Magnetic Hinge Folio for Computing Device Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Folios for portable computing devices often lack sufficient support to prevent the device from rotating past an upright position in laptop mode, leading to instability and unwanted collapse, especially when not on a flat surface.

Innovation Solution

A folio design incorporating a flexible hinge portion with first and second magnetic elements that engage and disengage based on the configuration, providing stability and support without additional mechanical fasteners, allowing the folio to transition smoothly between open, closed, and tablet modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional mechanical hinges are used to connect the base portion and covering portion, then the folio can maintain structural support in laptop mode, but the device thickness increases and the hinge mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolio stability in laptop modeVSAvoidhinge mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical hinge fasteners with magnetic elements that provide the necessary holding force through magnetic attraction. The magnetic elements are embedded in the flexible hinge portion, eliminating the need for complex mechanical fastening mechanisms while maintaining the ability to support the folio in laptop mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the hinge from a rigid mechanical connection to a flexible magnetic connection. The flexible hinge portion with embedded magnetic elements allows the folio to maintain stability through magnetic force rather than rigid mechanical constraints, enabling smoother transitions between modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If additional mechanical fasteners are added to prevent device rotation, then stability improves, but the device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice rotation preventionVSAvoidfolio thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical fasteners with magnetic elements that provide rotational prevention through magnetic attraction forces. The magnetic elements are embedded within the flexible hinge portion, eliminating the need for additional external fasteners that would increase folio thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the magnetic elements directly into the flexible hinge portion structure. This integration allows the hinge and the magnetic fastening mechanism to become a unified component, eliminating the need for separate mechanical fasteners and reducing overall thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid hinge structure is used to support laptop mode, then structural stability improves, but the flexibility to transition between modes decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaptop mode supportVSAvoidmode transition flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible hinge portion that can dynamically adjust its configuration between laptop mode and tablet mode. The magnetic elements provide stable support in laptop mode while allowing smooth transitions and flexible repositioning, enabling the folio to adapt to different usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical properties of the hinge from rigid to flexible by using a flexible hinge portion with embedded magnetic elements. This allows the folio to maintain stability when needed while providing the flexibility to transition between different modes and configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 elements ensure the computing device remains stable in laptop mode by preventing unwanted rotation, while allowing easy conversion to tablet mode through the flexible hinge, enhancing usability and stability without increasing the device's thickness.

Implementation Method 1

a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element being disposed in the flexible hinge portion... when the folio is in the open configuration, a portion of the first magnetic element is attached to a portion of the second magnetic element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10595604B1Folio including magnetic hinge for computing device

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

Example implementations relate to a folio including a covering portion, a flexible hinge portion, and a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element may be disposed in the flexible hinge portion. The first magnetic element may be configured to move with respect to the second magnetic element. The folio may be configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration such that when the folio is in the open configuration, a portion of the first magnetic element is attached to a portion of the second magnetic element, and when the folio is in the closed configuration, the portion of the first magnetic element is separated from the portion of the second magnetic element.