Magnetic Unit Attachment for Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information processing devices, such as tablet computers and keyboards, are inconvenient to carry separately and become bulky when a hinge mechanism is added to combine them, compromising portability and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A portable information processing device comprising two units that are magnetically attachable, allowing them to be placed one upon the other, eliminating the need for a separate hinge mechanism and enhancing portability and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinge mechanism is added to combine the tablet computer and keyboard, then the convenience of using them as a single device is improved, but the device becomes bulky and portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical hinge mechanism with a magnetic field-based attachment system. Magnets embedded in both the tablet computer and keyboard generate magnetic attraction forces that hold the devices together without requiring physical hinges, thereby eliminating the bulkiness associated with mechanical hinge structures while maintaining the convenience of unified operation
2Volume of moving object
If the tablet computer and keyboard are carried separately, then portability is improved, but convenience deteriorates due to the need to carry multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains segmentation by allowing the tablet computer and keyboard to remain as separate, slim devices that can be carried independently when not in use. The magnetic attachment mechanism enables these segmented devices to be quickly combined when needed, providing both the portability benefits of separate devices and the convenience of unified operation
3Volume of moving object
If a separate case is used to accommodate both tablet computer and keyboard, then portability is improved, but convenience deteriorates due to the need to carry an additional case
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the tablet computer and keyboard into a single integrated unit through magnetic attachment, eliminating the need for a separate carrying case. The magnetic force itself serves as the binding mechanism, allowing the devices to stick together securely without requiring an external case to hold them both
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
The magnetic attachment allows for a slim and portable design, enabling easy separation and reconnection of the units, improving user experience by reducing bulkiness and enhancing usability as a single device.
Implementation Method 1
a first group of magnets are arranged in the case of the first unit. The rest are arranged in the case of the first unit along the first other side... a second group of magnets are arranged in the case of the other unit... Each of the first group of magnets respectively corresponds and is placed upon each of corresponding the second group of magnets
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a portable information processing device includes first and second units, each having a flat approximately rectangular solid case. The first unit has as many magnets as the second unit has. Each of the magnets of the first unit attracts corresponding magnet of the second unit when the case of the first unit and the case of the second unit are placed one upon the other.