook is used for engagement, then the engaging capability is improved, but the internal hook tends to be fractured easily by the force applied by the user during the disassembly process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengaging capabilityVSAvoidfracture resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic component as an intermediary that absorbs and distributes the disassembly force. Instead of applying force directly to the internal hook, the user interacts with the magnetic component externally, which transmits the force more gradually and uniformly to the hook, reducing stress concentration and fracture risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic component acts as a cushioning element between the user's disassembly force and the internal hook. The magnetic attraction provides a gradual release mechanism that prevents sudden force spikes that could cause hook fracture during the disassembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 engaging module provides improved assembly and disassembly capabilities with increased engagement strength, prevents component fracture, and allows for a more streamlined appearance by leveraging magnetic forces and elastic components, enabling secure and efficient object interaction without the limitations of traditional hook designs.

Implementation Method 1

The engaging component is adapted to resist the elastic force of the elastic component to be positioned at the second position through a magnetic force generated by the electromagnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

The engaging component is positioned at the first position through an elastic force of the elastic component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9396861B2Engaging module

Publication Date: 2016.07.19 WISTRON CORP

AI summary

An engaging module is suitable for first and second objects adapted to be combined or separated along a first axial direction. The engaging module includes an engaging component, an elastic component and an electromagnet. The engaging component is movably disposed on the first object. When the first object and the second object are combined, the engaging component is adapted to move to a first position along a plane to be engaged with the second object, and is adapted to move to a second position along the plane to separate from the second object. The first axial direction is not parallel to the plane. The engaging component is positioned at the first position through an elastic force of the elastic component, and is adapted to resist the elastic force of the elastic component to be positioned at the second position through a magnetic force generated by the electromagnet.