Rotating Magnet Assembly for Easy Opening of Foldable Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable devices face challenges with mechanical latches that require large footprints and are prone to fatigue, while strong magnets used for closure occupy significant space and are difficult to disengage.
Innovation Solution
A foldable computing device design featuring a first frame with a first magnet assembly and a second frame with a rotatable second magnet assembly, where the second magnet assembly attracts the first magnet assembly in a closed configuration, and an actuator rotates the second magnet assembly to reduce magnetic force and allow the frames to open.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical latches are used to secure the device in closed orientation, then the device can be securely closed, but the device requires large footprint and mechanical components are prone to fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical latches with a magnetic attachment system. Magnets provide the securing force to hold the device in closed orientation, eliminating the need for mechanical latches and their associated moving parts that are prone to fatigue. This substitution reduces the footprint while maintaining secure closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses magnetic field strength as the controlling parameter instead of mechanical engagement. By adjusting magnetic force parameters, the system achieves secure closure without requiring large mechanical components, thereby reducing the overall footprint of the attachment apparatus.
2Reliability
If strong magnets are used for closure, then the device can be securely closed, but the magnets occupy significant space and are difficult to disengage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotatable magnet assembly that can dynamically change its orientation. When rotated to a specific angular position, the magnetic poles are oriented to maximize attraction for secure closure. When rotated to another position, the magnetic force is reduced or cancelled, enabling easy disengagement. This dynamic adjustment allows strong magnets to be used without permanently occupying excessive space or making disengagement difficult.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field orientation parameter by rotating the magnet assembly. This parameter change allows the same magnet to provide strong closure force when needed and reduced force when disengagement is required, optimizing both secure closure and ease of opening while minimizing the space occupied.
3Reliability
If magnets are used to secure the device, then closure is achieved, but disengagement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable magnet assembly provides dynamic control over magnetic engagement. By rotating the magnet assembly to different angular positions, the user can easily transition between strongly engaged (closed) and weakly engaged (open) states. This dynamic mechanism makes disengagement simple while maintaining secure closure when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the magnetic attachment. By operating the actuator, the user indirectly controls the magnet assembly's orientation, which in turn controls the magnetic force. This intermediary makes the disengagement process easier by providing mechanical advantage and precise control over the magnetic engagement.
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 design allows for easy opening of the foldable device with a small footprint for the second magnet assembly, reducing the need for large mechanical latches and minimizing space occupied by magnets.
Implementation Method 1
The second magnet assembly attracts the first magnet assembly of the first frame when the first frame and the second frame are in a closed configuration
Implementation Method 2
an actuator operatively configured to rotate the second magnet assembly to thereby reduce a magnetic force between the first magnet assembly and the second magnet assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable computing device comprises a first frame comprising a first magnet assembly and a second frame rotatably coupled to the first frame via a hinge. The second frame comprises a second magnet assembly operatively configured for rotation with respect to the second frame. The second magnet assembly attracts the first magnet assembly of the first frame when the first frame and the second frame are in a closed configuration. The second frame further comprises an actuator operatively configured to rotate the second magnet assembly to thereby reduce a magnetic force between the first magnet assembly and the second magnet assembly and allow the foldable computing device to open.