Torsion Hinge Magnetic Attraction for Foldable Device Operation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices, such as clamshell cell phones, require users to apply additional force to unfold or fold due to their hinge design, making operation burdensome.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device featuring a torsion hinge with magnetic components that allows for easy unfolding and folding by separating and re-attracting magnetic components, utilizing a torsion hinge that slides on a first body and connects to a second body, enabling effortless rotation between the two.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional hinge design is used to connect the first body and the second body, then the device can be unfolded and folded, but the user has to apply additional force which is burdensome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of unfolding and foldingVSAvoidadditional force required
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical hinge system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnetic components are embedded in the first and second bodies, creating magnetic attraction force that automatically draws the bodies together for folding without requiring additional user force. This substitutes mechanical mechanical coupling with magnetic field interaction, eliminating the need for forceful operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic components enable the device to fold automatically through magnetic attraction between the first and second bodies. When the user initiates folding, the magnetic force takes over to complete the folding action without requiring the user to continue applying force, making the system self-serving during the folding operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If a crown design hinge is used to fix the bodies at unfolded or folded positions, then the device can maintain stable positions, but the user has to apply additional force to unfold or fold

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of unfolded and folded statesVSAvoidease of unfolding and folding
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the crown design mechanical locking mechanism with a magnetic field-based positioning system. Magnetic components create attraction zones that naturally guide and stabilize the device in folded and unfolded positions without requiring mechanical locks or additional force to engage/disengage position-fixing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field provides dynamic positioning where the attraction force continuously adjusts to maintain stable positions during movement. The magnetic force adapts to the relative positions of the bodies, providing smooth transitions and stable endpoints without the rigid mechanical constraints of crown design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 users to conveniently unfold and fold the device with minimal effort, allowing single-handed operation and avoiding hand interference, thus enhancing user convenience and reducing operational burden.

Implementation Method 1

The second magnetic component magnetically attracts the first magnetic component when the torsion hinge is located at a first position, and enables the second body to be stacked on the first body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The second magnetic component separates from the first magnetic component, and the torsion hinge drives the second body to rotate relative to the first body when the torsion hinge leaves the first position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic separation: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2150032B1Electronic device and method for using the same
Publication Date: 2014.05.07 HTC CORP
  • EP2150032B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2150032B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2150032B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device and a method for using the same are provided. The electronic device includes a first body, a torsion hinge, and a second body. The first body has a first magnetic component. The torsion hinge is slidably disposed on the first body. The second body is connected to the torsion hinge and has a second magnetic component. The second magnetic component magnetically attracts the first magnetic component when the torsion hinge is located at a first position, and enables the first body and the second body to be in a folded state. The second magnetic component separates from the first magnetic component, and the torsion hinge drives the second body to rotate relative to the first body when the torsion hinge leaves the first position, so as to enable the first body and the second body to be in an unfolded state.