Foldable Electronic Device Magnetic Retention Across Folding States
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices face challenges in retaining accessories conveniently between casings when the flexible display is folded, as existing hinges do not effectively secure accessories during transitions between unfolded, transition folded, and fully folded states.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design incorporating first and second magnetic members on housing parts and an accessory with third magnetic members, allowing secure retention of the accessory in various states through magnetic attraction and repulsion mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge is used to support the flexible display to unfold or fold, then the foldable electronic device can transition between unfolded and folded states, but the accessory cannot be conveniently retained between the two casings when the flexible display is folded
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic members are introduced as intermediary elements between the housing parts and the accessory. These magnetic members generate magnetic fields that act as an invisible intermediary force to attract and retain the accessory between the first and second housing parts during folded states, without requiring direct mechanical connection or complex hinge modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential complex mechanical retention mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. Instead of using mechanical clips, latches, or additional moving parts within the hinge structure, the invention uses magnetic attraction forces to achieve accessory retention, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while improving adaptability.
2Reliability
If magnetic members are disposed on the housing parts to attract the accessory, then the accessory can be retained during state transitions, but the housing parts may move away from each other in the fully folded state
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic retention system is segmented into multiple independent magnetic members distributed on both the first and second housing parts. This segmentation allows the magnetic forces to be distributed across multiple points, providing both accessory retention and housing part stabilization simultaneously. The first magnetic members on the first housing part and second magnetic members on the second housing part work together to prevent both accessory detachment and housing part separation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the housing parts have different magnetic properties through the strategic placement of first and second magnetic members. The magnetic members are positioned to create localized magnetic attraction zones that specifically target the accessory while also creating counterbalancing forces that prevent housing parts from moving away from each other in the fully folded state.
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
Ensures the accessory remains attached during state transitions, preventing accidental detachment and enhancing convenience and stability of accessory retention.
Implementation Method 1
the first magnetic members are respectively attractive to the third magnetic members
Implementation Method 2
the first magnetic members are respectively attractive to the third magnetic members to have the attractive wall be positioned on the first housing part toward the first inner wall
Implementation Method 3
the first magnetic members are respectively attractive to the second magnetic members
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable electronic device includes a first housing part having first magnetic members disposed toward a first inner wall thereof, a second housing part having a second magnetic members disposed toward a second inner wall thereof, at least one hinge connected between the housing parts, and an accessory having third magnetic members disposed toward an attractive wall. In an unfolded state and a transition folded state, the first and third magnetic members are attractive toward each other to hold the accessory on the first housing part. In a fully folded state, the first and second inner walls are close to each other with magnetic attraction of the first and second magnetic members.