Magnetically Actuated Ventilation Doors for Precise Cooling Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computing devices, such as laptops and tablets, require complex and expensive hinge designs to control the motion of intake vents for cooling, which often struggle with accuracy at small angular ranges.

Innovation Solution

A magnetically actuated door system using a first magnet on the frame and a magnet array on a slide to control the opening and closing of ventilation doors, allowing precise movement at small angles without complex components, utilizing a Hall effect sensor and electromagnets for control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If complex hinge designs and mechanisms are used to control motion of intake vents, then the ability to control opening sizes is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol accuracy of ventilation openingVSAvoidcomplexity of hinge design

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical hinge systems with a magnetic field-based control system. Electromagnets mounted on the frame interact with magnets on the ventilation door to control its position, eliminating the need for complex mechanical hinges while achieving precise control of the ventilation opening size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the control system and the ventilation door. Electromagnets create magnetic fields that interact with magnets on the door, providing a non-contact means of control that simplifies the mechanical structure while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If complex hinge designs and mechanisms are used to control motion of intake vents, then the ability to control opening sizes is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol accuracy of ventilation openingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses electromagnets and simple magnetic components instead of expensive, complex mechanical hinge assemblies. This substitution with simpler, cheaper components reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining the required control precision for ventilation openings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If conventional mechanical systems are used for small angular ranges, then structural simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and control accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of mechanismVSAvoidaccuracy at small angular ranges

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical position sensing with magnetic field sensing. Hall effect sensors detect the position of the ventilation door by measuring changes in magnetic field strength as the door moves through small angular ranges, providing high precision control without complex mechanical encoders or sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical position to magnetic field strength. By measuring the strength of the magnetic field at different door positions using Hall effect sensors, the system achieves high precision measurement of small angular displacements without requiring complex mechanical measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 accurate control of ventilation opening sizes for improved cooling, enhancing computing performance by allowing higher clock speeds and reducing the need for costly hinge mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

A Hall effect sensor can be used to detect a position of the slide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a Hall effect sensor and electromagnets for control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetism: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP4242790B1Magnetically-actuated doors

Publication Date: 2025.09.17 INTEL CORP

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

Magnetically actuated doors are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a door to be movably coupled to a frame of a computing device, a first magnet, a magnet array including a second magnet and a third magnet, the door to support the first magnet or the magnet array, and a slide. The slide includes a body supporting the other of the first magnet or the magnet array, and a guide, the body to move along a path defined by the guide, wherein the body in a first location of the path causes the magnet array to attract the first magnet and close the door relative to the frame, and wherein the body in a second location of the path causes the magnet array to repel the first magnet and open the door relative to the frame.