Magnetic Sliding Cover Operation Device for Portable Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sliding covers in portable electronic devices, such as cellular phones, either require manual operation or consume battery power with semi-automatic mechanisms, which can be inefficient and prone to mechanical damage.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic repulsion and attraction mechanism using a third magnetic member with dual polarities, integrated into a transmission unit, allows for automatic opening and closing of the sliding cover without relying on motor power, utilizing a user-operated operation unit to switch magnetic polarity positions and engage toothed portions for linear movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a motor is used to operate the sliding cover automatically, then the automation level is improved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of sliding cover operationVSAvoidcomplexity of mechanical and electronic parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the motor-driven mechanical system with a magnetic field-based system. The third magnetic member with switchable polarities interacts with the first and second magnetic members to automatically position the sliding cover, eliminating the need for motors, power transmitting units, and complex control electronics while achieving full automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the magnetic polarity parameter of the third magnetic member to control the sliding cover's position. By switching between first and second polarities, the magnetic attraction and repulsion forces change, enabling automatic positioning without mechanical actuators or continuous power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Extent of automation

If a motor is used to operate the sliding cover, then automation is improved, but the operation time of the device is reduced due to battery power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of sliding cover operationVSAvoidoperation time of the cellular phone

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field-based positioning system replaces the motor-driven system, eliminating continuous electrical power consumption. The magnetic interactions occur passively when the third magnetic member switches polarities, requiring minimal power only for the polarity switching mechanism rather than continuous motor operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic polarity switching of the third magnetic member to achieve sliding cover operation. Instead of continuous power consumption from a motor, the system periodically switches between magnetic attraction and repulsion states, consuming power only during transitions rather than continuously during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Extent of automation

If a motor with multiple electronic and mechanical parts is used, then automation is improved, but the reliability is reduced due to susceptibility to impact damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of sliding cover operationVSAvoidresistance to impact damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fragile motor and electronic components with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic members are solid-state components with no moving parts, making them inherently more resistant to impact damage while maintaining automatic positioning functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic members are simple, solid-state components that are more durable and resistant to damage compared to complex motor assemblies. While not explicitly disposable, the magnetic components represent a more robust, impact-resistant solution that can withstand rough handling better than motorized systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Device complexity

If manual operation is used to move the sliding cover, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation is reduced and user effort is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of mechanical structureVSAvoidease of opening and closing sliding cover

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service operation where the sliding cover automatically positions itself based on magnetic interactions. When the third magnetic member switches polarities, the magnetic forces automatically move the sliding cover to the desired position without requiring manual manipulation, combining simplicity with ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic members are pre-positioned and configured to create attraction and repulsion forces that automatically guide the sliding cover to its target position. The system performs the positioning action preliminarily configured through magnetic field arrangements, eliminating the need for manual intervention during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables efficient, battery-free automatic operation of the sliding cover, reducing wear and tear on mechanical components and extending device usage time.

Implementation Method 1

A third magnetic member is connected to the second part and has a first magnetic polarity and a second magnetic polarity. The first and second polarities of the third magnetic member are located corresponding to the first magnetic polarity of the first magnetic member and the first magnetic polarity of the second magnetic member. The three respective first magnetic polarities are magnetically repulsive to each other. The second magnetic polarity of the third magnetic member is magnetically attracted to the three respective first magnetic polarities.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic repulsion: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Implementation Method 2

The second magnetic polarity of the third magnetic member is magnetically attracted to the three respective first magnetic polarities.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Data Source

PatentUS8494603B2Operation device for controlling sliding cover of portable electronic product

Publication Date: 2013.07.23 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD

AI summary

An operation device for controlling sliding cover of portable electronic product includes first, second and third magnetic members, a transmission unit and an operation unit. The third magnetic member is connected to the transmission unit and includes first and second magnetic polarities. The operation unit drives the transmission unit and the two magnetic members are fixed to the first and second positions of the sliding cover. When the operation unit is operated, the third magnetic member is rotated so that the first magnetic polarity of the third magnetic member is impulsive to the first magnetic member to open the sliding cover, or the first magnetic polarity of the third magnetic member is impulsive to the second magnetic member to close the sliding cover.