Magnetic Expansion Device for Thin Portable Apparatuses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional expansion devices for portable information apparatuses face challenges in attaching to thin chassis, as they require a dedicated engagement hole, which can be difficult to accommodate in slim designs, limiting the thickness reduction and functionality of the portable device.
Innovation Solution
An expansion device with a device chassis having a shorter front-rear dimension, utilizing magnets to attract corresponding magnets on the apparatus chassis and fitting holes for leg protrusions, allowing secure attachment and removal without the need for a hook-like engagement hole, thus enabling thinner designs and improved functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional expansion device with a hook-like engagement member is used, then the expansion device can be securely attached to the portable information apparatus, but the apparatus chassis requires a dedicated engagement hole which increases the chassis thickness
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the expansion device's engagement member insert into a hole in the apparatus chassis, the patent inverts the arrangement by placing the engagement hole in the expansion device and having it receive a protrusion from the apparatus chassis. This allows the apparatus chassis to be thinner while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical hook-and-hole engagement system with a magnetic attraction system. Magnets are embedded in both the expansion device and apparatus chassis, providing secure attachment without requiring a dedicated engagement hole in the chassis, thus reducing chassis thickness.
2Length of moving object
If the apparatus chassis is made thinner to reduce portability information apparatus thickness, then the device becomes more portable, but it becomes difficult to secure space for forming an engagement hole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the engagement structure by placing the engagement hole in the expansion device rather than the apparatus chassis. This allows the apparatus chassis to be made thinner without compromising the ability to form engagement features, as the hole is now located in the thicker expansion device component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical engagement hole system with magnetic attraction, eliminating the need to form engagement holes in the thin apparatus chassis. Magnets can be easily embedded in both components without requiring hole formation in the chassis, simplifying manufacturing of thin devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hook-like engagement member protruding from the expansion device is used, then the expansion device can be attached to the apparatus chassis, but the engagement hole must be formed at the bottom surface of the apparatus chassis which limits design flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the engagement arrangement by placing the engagement hole in the expansion device and a protrusion on the apparatus chassis, rather than having a hook on the expansion device insert into a hole in the chassis. This simplifies the overall engagement structure and provides design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical hook-and-hole engagement system with a simpler magnetic attraction system. Magnets embedded in both components provide secure attachment without requiring complex engagement structures, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
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 solution allows for reliable attachment and removal of the expansion device on thin portable information apparatuses, enhancing functionality and design flexibility by eliminating the need for a dedicated engagement hole, while maintaining secure positioning and preventing interference with the top surface.
Implementation Method 1
a set of magnets provided to face a top surface of the device chassis and capable of attracting a set of attracted bodies provided to face a bottom surface of the apparatus chassis
Data Source
AI summary
An expansion device removably attachable even to a thin portable information apparatus and an electronic apparatus including the portable information apparatus and the expansion device are disclosed. An expansion device includes: a device chassis having a shorter front-rear dimension than a front-rear dimension of an apparatus chassis of a portable information apparatus; a plurality of attracted bodies such as a plurality of magnets or iron plates provided to face a top surface of the device chassis and capable of attracting a plurality of magnets provided to face a bottom surface of the apparatus chassis; and a fitting hole that is provided at the top surface of the device chassis and into which a leg portion protruding from the bottom surface of the apparatus chassis is fittable.