Magnetic Connector Pivot Hinge Eliminates Mechanical Linkages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical connectors in portable electronic devices restrict design flexibility and manipulability, limiting the devices to specific configurations and potentially causing mechanical failure.
Innovation Solution
The use of magnetic connectors between housings, where one housing has a magnet and the other has a corresponding magnetically active edge, allowing for pivotable connection without physical linkages, enabling flexible form factors and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical connectors are used to connect housings, then the connection is strong and reliable, but the device complexity increases and design flexibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical connectors with magnetic connectors. The magnetic connector uses magnetic attraction force between a magnet in the first housing and a magnetically active edge in the second housing to achieve coupling, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages such as hinges or clips. This substitution reduces structural complexity while maintaining connection reliability through magnetic force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the mechanical linkage component from the connector system. By removing the mechanical hinge or clip and replacing it with purely magnetic attraction, the design eliminates unnecessary mechanical parts, simplifying the overall structure while preserving the essential function of connecting and holding the housings together.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical connectors are used to connect housings, then the connection is stable, but the manipulability and design flexibility are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connector enables dynamic reconfiguration of the device. The magnetically active edge can be positioned at different locations on the second housing, allowing the housings to be connected in multiple configurations (e.g., different angles or orientations). The magnetic connection remains stable in each configuration while permitting easy transition between configurations, enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connector system provides multi-functionality by enabling the same connector to support various configurations. By moving the magnetically active edge to different positions, the single magnetic connector can accommodate multiple device configurations (closed, open, angled positions), making the connector universal for different operational modes without requiring multiple specialized connectors.
3Strength
If mechanical connectors are used, then the housing connection is secure, but mechanical failure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes magnetic attraction for mechanical connection. Instead of relying on mechanical parts such as hinges, clips, or screws that are prone to wear, fracture, or loosening, the connection is achieved through magnetic force. This eliminates the mechanical failure modes associated with moving parts and contact surfaces, significantly improving reliability and resistance to mechanical failure while maintaining secure connection strength.
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 flexible and reliable connection that enhances user manipulation, extends product lifespan by avoiding mechanical failures, and allows for configurations not possible with mechanical connectors, while maintaining a simplified and rugged design.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first magnet is provided in the first housing and at least a second magnet is provided in the second housing proximal to the exterior edge... such that the first and second magnet interact with one another to serve as a magnetic connector
Implementation Method 2
the first and second magnet interact with one another to serve as a magnetic connector such that the first housing pivots with respect to the second housing
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (100) has a first housing (101) and a second housing (102). At least the second housing (102) has at least one exterior edge (202) configured as a pivot surface. The first housing (101) includes at least a first magnet (103) and the second housing (102) includes at least a second magnet (104) that is disposed proximal to the aforementioned pivot surface (202). So configured, the first and second magnet (103, 104 interact with one another and thereby serve as a magnetic connector such that the first housing (101) pivots with respect to the second housing (102) about the pivot surface (202). The first and second housing (101, 102) do not pivotally connect to one another via a mechanical connector.