Switchable Magnetic Lock for Seamless Device Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for attaching movable and removable parts and peripherals to computing devices, such as mechanical connectors and magnets, often result in unsatisfactory designs with protrusions or holes, and existing magnetic solutions require excessive power or force for separation.
Innovation Solution
The use of switchable magnetic locks that employ a permanent magnet and magnetic-field directors, controlled by an actuator and sensors, to lock and unlock devices with minimal power consumption and a seamless design, eliminating the need for manual selectors and mechanical retention mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical connectors (latches, sliding tabs) are used to attach peripherals, then secure locking is achieved, but protrusions and holes are created in the device body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical connectors (latches, tabs, holes) with a magnetic field-based locking system. A magnet assembly generates a magnetic field that attracts the peripheral device without requiring physical protrusions or piercings through the device body, thereby achieving secure attachment while maintaining a seamless exterior surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the magnetic field strength through an actuator that controls the magnet assembly. By varying the magnetic field parameters (strength, direction), the system can switch between locked and unlocked states without mechanical movement of external components, preserving the seamless design while providing reliable locking.
2Shape
If permanent magnets are used for attachment, then a seamless design is achieved, but excessive force is required to separate the devices
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic locking system incorporates an actuator that dynamically controls the magnet assembly's position and/or magnetic field strength. This allows the system to transition between a high-force locked state (for secure attachment) and a low-force unlocked state (for easy separation), eliminating the need for excessive manual pulling force while maintaining a seamless appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
By adjusting the magnetic field parameters through the actuator, the system can reduce the magnetic attraction force during the unlocking process. This parameter control enables easy separation of devices without compromising the seamless design or requiring excessive separation force during normal operation.
3Extent of automation
If electromagnets are used for locking, then switchable locking is achieved, but high power consumption and low magnetic force occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic or pulsed activation of the magnet assembly rather than continuous power consumption. The actuator activates the magnet only when locking or unlocking is required, then returns to a low-power state. This periodic action achieves switchable locking functionality while dramatically reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous electromagnet operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a magnet assembly that may incorporate permanent magnets as an intermediary to provide the magnetic field, rather than relying solely on powered electromagnets. This intermediary approach provides strong magnetic force with minimal or no power consumption during the locked state, while still enabling switching through the actuator.
4Ease of operation
If manual latch release mechanisms are used, then locking control is achieved, but device complexity increases with exposed components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical latch release mechanisms with an actuator-controlled magnetic system. The actuator, which may be driven by motors, solenoids, or other automated mechanisms, controls the magnet assembly to provide locking and unlocking functionality without exposed mechanical components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation through automated or button-controlled interfaces.
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 secure locking and easy unlocking of devices with a seamless integration, reducing power usage and eliminating the need for protruding latches or holes, allowing for effortless operation without manual latch release.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet with a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
switchable magnetic locks that employ a permanent magnet and magnetic-field directors
Implementation Method 3
an actuator that directs the magnetic field in a first direction to null the magnetic field or in a second direction to direct the magnetic field to a magnetically permeable material
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes techniques using, and apparatuses including, switchable magnetic locks. These techniques and apparatuses can enable low or no power consumption and a seamless design for locking and unlocking of devices one to the other, such as computing devices and peripherals.