Reversible Magnetic Tablet Cover with Dual Magnet Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tablet computers face challenges with damage from dropping due to their small size and light weight, and typing is difficult due to the lack of haptic response from graphical keyboards, which often require supplementary cases or wireless keyboards that do not easily accommodate prolonged holding or reading orientations.
Innovation Solution
A reversible connection device that attaches a cover to a tablet computer in multiple configurations, including a cover, keyboard, reading, and stand configurations, using a channel with a first magnet array and a movable tab with a second reversed magnet array to securely attach the tablet in various orientations, accommodating asymmetrical profiles and patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a case or folio is used to protect the tablet computer, then protection is improved, but the device complexity and bulk increase, making it difficult to hold and use in different orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cover, keyboard, and stand functions into a single integrated device. The cover serves as both protective casing and keyboard surface, while also functioning as a stand when positioned at an angle. This merging eliminates the need for separate protective cases, keyboards, and stands, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed to perform multiple functions: it protects the tablet screen when closed, provides a physical keyboard surface when positioned flat, and acts as a viewing stand when positioned at an angle. The magnetic attachment system also provides both attachment and orientation guidance functions. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple separate accessories.
2Ease of operation
If a wireless keyboard is incorporated into the case or folio, then typing capability is improved, but the case structure becomes more complex and encloses the tablet perimeter, limiting viewing and holding flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is merged with the cover itself rather than being a separate component. The cover surface contains the keyboard elements, eliminating the need for a separate keyboard device or complex keyboard housing. This integration simplifies the overall structure while providing tactile keyboard feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover can be positioned in multiple dynamic configurations: closed to protect the screen, flat to provide keyboard access, or angled to provide both keyboard access and screen viewing. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same structure to serve multiple functions without requiring complex mechanisms or additional components.
3Ease of operation
If the tablet is used in portrait orientation for reading, then reading comfort is improved, but the magnetic attachment must accommodate non-symmetrical profiles and reversed orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment system incorporates asymmetric magnet arrays on both the cover and tablet. The first magnet array is positioned to optimize attachment in one orientation, while the second magnet array is positioned to optimize attachment in the reversed orientation. This asymmetric design allows the cover to securely attach to the tablet in both portrait and landscape orientations without requiring symmetric magnet placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment system is segmented into multiple independent magnet arrays rather than using a single centralized magnet system. The first magnet array handles attachment in the primary orientation, while the second magnet array handles attachment in the reversed orientation. This segmentation allows each magnet array to be optimized for its specific orientation without interfering with the other.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover is designed to enclose the tablet perimeter for protection, then protection is improved, but the device complexity increases and flexibility for different configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed as a dynamic component that can be positioned in multiple configurations rather than a static enclosing structure. It can be closed to protect the screen, opened flat to provide keyboard access, or positioned at an angle to provide both keyboard access and screen viewing. This dynamic positioning provides configuration flexibility without requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover serves multiple functions across different configurations: screen protection when closed, keyboard surface when flat, and viewing stand when angled. This multi-functionality provides adaptability for different use cases without requiring additional components or increasing device complexity.
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 device provides secure attachment and versatile usage, protecting the screen, enabling typing, and facilitating holding and viewing while accounting for the non-symmetrical profile and patterned magnetic array of tablet computers, enhancing user interaction and protection.
Implementation Method 1
The channel has a first magnet array configured to magnetically attach to a magnet array of the edge of the tablet computer in a first orientation of the tablet computer with respect to the cover and the channel
Implementation Method 2
The tab has a second reversed magnet array configured to magnetically attach to the magnet array of the edge of the tablet computer in a second reversed orientation of the tablet computer with respect to the cover and the channel
Data Source
AI summary
A reversible connection device to attach a cover to a tablet computer in two opposite configurations has a channel pivotally coupled to the cover to receive an edge of the tablet computer. The channel has a first magnet array to magnetically attach to a magnet array of the edge of the tablet computer in a first orientation of the tablet computer with respect to the cover and the channel. A tab is movably coupled in and carried by the channel and movable into the channel. The tab has a second reversed magnet array to magnetically attach to the magnet array of the edge of the tablet computer in a second reversed orientation of the tablet computer with respect to the cover and the channel. The second reversed magnet array has a reversed orientation with respect to the first magnet array of the channel.