Magnetic Accessory Storage Sleeve for Computing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a challenge in securely storing and retrieving computing device accessories, such as styluses or mice, without losing them when the computing device is stored, as existing solutions do not provide a convenient and automatic method for keeping accessories connected during storage and easily accessible during use.
Innovation Solution
A device sleeve with an accessory slot that magnetically connects and disconnects accessories to the computing device, allowing the accessory to be automatically stored within the sleeve when the device is inserted and retrieved when the device is removed, using a combination of device magnets and a slot magnet to manage the connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If accessories are stored separately from the computing device, then they are easy to access during use, but they may be lost when the device is stored
Solution Approach 1:
The storage element is divided into separate compartments: a device sleeve for the computing device and an accessory slot for accessories. This segmentation allows independent storage while maintaining connection through magnetic alignment, resolving the contradiction between secure retention and easy accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic fields serve as an intermediary force between the device magnet and accessory magnet, enabling automatic connection and disconnection without physical contact or manual intervention. This mediator allows accessories to be securely retained during storage while remaining easily accessible during use.
2Reliability
If accessories are magnetically connected to the computing device, then they remain connected during storage, but they cannot be easily separated for use
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connection is made dynamic through the alignment mechanism. When the device is in the storage element, magnets are aligned to create strong connection. When removed, alignment changes and connection weakens, allowing easy separation. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between secure connection and easy separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic interaction strength is changed based on the device position. In-storage alignment maximizes magnetic field interaction for secure connection, while removal changes the geometric parameters of the system, reducing interaction strength and enabling easy separation.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual storage and retrieval actions are required for accessories, then control over accessory placement is improved, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs storage and retrieval operations automatically through magnetic alignment and interaction. The device itself serves to store and retrieve accessories by simply being placed in or removed from the storage element, eliminating the need for separate manual actions and improving user convenience while maintaining control.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage element is pre-configured with magnets and alignment features that automatically guide accessories into proper storage positions when the device is inserted. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for manual positioning during actual use, resolving the contradiction between control and convenience.
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
This solution ensures that accessories are securely stored with the computing device and easily accessible when needed, preventing loss and improving user experience by eliminating the need for separate storage and retrieval actions.
Implementation Method 1
A device magnet on the computing device is aligned with the accessory slot. An accessory magnetically connected to the computing device is automatically inserted into an accessory slot on the device sleeve. A device magnet on the computing device grabs the accessory and pulls the accessory out of the accessory slot.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage element for a computing device (304) includes a device sleeve (302) configured to receive a computing device. The device sleeve (302) includes an accessory slot (312) configured to receive a computing accessory (306). When the computing device (304) is inserted into the device sleeve (302), the accessory (306) is automatically inserted into the accessory slot (312). When the computing device (304) is removed from the device sleeve (302), the computing device (304) grabs, by magnetic attraction force, the accessory (306) and pulls it out of the device sleeve (302).