Adjustable Closure Magnet for One-Handed Hinged Device Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices face challenges in securing screens or input interfaces with hinged designs that balance closure during travel with easy one-handed opening, as secure latches can be difficult to open and may unintentionally open, causing damage.

Innovation Solution

A closure device with a first magnet and a housing containing a second magnet, where the second magnet's position or orientation is adjustable relative to the housing, altering the magnetic force between the magnets to control the closure and opening forces of the electronic device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a magnetic closure device is used to hold the device in closed position, then the closure force is improved, but the manufacturing variations produce a large range of closure device performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure forceVSAvoidclosure device performance consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the second magnet movable within the housing through adjustment mechanisms. This allows the magnetic closure force to be dynamically adjusted after manufacturing to compensate for variations in magnet strength and positioning, ensuring consistent performance across different devices while maintaining strong closure force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing adjustment of the second magnet's position and orientation relative to the first magnet. This enables modification of the magnetic interaction parameters (distance, alignment) to optimize and standardize the closure force despite manufacturing variations in magnet properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a secure latch is used to protect the device during travel, then the reliability is improved, but the latch becomes difficult to open particularly with one hand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice protection during travelVSAvoidopening operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical latches with a magnetic closure system. The magnetic force provides secure holding during travel without requiring complex mechanical locking mechanisms, enabling easy one-handed operation by simply pulling the devices apart to overcome the magnetic attraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a closure device with strong magnetic force is used, then the closure reliability is improved, but the device may unintentionally open or resist easy opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure securityVSAvoidopening convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling adjustment of the magnetic closure force through movable second magnet mechanisms. This allows optimization of the magnetic force to be strong enough for secure closure but not so strong as to prevent easy opening, balancing reliability with ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting the distance and orientation between magnets to fine-tune the magnetic force. This enables the closure force to be optimized for security while maintaining ease of opening through controlled modification of magnetic interaction parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 adjustable magnetic force system ensures secure closure while allowing easy one-handed opening, reducing the risk of unintended opening and damage by optimizing the balance between closure and open biasing forces.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetic closure device can provide the closure force to hold the device in the closed state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The movement of the second magnet relative to the top end of the housing adjusts the position or orientation of the second magnet relative to the first magnet to alter a magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force alteration through position/orientation change: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11783978B2Adjustable closure magnet for hinged device with assisted open

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A closure device includes a first magnet and a housing with a second magnet positioned therein. The first magnet is configured to be position in a first object and the housing is configured to be positioned in a second object. The housing has a top end and at least one adjustment mechanism connected to the housing that moves the second magnet in at least one translational direction or at least one rotational direction relative to the top end of the housing. The movement of the second magnet relative to the top end of the housing adjusts the position or orientation of the second magnet relative to the first magnet to alter a magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet when the first magnet is positioned proximate the top end of the housing.