Magnetic Pivot Holder for Tablet Hinge Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing docking stations for portable electronic devices, such as tablet PCs, face structural strength issues due to the torque applied when adjusting viewing angles, leading to potential breakage, which is mitigated by using more rigid and expensive materials like zinc alloy, increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a restraining mechanism with a first body, second body, pivot shaft, pivot holder, and restraining mechanisms featuring a groove, hollow protrusions, and magnetic attracting components, where the first body engages with the hollow protrusions, and the second attracting components move to reinforce structural strength without requiring expensive materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a more rigid material is used for the restraining mechanism, then the structural strength is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restraining mechanism uses a composite structure combining a hollow protrusion (providing structural support) with magnetic attracting components (second attracting components) disposed within it. This composite design achieves the required structural strength through the combination of geometric form and magnetic forces, rather than relying solely on expensive rigid materials like zinc alloy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces part of the mechanical load-bearing function with magnetic attraction. The magnetic attracting components (first and second attracting components) provide holding force through magnetic fields, reducing the mechanical stress on the restraining mechanism structure itself, thereby allowing the use of less expensive materials.
2Reliability
If a more rigid material is used for the restraining mechanism, then the reliability is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restraining mechanism employs a composite design where the hollow protrusion provides structural integrity and the magnetic attracting components provide reliable holding force. This distribution of functions across different components achieves high reliability without requiring the entire structure to be made from expensive rigid materials.
Solution Approach 2:
By substituting magnetic attraction for mechanical load-bearing, the patent reduces the risk of breakage in the restraining mechanism. The magnetic components can withstand repeated engagement and disengagement cycles without the fatigue and stress concentration issues that plague rigid mechanical structures.
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 configuration enhances structural strength while reducing production costs by eliminating the need for expensive, rigid materials like zinc alloy, allowing for flexible design and positioning of the restraining mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the second attracting components move away from the pivot holder to be attracted to the first attracting component, such that the first body is attracted to and engaged with the pivot holder
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a pivot shaft, a pivot holder and restraining mechanisms. The first body includes a first connecting side, a groove disposed at the first connecting side and a first attracting component disposed in the groove. The second body includes a second connecting side where the pivot shaft is disposed at. The pivot holder connects the pivot shaft to rotate relative to the second body via the pivot shaft. The restraining mechanisms are disposed at the pivot holder. Each restraining mechanism includes a hollow protrusion and a second attracting component movably disposed in the hollow protrusions respectively. The first body is adapted to be engaged with the hollow protrusions via the groove. The second attracting components move away from the pivot holder and are attracted to the first attracting component, such that the first body is engaged with the pivot holder.