Accessory Device Magnetic Retention and Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accessory devices for electronic devices lack effective magnetic coupling mechanisms to securely align and retain portable electronic devices, particularly under gravitational forces, and fail to provide flexible positioning and electrical communication without mechanical retaining features.
Innovation Solution
The accessory device incorporates multiple magnetic elements that magnetically couple with both the electronic device and other elements within the accessory, providing both attraction and repulsion forces to securely hold the device, while also allowing for rotational alignment and electrical communication through embedded contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic elements are used to couple the accessory device with the electronic device, then secure retention against gravitational forces is achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple magnetic elements and alignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory device is divided into multiple sections (first section with magnetic elements, second section with keyboard) that are rotationally coupled. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while reducing the complexity of the overall magnetic coupling mechanism, as only the first section requires magnetic elements for retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic elements serve multiple functions: they provide secure retention of the electronic device, enable rotational alignment between sections, and facilitate electrical communication through embedded contacts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanical retaining features, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple magnetic elements are used for alignment and retention, then positioning precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic elements are divided into discrete first and second magnetic elements positioned at specific locations (e.g., corners or edges) rather than a continuous magnetic array. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing individual magnetic elements to be positioned and attached separately, reducing the precision requirements for the entire assembly process while still achieving accurate alignment through the rotational coupling mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical retaining features are removed for flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of retention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical retaining features (clips, latches, screws) are replaced with a magnetic field-based retention system. The magnetic elements generate attractive forces that securely hold the electronic device without requiring physical mechanical constraints. This substitution maintains retention reliability while significantly improving ease of operation, as the device can be attached and detached simply by approaching or separating from the magnetic field zone, without manual manipulation of mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic elements are configured to generate sufficient magnetic field strength to overcome gravitational forces and secure the electronic device. By optimizing the magnetic field parameters (strength, distribution, and positioning), the system achieves reliable retention without mechanical features, allowing flexible positioning and easy operation while maintaining security against accidental detachment.
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 ensures secure retention of electronic devices against gravitational forces, allows flexible positioning, and enables electrical communication without the need for mechanical retaining features, enhancing user convenience and device compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic element capable of magnetically coupling with a first device magnet of the electronic device
Implementation Method 2
The first magnetic element may provide a magnetic attraction force with a device magnet of the electronic device
Implementation Method 3
The second magnetic element may provide a magnetic repulsion force with the device magnet
Implementation Method 4
aligning the device contacts with the electrical contacts
Implementation Method 5
electrical contacts that electrically couple with device contacts of the electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic devices and accessory devices for electronic devices are described. In some instances, an accessory device includes a keyboard and a cover rotatable with respect to the keyboard. In some instances, an accessory device includes a back panel and a foldable cover rotatable with respect to the back panel. These accessory devices may include several magnetic elements designed to magnetically couple with, and retain, an electronic device without any additional mechanical or other interlocking devices. In this regard, the magnetic elements in the accessory devices provide an external magnetic field sufficiently strong enough to retain the electronic device, and can counter gravitational forces and/or the weight of the electronic device. However, some accessory devices include additional magnetic elements that provide an external magnetic field that repels magnetic elements in the electronic device. Also, the magnetic elements may also be used to hold different sections of the accessory device together.