The present disclosure relates in general to improving the appearance of an information handling system or other item of equipment, and more particularly to a magnetic latch for an information handling system or other item of equipment.
As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
As information handling systems have become more commonplace, consumers are influenced by numerous factors in making purchases of information handling systems. While information handling system performance and capacity (e.g., processor speed, memory, non-volatile storage, peripherals, etc.) are often factors influencing consumer choices, consumers are increasingly factoring in aesthetics of information handling systems into their choices. For example, consumers often prefer information handling systems that have a more sleek or “clean” aesthetic design. To respond to such consumer demand, it is often desirable to produce information handling systems that are thin in profile. However, the design of such thin-profile information handling systems are often not structurally compatible with traditional latches that latch an information handling system in a “closed” position.
In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the disadvantages and problems associated with aesthetically coupling two items of equipment have been substantially reduced or eliminated.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, an information handling system may include a first assembly and a second assembly hingedly coupled to the first assembly. The first assembly may include a first enclosure and first magnet assembly having a plurality of first magnets, the first magnet assembly movable relative to the first enclosure between a first position and a second position. The second assembly may include a second enclosure and a second magnet assembly having a plurality of second magnets. In the first position of the first magnet assembly, the plurality of first magnets and the plurality of second magnets may be configured such that the first magnet assembly is magnetically attracted to the second magnet assembly when the first magnet assembly is substantially proximate to the second magnet assembly. in the second position of the first magnet assembly, the plurality of first magnets and the plurality of second magnets may be configured such that the first magnet assembly is magnetically repelled from the second magnet assembly when the first magnet assembly is substantially proximate to the second magnet assembly.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a magnetic latch may include a first magnet assembly and a second magnet assembly. The first magnet assembly may have a plurality of first magnets, the first magnet assembly movable about a substantially linear axis between a first position and a second position. The second magnet assembly may have a plurality of second magnets. In the first position of the first magnet assembly, the plurality of first magnets and the plurality of second magnets may be configured such that the first magnet assembly is magnetically attracted to the second magnet assembly when the first magnet assembly is substantially proximate to the second magnet assembly. In the second position of the first magnet assembly, the plurality of first magnets and the plurality of second magnets may be configured such that the first magnet assembly is magnetically repelled from the second magnet assembly when the first magnet assembly is substantially proximate to the second magnet assembly.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure a system may include a first assembly and a second assembly hingedly coupled to the first assembly. The first assembly may include a first magnet assembly having a plurality of first magnets, the first magnet assembly movable between a first position and a second position. The second assembly may include a second magnet assembly having a plurality of second magnets. In the first position of the first magnet assembly, the plurality of first magnets and the plurality of second magnets are configured such that the first magnet assembly is magnetically attracted to the second magnet assembly when the first magnet assembly is substantially proximate to the second magnet assembly. In the second position of the first magnet assembly, the plurality of first magnets and the plurality of second magnets are configured such that the first magnet assembly is magnetically repelled from the second magnet assembly when the first magnet assembly is substantially proximate to the second magnet assembly.
Other technical advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the following specification, claims, and drawings.
A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein:
Preferred embodiments and their advantages are best understood by reference to
For the purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personal computer, a PDA, a consumer electronic device, a network storage device, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The information handling system may include memory, one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic. Additional components or the information handling system may include one or more storage devices, one or more communications ports for communicating with external devices as well as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. The information handling system may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communication between the various hardware components.
As depicted in
As used in this disclosure, the phrase “closed position” is used with respect to information handling system 100 to indicate a position of display assembly 102 relative to keyboard assembly 104 such that display assembly 102 substantially overlays keyboard assembly 104, or vice versa (e.g., wherein the angle formed by display assembly 102 and keyboard assembly 104 at hinges 106 is approximately zero degrees).
As used in this disclosure, the phrase “open position” is used with respect to information handling system 100 to indicate a position of display assembly 102 relative to keyboard assembly 104 such that display assembly 102 does not substantially overlay keyboard assembly 104, or vice versa (e.g., wherein the angle formed by display assembly 102 and keyboard assembly 104 at hinges 106 is substantially non zero).
In the embodiment shown in
Typically, mechanical latches are often included on information handling systems in order to maintain the information handling system in a closed position. To open an information handling system, a user may release the latch by applying a mechanical force (e.g., to slide the latch), thus allowing the information handling system to open about its hinges. However, the design depicted in
As depicted in
Magnets 202 may be fixedly coupled to magnet plate 204 in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, magnet plate 204 may include a ferromagnetic material such that magnets 202 are fixedly coupled to magnet plate 204 via magnetic force. In the same or alternative embodiments, magnets 202 may be fixedly coupled to magnet plate 204 via an adhesive. As shown, each of magnets 202 may be affixed to magnet plate 204 such that at a surface of each magnet 202 opposite of magnet plate 204 exhibits a particular magnetic polarity (e.g., a magnetic field of a particular polarity perpendicular to the surface). In addition, movable magnet assembly 200 may be constructed such that the polarity of neighboring magnets is opposite. Although
Magnet plate 204 may be fixedly coupled to a clevis 206. Clevis 206 may be made of any suitable material and may include any structural member configured to couple magnet plate 204 to actuator 208. In the embodiment shown in
Actuator 208 may include any system, device, or apparatus configured to induce mechanical motion of magnet plate 204 in response to actuation of actuator 208. In certain embodiments, actuator 208 may comprise a linear actuator, such that actuation of actuator 208 induces movement of magnet plate 204 along a generally linear axis (e.g., in axis 226, an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal length of clevis 206). In one embodiment, such linear actuator may include a shape memory material (e.g., nickel-titanium or Nitinol) that changes shape (e.g., size and/or geometric shape) in response to heat and/or electric current applied to actuator 208. For example, actuator 208 may be electrically coupled to generally electrically conductive conduits 218 and 220 via which an electrical current may be delivered to actuator 208. In response to delivered electrical current, actuator 208 and/or a resistive element thereof may heat up, causing actuator 208 to expand or contract, thus inducing movement of magnet plate 204 in a generally linear axis. In addition to shape memory materials, actuator 208 may also include any other suitable linear actuator, including without limitation, a motor and screw.
Carrier 210 may include any system, device or apparatus configured to hold and/or guide movement of magnets 202 and magnet plate 204 in a generally linear axis, e.g., by including one or more features that substantially constrain movement in at least one direction other than the generally linear axis. Carrier 210 may be coupled to top cover 112 of bezel 108 via contact clip 212. Contact clip 212 may include one or more openings configured to receive fasteners (e.g., nuts, bolts, screws) fixedly coupling carrier 210 to top cover 112. As shown in
Magnets 302 may be fixedly coupled to magnet plate 304 in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, magnet plate 304 may include a ferromagnetic material such that magnets 302 are fixedly coupled to magnet plate 304 via magnetic force. In the same or alternative embodiments, magnets 302 may be fixedly coupled to magnet plate 304 via an adhesive. As shown, each of magnets 302 may be affixed to magnet plate 304 such that at a surface of each magnet 302 opposite of magnet plate 302 exhibits a particular magnetic polarity (e.g., a magnetic field perpendicular to the surface of a particular polarity). In addition, fixed magnet assembly 300 may be constructed such that the polarity of neighboring magnets is opposite. Although
As shown in
Operation of a magnetic latch comprising movable magnet assembly 200 and fixed magnet assembly 300 may be described with reference to
In the first position shown in
In the second position shown in
Accordingly, when information handling system 100 is in a closed position, a user may open it by actuating the magnetic latch. For example, the exterior of information handling system 100 may include a button, switch, or similar device electrically coupled to actuator 208 (e.g., via conduits 218, 220). By activating (e.g., pressing) such button or switch, an electrical current may be delivered to actuator 208, which may cause actuator 208 or a resistive element thereof to increase in temperature. The increase in temperature may cause actuator 208 to change in shape (e.g., expand or contract), thus inducing movement of magnet plate 204 in a generally linear axis. Such movement of magnet plate 204 may cause magnets 202 to move from a first position in which movable magnet assembly 200 is magnetically attracted to fixed magnet assembly 300 (e.g., the first position depicted in
After a user has finished activating the button or switch, electrical current delivered to actuator 208 may cease, such that actuator 208 or a resistive element thereof decreases in temperature. Such decrease in temperature may return actuator 208 to its original shape, thus inducing movement of magnet plate 204 to its original position. Accordingly, when a user later closes information handling system 100 returning it to its closed position, magnets 200 may be aligned with magnets 300 such that movable magnet assembly 200 is magnetically attracted to fixed magnet assembly 300, thus biasing information handling system 100 in the closed position.
Although the present disclosure describes an embodiment whereby movable magnet assembly 200 is an integral part of display assembly 102 and fixed magnet assembly 300 is an integral part of keyboard assembly 104, certain embodiments of information handling system 100 may include display assembly 102 having fixed magnet assembly 300 or a similar fixed magnet assembly and may further include keyboard assembly 104 having movable magnet assembly 200 or a similar movable magnet assembly.
In addition, although the present disclosure describes use of a magnetic latch for use in an information handling system, systems and methods similar to those set forth in this disclosure may be utilized to provide a latch for any other suitable item of equipment.
Using the methods and systems disclosed herein, problems associated with traditional mechanical latches may be reduced or eliminated. For example, methods and systems disclosed herein may provide a technique for providing a latch in a thin-profile information handling system or other piece of equipment such that the latch is aesthetically hidden from the view of the user.
Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the spirit and the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.