Rotatable Magnet Assembly for Low-Force Foldable Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices with rotatably coupled frames, such as foldable computing devices, face challenges in opening due to strong magnetic forces that require high actuation force and are difficult to disengage, often resulting in large packaging space occupation and mechanical fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism comprising a first and second magnet assembly with a biasing member and an actuator that translates to rotate the second magnet assembly, reducing magnetic force between the assemblies, allowing smooth opening by utilizing a push-to-open button and torsion springs to coordinate the magnetic and biasing torques for low-force actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strong magnetic forces are used to secure the device in closed configuration, then magnetic retention is improved, but actuation force required to open the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second magnet assembly is made rotatable relative to the second frame, transforming the magnetic retention system from static to dynamic. During closing, the magnet assemblies align to provide strong magnetic retention. During opening, the actuator rotates the second magnet assembly to misalign the magnetic poles, reducing the magnetic force and enabling easy disengagement. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between strong magnetic retention and low actuation force.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic force parameter is changed by rotating the second magnet assembly. In the closed configuration, the magnet assemblies are aligned to maximize magnetic attraction for secure retention. In the open configuration, rotation of the second magnet assembly misaligns the magnetic fields, significantly reducing the magnetic force. This parameter change allows the system to provide strong retention when needed while requiring minimal force to open.
2Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical latching mechanisms are used, then device opening is achieved, but mechanical fatigue and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical latching mechanism is replaced with a magnetic retention system using magnet assemblies. The magnetic fields provide the retention force without mechanical contact, eliminating wear and mechanical fatigue. The actuator uses a simple rotation mechanism to control the magnetic alignment, significantly reducing overall mechanical complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic fields serve as an intermediary between the two frames, providing retention force without direct mechanical contact. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical latches, springs, and linkages. The magnetic field can be easily controlled by rotating the second magnet assembly, simplifying the actuation mechanism while providing reliable device opening.
3Reliability
If larger magnet volumes are used, then magnetic retention is improved, but packaging space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable second magnet assembly allows the system to achieve strong magnetic retention with optimized magnet volumes. By dynamically aligning the magnetic fields during closing and misaligning during opening, the system maximizes the effectiveness of the magnet volumes, reducing the space required compared to static magnetic systems that would require larger magnets to ensure easy opening.
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 stable and smooth operation of foldable devices with larger magnet volumes, reducing the force required to open the device and minimizing mechanical stress, while maintaining robust magnetic retention in the closed configuration.
Implementation Method 1
the second magnet assembly operatively configured to attract the first magnet assembly of the first frame when the first frame and the second frame are in the closed configuration
Implementation Method 2
A biasing member biases the second magnet assembly for rotation in an open direction
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus allows a device to open from a closed configuration. The device comprises a first frame comprising a first magnet assembly, and a second frame rotatably coupled to the first frame. The apparatus comprises a second magnet assembly rotatably coupled to the second frame and configured to attract the first magnet assembly when the two frames and are in the closed configuration. A biasing member biases the second magnet assembly for rotation in an open direction. An actuator comprises first and second arms extending from an elongated base toward first and second cams that are coupled to the second magnet assembly. Translation of the elongated base toward the second magnet assembly causes the arms to rotate the cams, thereby causing rotation of the second magnet assembly in the open direction to reduce a magnetic force between the first magnet assembly and the second magnet assembly.