Magnetic Locking Mechanism for Sliding Rotating Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with sliding and rotating mechanisms between display screens and keyboards face collisions when the screen is tilted, leading to potential damage due to uncontrolled sliding movements.

Innovation Solution

A locking mechanism is introduced, comprising a first connecting member on the first body and a movable plug on the moving module, which allows sliding when coupled magnetically but prevents sliding when tilted by interfering with the moving module, thus avoiding collisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a sliding mechanism and rotating mechanism are configured between the display screen and keyboard, then the display screen can be tilted and exposed to facilitate user viewing and inputting, but the display screen may slide relatively to the keyboard causing collision and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser viewing and inputting convenienceVSAvoidcollision damage prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A locking mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the sliding mechanism and rotating mechanism. This locking mechanism includes a locking member that can engage with a locking groove to prevent unwanted sliding motion while allowing the rotating mechanism to function normally for tilting the display screen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The locking member can transition between locked and unlocked states, allowing the system to adapt between preventing sliding during certain operations while permitting rotation for viewing and inputting convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the display screen is tilted through the rotating mechanism, then the display screen can be erected on the keyboard to facilitate user viewing, but the display screen is probably slid relatively to the keyboard causing collision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay screen viewing convenienceVSAvoidcollision harm to display screen
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by preemptively preventing sliding motion before it can occur during the tilting operation. The locking member is positioned to engage with the locking groove in advance, counteracting any forces that might cause the display screen to slide during rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If a locking mechanism is introduced to prevent sliding, then collision and damage can be avoided, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision damage preventionVSAvoidmechanism structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking member, a locking groove, and associated actuating elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is merged with the existing sliding and rotating mechanisms rather than being a completely separate system. The locking member integrates with the moving module, and the locking groove is formed on existing structural elements, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 locking mechanism stabilizes the motion between bodies, preventing collisions and damage by ensuring the second body remains stationary after tilting, maintaining a concise device appearance.

Implementation Method 1

When the plug is coupled with the first connecting member by a magnetic force, the second body is slidable relative to the first body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2285075B1Electronic device
Publication Date: 2012.09.26 HTC CORP
  • EP2285075B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2285075B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2285075B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a moving module, and a locking mechanism. The moving module is disposed between the first body and the second body, so that the second body is rotatable and tiltable relative to the first body. The locking mechanism includes a first connecting member and a plug. When the plug is coupled with the first connecting member by a magnetic force, the second body is slidable relative to the first body. When the second body is tilted up to decouple the plug from the first connecting member, the plug interferes the moving module, so that the second body is not slidable relative to the first body.