Magnetic Hinge for Flip Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge structures in flip mobile devices wear out with repeated use, leading to a decrease in biasing force and a relatively tall profile, limiting the device's thickness compared to non-flip designs.
Innovation Solution
The use of diametric magnets within the hinge structure, which interact to bias the cover towards closed and open positions, providing a stable and thinner profile without deformation over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression spring is used in the hinge structure to provide biasing force, then the cover can be biased to closed or open positions, but the spring deforms and wears out with repeated use, causing the biasing force to decrease over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression spring with a magnetic field-based biasing mechanism. Magnets are positioned in the hinge assembly to generate magnetic forces that bias the cover toward closed or open positions without mechanical contact and deformation, eliminating wear and maintaining consistent biasing force throughout the device's service life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the biasing mechanism from mechanical (spring) to magnetic. By adjusting magnet positions, strengths, and configurations, the biasing force characteristics are optimized to provide reliable operation without the degradation issues of mechanical springs
2Ease of operation
If a traditional hinge structure with spring and cams is used, then the cover can pivot between closed and open positions, but the hinge structure is relatively tall, preventing the device from being made as thin as non-flip devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the magnets and hinge components within a compact, nested arrangement where the magnetic biasing mechanism is integrated into the hinge assembly itself. The magnets are positioned within the hinge structure rather than requiring separate external components, reducing the overall height and enabling thinner device profiles while maintaining full pivoting functionality
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 hinge design maintains a consistent biasing force and reduces the overall height of the device, preventing wear and ensuring reliable operation throughout the device's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
A base magnet having a first magnetic axis is supported at the base hinge end, and a cover magnet is supported at the cover hinge end so as to move with the cover relative to the base. The cover magnet interacts with the base magnet to bias the cover towards at least one of the closed position and the open position.
Implementation Method 2
The cover magnet has a second magnetic axis and interacts with the base magnet. Interaction of the base magnet and the cover magnet tends to align the first magnetic axis and the second magnetic axis and thereby bias the cover towards at least one of the closed position and the open position.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~10
AI summary
An electronic mobile device comprises a base forming an inner surface and having a base hinge end. A cover having a cover hinge end is engaged with the base hinge end, and the cover is pivotable about a hinge axis that is substantially parallel to the inner surface of the base. The cover is movable from a closed position to an open position and vice versa relative to the base. In the closed position the cover is disposed proximate the base, and in the open position the cover is disposed away from the base. A base magnet having a first magnetic axis is supported at the base hinge end, and a cover magnet is supported at the cover hinge end so as to move with the cover relative to the base. The cover magnet has a second magnetic axis and interacts with the base magnet. Interaction of the base magnet and the cover magnet tends to align the first magnetic axis and the second magnetic axis and thereby bias the cover towards at least one of the closed position and the open position.