Magnetic Attachment Mechanism for Tablet Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional attachment techniques for portable electronic devices require external mechanical fasteners, which detract from the appearance, add weight, and increase complexity, while also degrading the aesthetic appeal and functionality of handheld computing devices.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic attachment system where a magnetic element is enclosed within the electronic device's housing, with a retaining mechanism providing a force that allows the magnetic element to move towards the sidewall upon activation, enabling a secure and repeatable attachment without external fasteners, while maintaining a seamless appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mechanical fasteners are used for attachment, then secure attachment is achieved, but appearance and aesthetic appeal deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidappearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes external mechanical fasteners from the device exterior and embeds magnetic attachment elements within the housing. This extraction eliminates visible fasteners while maintaining attachment functionality through magnetic forces, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical fastening systems with a magnetic field-based attachment mechanism. The magnetic element generates magnetic flux that provides attachment force without requiring external mechanical components, thereby maintaining reliability while improving appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If external mechanical fasteners are used, then attachment functionality is achieved, but device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment functionalityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes heavy mechanical fasteners with a lightweight magnetic element and retaining mechanism. The magnetic element, typically a small permanent magnet, provides sufficient attachment force while weighing significantly less than equivalent mechanical fastening components, thus maintaining functionality while reducing weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If external mechanical fasteners are used, then attachment is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment capabilityVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the magnetic element from external view and embeds it within the housing, simplifying the external device structure. The retaining mechanism is integrated into the housing rather than being a separate external component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Force

If magnetic element is positioned near sidewall, then attachment strength is maximized, but magnetic flux density at exterior surface increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidmagnetic flux density

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a retaining mechanism as an intermediary between the magnetic element and the housing sidewall. This mechanism allows the magnetic element to be positioned optimally for attachment strength while preventing direct contact with the exterior surface, thereby controlling magnetic flux density at the exterior while maintaining attachment force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 magnetic attachment system allows for secure, repeatable, and aesthetically pleasing attachment of accessories to electronic devices, enhancing their functionality and appearance by eliminating the need for external fasteners and ensuring proper alignment and protection.

Implementation Method 1

a first magnetic element... arranged to provide a magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a retaining mechanism coupled to the housing and arranged to provide a retaining force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8928437B2Tablet device with peek mode operation

Publication Date: 2015.01.06 LAUDER ANDREW

AI summary

A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.