Magnetic Pivot Mechanism for Multi-Stage Electronic Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pivot mechanisms in portable electronic devices are complex and aesthetically unpleasing due to exposed mechanical components, such as gears, which complicate assembly and reduce the devices' compactness.
Innovation Solution
A pivot mechanism utilizing magnetic attraction between a shaft and a sheath, where one includes a permanent magnet and the other a ferromagnetic material, providing a multi-stage torsion effect and maintaining attraction force during rotation, thus simplifying the mechanism and reducing component complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gears are used as pivot elements to enable multi-stage rotation, then the desired opening angles are achieved, but the mechanical components become complicated and aesthetics are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical gear system with a magnetic field-based pivot mechanism. A magnetic component is embedded in the pivot assembly, creating magnetic attraction zones that correspond to desired opening angles. This substitution eliminates exposed gears and mechanical linkages while maintaining multi-stage rotation capability through magnetic attraction points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the pivot components. The magnetic component acts as a mediator that provides torque and maintains attraction force during rotation, enabling smooth transitions between opening angles without direct mechanical contact or exposed gears.
2Ease of operation
If traditional pivot mechanisms with exposed gears are used, then rotation function is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic component directly into the pivot assembly structure, integrating multiple functions into a single unified component. The magnetic element is embedded within the pivot housing, combining the rotation mechanism, torque provision, and angle positioning functions into one integrated assembly, thereby simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes.
3Device complexity
If magnetic materials are used in the pivot mechanism, then component number is reduced, but magnetic attraction force must be maintained during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the magnetic component with dynamic characteristics that allow it to maintain attraction force throughout the rotation range. The magnetic field strength and distribution are optimized to provide sufficient holding force at all opening angles, enabling smooth rotation while maintaining stable attraction between magnetic components.
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 magnetic attraction-based pivot mechanism simplifies the number of components and assembly complexity, maintains a certain attraction force during rotation, and stabilizes the relative position after external force removal, enhancing user experience and device aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
One of the shaft and the sheath includes a first magnetic material, and the other one of the shaft and the sheath includes a second magnetic material magnetically attracting the first magnetic material
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a first body, a second body and a pivot mechanism. The second body is electrically connected to the first body. The pivot mechanism is connected between the first body and the second body and includes a shaft and a sheath rotatably sleeved on the shaft. One of the shaft and the sheath includes a first magnetic material, and the other of the shaft and the sheath includes a second magnetic material magnetically attracting the first magnetic material.