Magnetic Hinge Assembly for Portable Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hinge assemblies for accessory devices rely on shafts and friction clips, which require increased size to hold larger electronic devices, such as tablets, due to frictional force dependence on shaft diameter, leading to space constraints and undesirable component enlargement.
Innovation Solution
The hinge assembly substitutes shafts and friction clips with flat hinge components that transition from a stored, flat configuration to a deployed, three-dimensional support structure, using magnetic coupling and flexible members to provide stability and support without size-dependent frictional forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional shaft and friction clip hinge assemblies are used to hold larger electronic devices, then the holding force is improved through friction, but the hinge component size must increase to provide sufficient frictional force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical shaft and friction clip system with a magnetic field-based holding mechanism. Magnets embedded in the hinge assembly create magnetic attraction forces that replace the need for friction-based holding, eliminating the requirement for large-diameter shafts while maintaining sufficient holding force for larger electronic devices
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter for generating holding force from friction (which depends on shaft diameter) to magnetic field strength. By adjusting magnetic field parameters rather than mechanical dimensions, the system achieves strong holding force with compact hinge component size
2Force
If hinge components are enlarged to provide sufficient frictional force, then the holding capability is improved, but the aesthetic appearance and compactness of the accessory device deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By substituting the visible mechanical shaft and clip structure with hidden magnetic components, the invention achieves strong holding capability while maintaining a clean, aesthetic appearance. The magnets can be embedded within the hinge assembly housing, eliminating the need for exposed mechanical structures
3Force
If shaft diameter is increased to provide sufficient frictional force for larger devices, then the holding force is improved, but the space constraints within the accessory device are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field-based holding system replaces the space-consuming shaft structure, allowing sufficient holding force to be generated within the limited space available in the accessory device. The magnetic components require significantly less volume than equivalent friction-based mechanical components
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 design allows for a compact, aesthetically pleasing accessory device that can securely hold larger electronic devices without increasing the size of hinge components, providing stable support and easy transition between configurations.
Implementation Method 1
using magnetic coupling and flexible members to provide stability and support without size-dependent frictional forces
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory device for an electronic device is disclosed. The accessory device may include one or more bodies, or segments, that are rotationally coupled to each other. One segment may include a keyboard used to provide an input or command to the electronic device. The accessory device may include an additional segment with a hinge assembly and a panel coupled to the hinge assembly. The panel is designed to receive and couple with the electronic device. The hinge assembly is designed to move the panel into different positions. For instance, the hinge assembly and the panel can be stored with a segment of the accessory device when not in use. The hinge assembly can subsequently deploy, and place the panel in a position to receive the electronic device such that the electronic device is positioned for use with the keyboard.