Magnetic Locking with Translational Shield for Foldable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with foldable or pivotable form factors face challenges in securely locking their portions without visible mechanical dents or latches, while also minimizing magnetic interference that can affect nearby magnetic cards or devices.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device employs a magnetically attractable arrangement and a magnetic arrangement with a shielding element that moves translationally between a shielded and engaging position, using a non-extensible element and actuator to pivotally lock the device without external mechanical components and minimize magnetic field leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical arrangements such as dents or latches are used for locking, then the device portions can be securely locked in certain positions, but visible mechanical components are exposed on the device exterior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking components (dents, latches) with a magnetic field-based locking system. A magnet disposed within the device generates a magnetic field that attracts magnetic materials in the accessory or device portion, creating a secure lock without any visible external mechanical components. The magnetic arrangement includes a magnet and optionally a magnetic shielding element that can be positioned to enable or disable the locking function.
2Shape
If magnets are used for locking, then visible mechanical components are eliminated, but magnetic field interference can affect nearby magnetic cards or devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes the harmful magnetic field interference from the device by incorporating a magnetic shielding element. This shielding element is selectively positionable to block or contain the magnetic field when needed, preventing interference with external magnetic objects such as credit cards or other magnetic devices, while allowing the magnetic locking function to operate when the shield is positioned to permit field extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic shielding element is configured to be selectively positionable, allowing the device to dynamically adjust its magnetic field characteristics. The shield can be moved between positions that block the magnetic field (preventing interference) and positions that allow the magnetic field to extend (enabling locking). This dynamic adjustment enables the device to adapt its magnetic properties based on operational requirements.
3Force
If the magnetic field is extended for locking, then magnetic engagement with the accessory is achieved, but magnetic interference with external magnetic objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic shielding element acts as an intermediary between the magnet and the external environment. It mediates the magnetic field, allowing it to extend in controlled directions to achieve locking engagement while blocking or containing the field in directions that would cause interference with external magnetic objects. The shield effectively directs and manages the magnetic field's interaction with both the accessory and surrounding objects.
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 effectively locks the device's portions without visible mechanical components and reduces magnetic field interference outside the device, ensuring secure closure and minimizing potential interference with magnetic cards or other devices.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic arrangement disposed within or on the first portion, the magnetic arrangement comprising a magnet having a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the magnet magnetically engages the magnetically attractable arrangement
Implementation Method 3
in the shielded position, the magnetic shielding element at least partially reduces or eliminates a portion of the magnetic field extending outside of the first portion
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device comprising a first portion and a second portion pivotably connected to each other is disclosed. The electronic device is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The device comprises a magnetically attractable arrangement within or on the second portion and a magnetic arrangement comprising a magnet having a magnetic field and a magnetic shielding element disposed within or on the first portion. At least one of the magnet or the magnetic shielding element is configured to move translationally with respect to the other between a shielded position and an engaging position when the first portion is pivoted with respect to the second portion. In the shielded position, the magnetic shielding element at least partially reduces a portion of the magnetic field extending outside of the first portion. In the engaging position, the magnet engages the magnetically attractable arrangement.