Hinged Mobile Device Lid Misalignment for Easier Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clamshell or flip-style mobile communication devices are difficult to open, especially newer slimmer models, leading to potential missed calls and unnecessary resource usage due to the lack of substantial surfaces for users to grasp.
Innovation Solution
A wireless handheld device with a hinge mechanism that allows the lid to slide or rotate slightly relative to the main casing, providing misalignment and making it easier to open by applying forces in opposing directions, assisted by magnetic repulsion or complementary structural features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the device is made slimmer, then the device becomes more compact and modern, but the base and lid have less substance for users to contact with their fingers, making it difficult to open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lateral displacement mechanism that moves the lid horizontally relative to the base, creating misalignment between magnetic attractors and repellers. This adds a dimensional aspect to the opening operation beyond simple vertical lifting, providing users with an additional degree of freedom to overcome the closing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs magnetic repellers as intermediary elements between the lid and base. These repellers create a controllable repulsive force that assists users in overcoming the magnetic attraction holding the device closed, making the opening action easier without requiring excessive force on the thin housing.
2Reliability
If the device uses magnetic attraction to hold the lid closed, then the device stays securely shut, but significant force is required to overcome this attraction to open the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnetic interaction system into separate attractors and repellers positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the magnetic force to perform dual functions: strong attraction for secure closure and controlled repulsion to assist opening, by selectively engaging different magnetic elements during different phases of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions magnetic repellers to create preliminary repulsive force that opposes the closing magnetic attraction. This preliminary anti-action reduces the net force required by the user to initiate opening, while the attractors maintain reliable closure when the device is closed.
3Reliability
If the device requires significant force to open, then the lid stays firmly closed, but users may miss calls or waste processing resources due to inability to open quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pure mechanical spring-based opening mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic repellers provide a contactless assisting force that reduces the mechanical effort required by the user, enabling faster opening while maintaining secure closure through magnetic attraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the opening operation by introducing magnetic repulsive force. This parameter change transforms the opening action from overcoming purely mechanical friction and spring force to overcoming a reduced net force where magnetic repulsion counteracts magnetic attraction, significantly reducing the time and effort required.
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 easier opening of the device, reducing the risk of missed calls and conserving power and processing resources by allowing quicker access without requiring significant initial force.
Implementation Method 1
Opposing members may be employed to assist the multi-axis opening mechanism during initial actuation
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless handheld device comprises a lower casing having a bottom end and a top end and a lid having a bottom end and a top end. The top end of the lid is rotatably coupled to the top end of the lower casing with at least one hinge component such that the handheld device is rotatable from a closed position to an open position and from an open position to a closed position. The lid and the lower casing have adjacent facing surfaces when in the closed position. When the wireless handheld device is in the closed position, at least the bottom end of the lid is displaceable relative to the lower casing generally in an axial direction of the hinge component such that the facing surfaces become misaligned for easy grasping of the lower casing and the lid.