Magnetic Sliding Module for Portable Terminal Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sliding type portable terminals face challenges in miniaturization due to space occupation by spring modules, increased manufacturing costs, limited key reception space, and restricted sliding directions, which hinder user flexibility in device usage.
Innovation Solution
A portable terminal with a sliding module utilizing magnetic substances mounted in the first and second housings to generate attractive and repulsive forces, allowing the first housing to move linearly or transversely, reducing the need for springs and minimizing part count and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring module is used to supply driving power for sliding, then the sliding function is achieved, but the housing space is occupied and miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional spring-based mechanical system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnetic substances are mounted on the sliding plate and housing to generate attractive and repulsive forces that enable bidirectional sliding without requiring spring modules, thereby reducing housing space occupation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and arrangement of magnetic substances (mounting positions, polarities, and configurations) to control the sliding behavior. By adjusting magnetic field parameters through different mounting arrangements, the system achieves reliable sliding functionality with reduced spatial requirements
2Device complexity
If sliding direction is limited to one direction, then the structure is simple, but key reception space and user flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric arrangement of magnetic substances with different polarities (N and S poles) positioned at different locations on the sliding plate and housing. This asymmetric configuration enables the sliding mechanism to respond to forces in multiple directions, allowing bidirectional sliding while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field-based sliding system serves multiple functions: it enables bidirectional sliding movement, provides positioning stability, and allows flexible access to keypad functions. The same magnetic substances that enable movement also provide stabilization when the sliding plate is stationary, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms
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 enables miniaturization of the hinge unit, decreases manufacturing costs, and allows bi-directional sliding, enhancing user experience by providing flexible access to keypad functions for communication and gaming.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic substance mounted in the first housing; and a second magnetic substance mounted in the second housing and facing the first magnetic substance, wherein the first and second magnetic substances are arranged in longitudinal and transverse directions of the first housing, respectively, so as to move the first housing in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the first housing by driving force caused due to attractive and repulsive forces between the first and second magnetic substances
Data Source
AI summary
A portable terminal having a sliding module includes a first housing; a second housing coupled to the first housing while facing the first housing; and a sliding module interposed between the first and second housings, for connecting the first housing to the second housing so that the first housing linearly moves on the second housing. The sliding module includes a sliding plate disposed on a surface of the first housing and facing the second housing; a first magnetic substance mounted in the first housing; and a second magnetic substance mounted in the second housing and facing the first magnetic substance. The first and second magnetic substances are arranged in longitudinal and transverse directions of the first housing, respectively, to move the first housing in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the first housing by driving force caused due to attractive and repulsive forces between the first and second magnetic substances.