Magnetic Hinge Torque Decoupling for Laptop Base Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge assemblies in electronic devices, such as laptops, cause deformation and non-uniform gaps between the base and base portion when in a closed configuration due to the torque-induced bending moment, leading to internal stresses and non-trivial bending.
Innovation Solution
A torque component coupling unit that selectively couples and decouples the torque component from the hinge assembly, utilizing a switchable magnetic assembly to alter magnetic fields based on the angular displacement, allowing the base to move without torque in the closed configuration, thereby eliminating hinge torque and associated bending moments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the hinge assembly provides torque to maintain fixed angular displacement, then the base remains stable at a fixed angle, but the torque causes bending moment that deforms the base
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the torque component from the hinge assembly by using a magnetic coupling mechanism. The magnetic assembly can be decoupled from the torque component when the base is in closed configuration, removing the torque-induced bending moment while maintaining the hinge's rotational coupling function. This separates the torque-providing function from the rotational coupling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling between the magnetic assembly and torque component is dynamic and conditional. The magnetic assembly is attracted to the torque component when the base is in open configuration, providing torque support. When the base closes, the magnetic coupling is broken, allowing the base to move without torque. This dynamic coupling state changes based on the base's angular position.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the hinge assembly maintains torque throughout rotation, then the base remains stable in position, but non-uniform gaps and internal stresses occur in closed configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic assembly is extracted from continuous torque provision and instead provides selective torque only when needed (open configuration). This extraction of the torque function at specific moments eliminates the bending moments that cause non-uniform gaps and internal stresses in the closed configuration, while maintaining position stability when the magnetic coupling is engaged.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the magnetic assembly continuously couples with the torque component, then torque is always provided for stability, but the base cannot move freely in closed configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The magnetic assembly automatically couples with the torque component when the base is in open configuration to provide stability, and automatically decouples when the base closes, allowing free movement. This dynamic behavior is achieved through the geometric relationship between the magnetic assembly and torque component, where their relative positions change with base angle.
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 reduces internal stresses and deformation, maintaining a consistent and uniform gap between the base and base portion in the closed configuration, improving the structural integrity and usability of the electronic device.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic assembly can be configured to magnetically retain the torque component engagement feature by a first magnetic field of the magnetic assembly
Implementation Method 2
a torque element configured to provide a torque in response to a rotation of the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device with an enclosure having a base and a base is disclosed. The electronic device can include a shaft coupled with the base and the base. The shaft can be coupled with a torque component engagement feature that provides a frictional engagement with the shaft. The torque component engagement feature can magnetically couple with a magnet, or magnets. The electronic device can also include a magnetic assembly configured to magnetically couple with the shaft engagement. The magnetic assembly can provide a first magnetic field that magnetically couples the torque component engagement feature with the magnetic assembly. However, the magnetic assembly can change to a second, reduced magnetic field less than the first magnetic field. When the display assembly is rotated toward the base, the magnetic assembly changes to the second magnetic field, and the torque component engagement feature magnetically decouples from the magnetic assembly based on the reduced magnetic field.