Magnetic Hinge Assemblies With Leaf Magnets For Secure Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge assemblies for computing devices, such as those connecting display and keyboard housings, face challenges in providing secure and efficient pivoting mechanisms that allow for multiple orientations while maintaining electrical and optical connectivity, and require innovative solutions to enhance magnetic coupling forces to overcome gravity and ensure reliable operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hinge assembly with leaf magnets featuring north and south poles, which include a plurality of poles arranged in arrays to create strong magnetic fields, allowing for secure coupling and decoupling of housings, and incorporating conductive leaves for electrical connectivity and optical mediums for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic coupling forces are increased to overcome gravity and ensure reliable operation, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple magnets and precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling system is segmented into multiple discrete magnets (first magnet, second magnet, third magnet, fourth magnet) positioned at specific locations on the leaf and receptacle. Each magnet contributes to the overall magnetic coupling force, allowing the system to achieve high reliability through distributed magnetic forces rather than relying on a single complex magnetic assembly.
2Force
If multiple magnets with north and south poles are arranged in arrays to create strong magnetic fields, then magnetic coupling force increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic pole arrangement exhibits asymmetric positioning where north poles and south poles are strategically placed at different locations on the leaf and receptacle. The first and second magnets have north poles facing each other, while the third and fourth magnets have south poles facing each other, creating an asymmetric but balanced magnetic field distribution that enhances coupling force while accommodating manufacturing tolerances.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conductive leaves and optical mediums are integrated into the hinge assembly, then functionality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly merges multiple functional components into a single integrated structure. The leaf includes both conductive material for electrical connectivity and optical medium for data transmission, while the receptacle incorporates corresponding conductive contacts and optical components. This merging eliminates the need for separate electrical and optical connection mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while enhancing 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
This solution enables secure pivoting and orientation changes of computing device components, maintaining electrical and optical connections, with magnetic forces exceeding gravity, ensuring reliable operation and reduced wear, and allowing for efficient data transfer.
Implementation Method 1
leaf magnets that include north poles and south poles
Implementation Method 2
magnetic coupling forces to overcome gravity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus can include a processor; memory accessible by the processor; a display operatively coupled to the processor; a hinge assembly that includes an axle and leaves where at least one of the leaves includes a leaf magnet that includes north poles and south poles; and a first housing and a second housing that include leaf receptacles that, in a coupled state, receive the leaves of the hinge assembly to pivotably couple the first housing and the second housing.