Foldable Hinge Magnetic Member With SMA-Assisted Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in efficiently facilitating the opening and closing operations of foldable structures, particularly in devices with magnetic components, where repulsive forces between magnets of the same polarity can hinder smooth movement and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a hinge structure with a shape memory alloy member and magnetic members arranged along specific directions, powered by a power supply circuit, to enable controlled movement and enhance the opening and closing mechanism of foldable electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If magnetic members are used to facilitate opening and closing operations, then the device can achieve automatic or semi-automatic operation, but repulsive forces between magnets of the same polarity can hinder smooth movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the repulsive force between magnets of the same polarity, which was previously considered a hindrance, to provide the driving force for automatic opening and closing operations. By strategically positioning magnetic members with identical polarity facing each other across the hinge structure, the repulsive force becomes the mechanism that enables automated movement between folded and unfolded states.
2Productivity
If shape memory alloy members are used to enable controlled movement, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical spring-based mechanisms with shape memory alloy members that utilize thermal-mechanical coupling effects. The shape memory alloy members can be controlled through electrical heating to change their shape and drive the hinge between different states, substituting complex mechanical spring systems with a more controllable material-based actuation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the shape memory alloy members by controlling temperature through electrical heating. By applying electrical energy to change the temperature of the shape memory alloy, the material transitions between different phases and shapes, enabling controlled movement of the hinge structure without mechanical linkages.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic members are arranged along specific directions to enhance movement control, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnetic members into multiple smaller units arranged in arrays along the hinge structure. Instead of using single large magnets, multiple smaller magnetic members are positioned at specific intervals, which allows for more flexible positioning and reduces the cumulative tolerance errors that would affect a single large magnet system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different magnetic pole orientations and strengths at different locations along the hinge structure. By varying the local magnetic properties of individual magnetic members based on their position, the system achieves more precise control over the force distribution and movement characteristics at different stages of the folding operation.
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 provides an automatic or semi-automatic opening and closing mechanism, improving user convenience and operational efficiency by leveraging the properties of shape memory alloys and magnetic interactions.
Implementation Method 1
A shape memory alloy may have a property of returning to its original shape before deformation if heat is applied
Implementation Method 2
The magnet may have a property (repulsion) of repelling between magnets having the same polarity
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device according to an embodiment may include a hinge structure, a first housing connected to the hinge structure, a second housing connected to the hinge structure, and folded with respect to the first housing based on the hinge structure, a first member including a shape memory alloy member which includes a spring portion having a shape allowing compression and extension and a first magnetic member which includes a plurality of magnets arranged along a first direction, the first member disposed adjacent to one edge of the first housing, a second member including a second magnetic member which includes a plurality of magnets arranged along a second direction, and disposed adjacent to one edge of the second housing, and a power supply circuit electrically connected to the shape memory alloy member. The first magnetic member may be moved along the first direction by power supplied to the shape memory alloy member through the power supply circuit. Besides, various embodiments obtained from the specification are possible.