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 design that limits the device's thickness compared to non-flip devices.

Innovation Solution

The use of diametric magnets within the hinge to bias the cover towards closed or open positions, providing a thinner profile and maintaining consistent biasing force over the device's lifespan by aligning magnetic axes to stabilize the cover's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a compression spring is used in the hinge to bias the cover, then the cover can be biased to closed or open positions, but the spring deforms with repeated use and the biasing force decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiasing force consistencyVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical compression spring system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets are positioned within the hinge assembly to provide the biasing force, eliminating the need for a mechanical spring that deforms over time. The magnetic force remains consistent throughout the device's service life as magnets do not degrade like elastic materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the biasing mechanism from elastic mechanical force (spring) to magnetic field force. By adjusting magnet strength, positioning, and orientation, the biasing force can be precisely controlled and maintained without the degradation issues of mechanical springs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a traditional hinge structure with spring and cams is used, then the cover can pivot between positions, but the hinge becomes relatively tall and limits device thickness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover pivotingVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds the magnets and hinge components within each other in a nested arrangement. The magnets are positioned inside the hinge assembly, and the overall structure is integrated into the device's thin profile, allowing the hinge mechanism to occupy minimal space while maintaining full pivoting functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a traditional tall hinge structure to a flattened, two-dimensional arrangement by positioning magnets and components in planar configurations rather than requiring vertical height. This allows the hinge to function within the constrained thickness of modern mobile devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If repeated and frequent use is made of the hinge, then the device remains functional, but the spring deforms and biasing force decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusage frequencyVSAvoidhinge performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical spring system with a magnetic field-based system that does not suffer from fatigue or deformation under repeated loading. Magnets maintain their magnetic properties and provide consistent biasing force even after extensive use, ensuring reliable hinge performance throughout the device's lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent eliminates the need for replaceable wear components by using magnets that have no mechanical wear points. Unlike springs that gradually lose elasticity, magnets provide durable, maintenance-free operation that matches the overall device lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solution maintains a consistent biasing force and reduces the overall height of the device, preventing deformation and ensuring reliable operation without the need for mechanical detents, resulting in a thinner and more durable flip mobile device design.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic alignment: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

aligning magnetic axes to stabilize the cover's position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS8861224B2Magnetic hinge electronic mobile device

Publication Date: 2014.10.14 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

An electronic mobile device includes a base supporting an input panel. A cover pivotally connects to the base and is pivotable from a closed position to an open position and vice versa relative to the base. In the closed position the cover covers the input panel, and in the open position the cover is disposed away from the base. A base magnet is supported within the base and has a first magnetic axis. A cover magnet is supported within the cover so as to move with the cover relative to the base. The cover magnet has a second magnetic axis that tends to align with the first magnetic axis to thereby bias the cover towards at least one of the closed position and the open position.