Magnetic Folding Device for Electronic Cases
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for providing foldability in electronic devices, such as laptops and tablets, require cutting open the main body to accommodate rotation shafts, which compromises aesthetics, increases manufacturing costs, and adds thickness.
Innovation Solution
A folding device with a bottom case and a top case that utilize magnetic sections with multiple magnetic elements and stoppers to allow for magnetic attraction and positioning, eliminating the need for rotation shafts and enabling the top case to be configured at a folded, first opened, or second opened position without additional pivoting mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rotation shafts are used to provide foldability, then the top case can be connected to the bottom case for opening or folding, but the main body must be cut open which compromises aesthetics and increases manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotational function from the traditional rotation shaft mechanism and relocates it to magnetic elements positioned at the corners of the top and bottom cases. This eliminates the need to cut open the main body for rotation shaft assembly, thereby preserving aesthetics and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining foldability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation shaft system with a magnetic field-based positioning system. Magnetic elements at the corners provide attractive forces that enable the top case to be folded or opened relative to the bottom case without physical mechanical connections, eliminating the need for cutting and complex assembly
2Adaptability or versatility
If rotation shafts are installed in both the LCD cover and main body, then foldability is achieved, but the overall thickness and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rotation shaft components from both the LCD cover and main body, extracting the rotational function and relocating it to corner-mounted magnetic elements. This eliminates the thickness added by traditional rotation shaft assemblies while preserving the folding capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a centralized rotation shaft mechanism to distributed corner magnetic elements, changing the dimensional arrangement of the folding mechanism. This corner-based magnetic positioning system reduces overall thickness by eliminating the need for thick rotation shaft assemblies in the traditional locations
3Adaptability or versatility
If rotation shafts are used to connect the top case and bottom case, then foldability is provided, but additional pivoting mechanisms are required which increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pivoting function from traditional rotation shafts and redistributes it to multiple corner magnetic elements. This eliminates the need for complex centralized pivoting mechanisms while maintaining the folding capability through simpler magnetic attraction and positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the folding mechanism into multiple independent corner magnetic elements rather than using a single centralized rotation shaft. Each corner magnetic element independently provides positioning and support, simplifying the overall device structure and reducing complexity while enabling foldability
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 allows for foldable electronic devices with reduced manufacturing costs and maintained aesthetics, providing flexible positioning without the need for additional pivoting mechanisms, enhancing operational stability and design practicality.
Implementation Method 1
the upper magnetic element and the lower magnetic element are in attraction with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A folding device provides a top case having magnetic elements at a top magnetic section and a bottom case having a groove and magnetic elements around the groove at a bottom magnetic section. As the top magnetic section of the top case is disposed at the bottom magnetic section of the bottom case, the top case is configurable at one of a folded position and at least two opened positions with respect to the bottom case. When the top case is at the first opened position, a first stopper and a first magnetic element at the groove of the bottom magnetic section maintain the top case at the first opened position; when the top case is at the second opened position, a second stopper and a second magnetic element at the groove of the bottom magnetic section maintain the top case at the second opened position.