Magnetic Latch Mechanism for Software-Activated Device Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latching systems in hand-held portable electronic devices face limitations in user experience, size, and complexity, as they often require mechanical actuation and additional motors for software-activated actions, and struggle with efficient opening mechanisms, especially in foldable devices where user manual opening is necessary before automatic opening occurs.
Innovation Solution
A latching and release system incorporating a permanent magnet, a magnet latch plate, a spring, and an electromagnetic coil, where the electromagnetic coil reduces the magnetic holding force of the permanent magnet, allowing the spring to move housing members relative to each other, enabling software-activated opening and reducing mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a purely mechanical latching mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but additional motors or electromechanical actuators are needed for software-activated actions, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical latch with a magnetic latch system using permanent magnets. The latch plate with ferromagnetic material interacts with the permanent magnet to provide latching force, eliminating the need for mechanical springs and levers. For release, an electromagnetic coil generates a magnetic field that opposes the permanent magnet, allowing software-activated opening without additional motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters by controlling the electromagnetic coil current. By adjusting the coil current, the magnetic holding force can be dynamically modified - strong enough for latching, but reducible for release. This enables software control of the mechanical state without complex actuators.
2Force
If permanent magnets are used for latching, then the magnetic holding force is strong, but the mechanism requires physical dislocation of magnets to weaken the field, increasing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic coil as an intermediary between the permanent magnet and the latch plate. The coil generates a controllable magnetic field that mediates the interaction, allowing the permanent magnet to maintain strong holding force while the coil provides the release mechanism through field opposition, eliminating the need for physical magnet dislocation.
3Productivity
If foldable devices are designed with automatic opening after manual intervention, then user activation is required, but the opening process is inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual push-to-open mechanism with an electromagnetic release system. When software activation occurs, the electromagnetic coil immediately generates the opposing magnetic field to release the latch, allowing the spring to automatically open the device without requiring the user to manually push it open first, significantly reducing opening time.
4Extent of automation
If additional motors or electromechanical actuators are added for software activation, then automated opening is achieved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic coil serves multiple functions: it provides the release mechanism for the magnetic latch, enables software-activated opening, and can potentially serve as a position sensor or other functional element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated actuators, reducing overall device volume while maintaining automation capability.
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 provides a compact, software-activated push-to-open functionality in portable devices, allowing for efficient opening without the need for manual user intervention, enabling activation by software signals and reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining a small size and low power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic field of the permanent magnet is adapted to exert a magnetic holding force on the magnet latch plate
Implementation Method 2
The permanent magnet is adapted to be connected to a first housing member... and the magnet latch plate is adapted to be connected to a second housing member
Implementation Method 3
The electromagnetic coil is adapted to at least partially reduce the magnetic holding force by the permanent magnet on the magnet latch plate
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held portable electronic device housing latch and release system including a permanent magnet, a magnet latch plate, a spring and an electromagnetic coil. The permanent magnet is adapted to be connected to a first housing member of a hand-held portable electronic device and the magnet latch plate is adapted to be connected to a second housing member. A magnetic field of the permanent magnet is adapted to exert a magnetic holding force on the magnet latch plate when the first and second housing members are in a first position relative to each other. The spring is adapted to bias the first and second housing members away from the first position. The electromagnetic coil is adapted to at least partially reduce the magnetic holding force by the permanent magnet on the magnet latch plate.