Magnetic Cover Mechanism for TWS Earbuds Storage Box

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage boxes for true wireless stereo (TWS) headphones face challenges in securely attaching and maintaining the cover and body in both open and closed states, leading to unreliable storage and charging solutions.

Innovation Solution

A storage box design incorporating a magnetic unit with a first and second magnetic member and attracting member, allowing the cover to rotate between open and closed states using magnetic force for secure positioning, ensuring reliable operation and convenience in storing and charging TWS headphones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cover is attached to a body via a shaft in a traditional storage box, then the cover can rotate between open and closed states, but the cover and body cannot be reliably secured in either the open or closed state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring reliabilityVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical shaft-based attachment system with a magnetic field-based attachment system. Magnetic members are embedded in the body and cover, eliminating the need for a physical shaft connection. This substitution provides reliable securing in both open and closed states through magnetic attraction forces while simplifying the overall attachment mechanism structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in magnetic field parameters (strength, direction, distribution) to achieve different securing states. By strategically positioning magnetic members with varying strengths and orientations, the system maintains reliable attachment in both open and closed positions, dynamically adapting the magnetic interaction parameters to suit each operational state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If additional torque mechanisms are added to maintain the open state, then the cover can be securely held open, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopen state stabilityVSAvoidtorque mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical torque mechanisms (such as springs, cams, or latches) with a magnetic field-based holding system. Magnetic members are positioned to provide continuous holding force in the open state without requiring additional mechanical components. This substitution eliminates complex torque mechanisms while maintaining reliable open state stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic attachment system provides self-holding capability in the open state through strategically positioned magnetic members. The magnetic attraction forces automatically maintain the cover in the open position without requiring external torque mechanisms or additional actuation systems, achieving self-service functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a magnetic unit is implemented to secure both open and closed states, then the securing reliability improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of securing both open and closed states into a single integrated magnetic unit system. Rather than implementing separate mechanical locking mechanisms for each state, the magnetic members work together as a unified system to provide reliable attachment in both positions, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical securing systems with magnetic members that can be embedded during standard manufacturing processes. This substitution eliminates the need for precision-machined mechanical joints, latches, and springs, thereby improving ease of manufacture despite the addition of magnetic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 unit ensures the cover remains securely open for easy access and closed for protection, enhancing the convenience and functionality of storing and charging TWS headphones by maintaining the open state without additional torque and securing the closed state effectively.

Implementation Method 1

a first magnetic member and a first attracting member respectively attached to the body and the cover. Opening the storage box causes the first attracting member to move closer to the first magnetic member such that magnetic force between the first magnetic member and the first attracting member drives the cover to rotate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3782504B1Storage box and electronic device
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3782504B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3782504B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3782504B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a storage box (10). The storage box (10) includes a body (100), a cover (200), and a first magnetic unit (300). The body (100) is provided with a receiving space (101). The cover (200) is rotatably attached to the body (100) and is configured to rotate relative to the body (100) to drive the storage box (10) between an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the cover (200) covers the receiving space (101). In the closed state, the receiving space (101) is exposed. The first magnetic unit (300) includes a first magnetic member (310) attached to the body (100) and a first attracting member (320) attached to the cover (200). Opening the storage box (10) from the closed state causes the first attracting member (320) to move closer to the first magnetic member (310). Magnetic force between the first magnetic member (310) and the first attracting member (320) drives the cover (200) to rotate away from the closed state and into the open state.