Magnetic Cover Attachment for Tablets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional attachment mechanisms for protective covers on large display electronic devices, such as tablets, require external features and add weight, complexity, and detract from the device's appearance and usability.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic attachment mechanism using a flap with magnets and a field shaping magnet to provide a controlled magnetic field for secure and self-aligning attachment of a protective cover to the electronic device without external fasteners, allowing for flexible positioning and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical fasteners and clasps are used for attaching protective covers, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fasteners and clasps with a magnetic attachment system. Magnets embedded in the protective cover and corresponding magnetic elements in the electronic device create secure attachment through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for mechanical components while maintaining reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes external mechanical attaching features from the electronic device by embedding magnetic elements internally. The magnetic attachment mechanism is integrated within the device structure, eliminating the need for external fasteners and reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional mechanical fasteners are used for attaching protective covers, then secure attachment is achieved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical fasteners and clasps with lightweight magnetic elements. The magnetic attachment system uses magnetic fields rather than physical mechanical components, significantly reducing the weight of the attachment mechanism while maintaining secure attachment capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external attaching features are added to the electronic device, then protective cover attachment is enabled, but device appearance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts external attaching features from the device exterior and embeds magnetic elements internally within the housing. This allows the device to maintain its sleek, uninterrupted appearance while still providing secure attachment points for protective covers through the hidden magnetic elements.
4Force
If magnets are arrayed along the flap edge for magnetic attachment, then attachment force is improved, but magnetic field interference with sensors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces field shaping magnets as intermediary elements between the attachment magnets and sensors. These field shaping magnets modify and redirect the magnetic field lines, concentrating the magnetic force for attachment while directing excess field lines away from sensitive sensors, thereby reducing magnetic interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different magnetic field characteristics to different regions: strong, concentrated magnetic fields are localized at attachment points for secure attachment, while field shaping elements create regions of reduced magnetic field intensity near sensors to minimize interference. This spatial variation in magnetic field quality resolves the contradiction.
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 secure, weight-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing attachment of protective covers that enhance the functionality and usability of electronic devices by providing protection and adjustable display angles without the need for mechanical fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of magnets arrayed along a first edge of the flap and configured to provide a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a field shaping magnet in proximity to the plurality of magnets configured to provide a second magnetic field that compensates for the first magnetic field to reduce a magnetic offset
Data Source
AI summary
A cover is described that is magnetically attached to a tablet device. The cover includes at least as flap. In the described embodiment, the flap includes a plurality of segments. The cover includes a number of magnets formed into a number of magnetic arrangements that provide a number of useful features associated with the cover and the tablet device.