Abstract:
Magnetic locking mechanisms, linear movement generators, and holders are disclosed. According to an aspect, a magnetic locking mechanism includes a first component defining a first recess. The magnetic locking mechanism also includes a second component defining a second recess. Further, the magnetic locking mechanism includes a third component being attached to a first magnet and capable of being positioned in a first position such that the third component is partially within the first and second recesses for holding the first and second components together in at least one direction. Further, the third component is capable of being positioned in a second position such that the third component is outside of the first recess.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/897,858, filed Oct. 31, 2013 and titled MAGNETIC LOCKING MECHANISMS, LINEAR MOVEMENTS GENERATORS, AND HOLDERS, the content of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to magnetic mechanisms. More particularly, the present invention relates to magnetic locking mechanisms, linear movements generators, and holders. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Computing devices and other electronic devices are often attached to docking stations and other mechanisms. In the case of a docking station, an electronic device may be secured to the docking station by a mechanism for locking and holding the electronic device in place. In addition, a release mechanism may be used to unlock the electronic device from the docking station so that the electronic device can be removed. It is desired to provide improved and lower cost systems mechanisms for attaching electronic devices to docking stations. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0005]    Disclosed herein are magnetic locking mechanisms, linear movement generators, and holders. According to an aspect, a magnetic locking mechanism includes a first component defining a first recess. The magnetic locking mechanism also includes a second component defining a second recess. Further, the magnetic locking mechanism includes a third component being attached to a first magnet and capable of being positioned in a first position such that the third component is partially within the first and second recesses for holding the first and second components together in at least one direction. Further, the third component is capable of being positioned in a second position such that the third component is outside of the first recess. 
         [0006]    According to another aspect, a magnetic linear movement generator includes a first magnet being rotatable along an axis. The movement generator also includes a second magnet having poles aligned along a direction substantially towards the axis. Further, the movement generator includes a mechanical constraint that holds the second magnet and constrains the second magnet to be moveable only in the direction. 
         [0007]    According to another aspect, a magnetic linear movement generator includes a first magnet being rotatable along an axis in a z direction. The movement generator also includes a second magnet having poles aligned along an x direction that is substantially perpendicular to the z direction. Further, the movement generator includes a mechanical constraint that holds the second magnet and constrains the second magnet to be moveable only in a y direction that is substantially perpendicular to the x and z directions. 
         [0008]    According to another aspect, a magnetic linear movement generator includes a first magnet being rotatable along a first axis. The movement generator also includes a second magnet being rotatable along a second axis that is substantially parallel with the first axis. 
         [0009]    According to another aspect, a magnetic holder includes a first component having a substantially circular outer surface. The magnetic holder also includes a first magnet being attached to the first component. Further, the magnetic holder includes a second magnet being magnetically attracted to the first magnet. The magnetic holder also includes a second component having a substantially circular outer surface and being attached to the second magnet. Further, the magnetic holder also includes a mechanical constraint that holds the second magnet and the second component and constrains the second magnet and the second component to be moveable between first and second positions that align substantially in a direction towards the first magnet. The outer surfaces of the first and second components touch in the first position. The outer surfaces of the first and second components are spaced apart in the second position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of various embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there is shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments; however, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed. In the drawings: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example tablet computer  100  and docking station  102  configured with a magnetic locking mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side view of a lower portion of the tablet computer and the docking station shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the mechanism shown in  FIG. 2  apart from the docking station; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a diagram showing another example magnetic locking mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional front view of the magnetic locking mechanism shown in  FIG. 4  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a diagram showing another example magnetic locking mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a side cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a diagram showing an example magnetic linear movement generator in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 9A-9D  are diagrams showing another magnetic linear movement generator in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 10A-10D  are diagrams showing a magnetic gear mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and 
           [0021]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  are perspective views of a magnetic holder in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    The presently disclosed subject matter is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or elements similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the term “step” may be used herein to connote different aspects of methods employed, the term should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an example tablet computer  100  and docking station  102  configured with a magnetic locking mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. It is noted that although this example involves the attachment of a computing device to a docking station, the same or similar magnetic locking mechanism may be used to attach any type of electronic device to a docking station or any other type of component. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the tablet computer  100  can be removed from the docking station  102  when the magnetic locking mechanism is in an unlocked state. In a locked state, the docking station  102  and the tablet computer  100  may be held together by the magnetic locking mechanism. When the tablet computer  100  is positioned as shown in  FIG. 1 , the docking station  102  and the tablet computer  100  may enter the locked state from an unlocked state by turn of a knob  104  in a direction indicated by direction arrow  106 . Conversely, the knob  104  may be turned in a direction that opposed direction arrow  106  to return to the unlocked state in which the tablet computer  100  may be removed. When in the unlocked state, the tablet computer  100  may be removed from the docking station  102  by lifting the tablet computer  100  in a direction indicated by direction arrow  108 . 
         [0024]    It is also noted that the docking station  102  may include a suitable mechanism for rotation of the tablet computer  100  back-and-forth along a direction indicated by double arrow  108 . In this way, a user may tilt the tablet computer  100  such that a display  110  can be better viewed. 
         [0025]      FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a lower portion of the tablet computer  100  and the docking station  102  shown in  FIG. 1 . Only a lower portion of the tablet computer  100  is shown in this view for ease of illustration. Referring to  FIG. 2 , the docking station  102  has a recess  200  formed therein for receipt of at least a portion of a magnet  202  for locking the tablet computer  100  in position with respect to the docking station  102 . In addition, the tablet computer  100  has a recess  204  formed therein for receipt of the entirety or a portion of the magnet  202 . The magnet  202  is moveable (as indicated by double arrow  201 ) between a position entirely within the recess  204  and another position such that the magnet  202  is partially within the recess  200  and partially within the recess  204 . When the magnet  202  is partially within both recesses  200  and  204 , the tablet computer  100  is in the locked state because the magnet  202  physically engages both the tablet computer  100  and the docking station  102  for preventing movement of the tablet computer  100  in the direction  108 . When the magnet  202  is entirely within the recess  204 , the tablet computer  100  is in the unlocked state because the magnet  202  does not physically engage the docking station  102  to prevent movement of the tablet computer  100  in the direction  108 . 
         [0026]    It is noted that in an alternative example, the magnet  202  may be attached to a component that is moveable along with the magnet  202 . In the locked state, the magnet  106  and/or a component attached thereto may have a portion in the recess  200  and another portion in the recess  204 . In the unlocked state, the magnet  106  and/or a component attached thereto may be positioned entirely outside of the recess  200  such that the component  104  is moveable in at least the direction indicated by direction arrow  108 . 
         [0027]    The magnet  202  may be influenced by a magnetic field of another magnet to move between positions of the unlocked state and the locked state. In the example of  FIG. 2 , a magnet  206  is positioned in proximity to the magnet  202  for influencing movement of the magnet  202  when the tablet computer  100  is in the position as shown. Particularly, the magnet  206  is sufficiently close to the magnet  202  such that the magnetic field of the magnet  206  can control the magnet  202  to move along the direction  201  when the magnet  206  is rotated about its axis  208  in either directions of double arrow  210 . When the magnet  206  is rotated counterclockwise about the axis  208 , the magnet  202  can move leftward along direction  201 . Conversely, when the magnet  206  is rotated clockwise about the axis  208 , the magnet  202  can move rightward along the direction  201 . 
         [0028]    The docking station  102  includes a rotatable mechanism  212  configured to hold the magnet  206 . The mechanism  212  may be attached to the knob  104  shown in  FIG. 1 . The mechanism  212  may be cylindrical in shape and be configured to rotate about the axis  208  when the knob  104  is turned. The magnet  206  may also turn when the mechanism  212  is turned by the knob  104  for effecting movement of the magnet  202  to either the locked state or the unlocked state. Thus, a user may change the magnetic locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked states by rotation of the knob  104 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the mechanism  212  apart from the docking station  102 . This figures shows the cylindrical shape of the mechanism  212 . Although, it is noted that any suitable shape and mechanism may be utilized. 
         [0030]      FIG. 4  illustrates a diagram showing another example magnetic locking mechanism  400  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. This example mechanism  400  may be used for attaching a computing device (not shown) to a docking station (not shown). For example, the mechanism  400  may include a locking receptacle  402  attached to the computing device. The mechanism  400  may include a base component  404  attached to the docking station. It is noted that the magnetic locking mechanism may be used to attach any type of electronic device to a docking station or any other type of component. The locking receptacle  400  defines an aperture  406 . 
         [0031]    The base component  404  may include a magnetic dial  408  having a locked setting and an unlocked setting. The magnetic dial  408  may be rotated by a user to one position for locking the locking receptacle  402  to the base component  404 . Conversely, the magnetic dial  408  may be rotated by the user to another position for unlocking and thereby releasing the locking receptacle  402  from the base component  404 . Particularly, the magnetic dial  408  may be attached to a magnet positioned for influencing another magnet  410  positioned within a plunger  412 . The plunger  412  may be positioned within a recess  414  of the base component  404  and be configured to move within the recess  414  along directions indicated by double arrow  416 . An end of the plunger  412  may fit into the aperture  406  when in the locked position. In the unlocked position, the locking receptacle  402  along with an electronic device attached thereto may be lifted upward to be disconnected from the base component  404 . The magnet  410  has north and south poles that are aligned in a direction of movement of the plunger  412  when influenced by the magnet attached to the magnetic dial  408 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional front view of the magnetic locking mechanism  400  shown in  FIG. 4  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 5 , a magnet  500  is attached to the magnetic dial  408  for rotation in directions indicated by double arrow  502 . The magnet  500  has a north pole end  506  and a south pole end  508 . The magnet  500  is positioned near the magnet  410  such that the magnetic field of the magnet  500  influences the movement of the magnet  410 . A north pole end  510  of the magnet  410  is directed toward the magnet  500 , whereas a south pole end  512  of the magnet  410  is directed away from the magnet  500 . In a locked setting, the south pole end  508  of the magnet  500  faces the magnet  410  such that the magnet  410  is influenced to move towards the magnet  500 . In this way, the magnet  410  is attracted towards the magnet  500  because of the orientation of the north pole end of the magnet  410 . The position of the magnet  500  in the locked setting is indicated by broken lines  514 . Further, in this setting, the plunger  412  moves and is inserted into the aperture  406  due to the magnetic attraction. In this way, the locking receptacle  402  is held by the base component  404 . 
         [0033]    In an unlocked setting, the magnetic dial  500  is rotated such that the north pole end  506  faces the north pole end  510  of the magnet  410  to provide a repelling force on the magnet  410 . In this way, the plunger  412  moves away from and out of the aperture  406  such that the locking receptacle  402  can be removed. 
         [0034]    The locking mechanism  400  includes a plug  516  for interface with an end of the plunger  412 . Further, the plunger  412  includes a shoulder  518  for stopping the plunger  412  from exiting the recess  414 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 6  illustrates a diagram showing another example magnetic locking mechanism  600  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. This example mechanism  600  may be used for attaching a computing device (not shown) to a docking station (not shown). For example, the mechanism  600  may include a locking receptacle  602  attached to the computing device. The mechanism  600  may include a base component  604  attached to the docking station. It is noted that the magnetic locking mechanism may be used to attach any type of electronic device to a docking station or any other type of component. Referring to  FIG. 6 , the locking receptacle  602  and the base component  604  that can be attached together by use of magnets as will be described in further detail. Particularly, a magnetic dial  606  has a locked setting and an unlocked setting. The magnetic dial  606  can be rotated by a user to one position for locking the locking receptacle  602  to the base component  604 . Conversely, the magnetic dial  606  may be rotated by the user to another position for unlocking and thereby releasing the locking receptacle  602  from the base component  604 . The magnetic dial may rotate in the directions indicated by double arrow  608 . 
         [0036]    To set to lock, the locking receptacle  602  may be move downward in the direction  610  such that an opening  612  defined in the receptacle  602  is substantially surrounds a pivotal component  614 . The pivotal component  614  is configured to rotate about an axis and within the opening  612  when surrounded by the opening  612 . The pivotal component  614  includes a magnet that can be influenced by a magnet that is rotatable by the magnetic dial  606 . As the magnetic dial  606  is turned, the magnet in the magnetic dial  606  causes the magnet in the pivotal component  614  to move to thereby rotate the pivotal component  614 . When the rotatable component  614  is oriented vertically as shown, the locking receptacle  602  is unlocked such that is may be moved upward and away from the base component  604 . In contrast, when the rotatable component is oriented horizontally, the locking receptacle  602  is locked such that the locking receptacle  602  is secured to the base component  604 . The locking receptacle  602  becomes secured when the pivotal component  614  is positioned horizontally because the pivotal component  614  is situated in the opening  612  such that it cannot be removed, as will be discussed in further detail. 
         [0037]      FIG. 7  illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism  600  shown in  FIG. 6 . Referring to  FIG. 7 , the mechanism  600  is shown, in this example, with the locking receptacle  602  being positioned for either lock or unlocked of the locking receptacle  602  with the base component  604 . The pivotal component  614  includes a magnet  700  that can be magnetically-influenced for movement to thereby rotate the pivotal component  614  about an axis  701 . The pivotal component  614  may be positioned vertically as shown such that the locking receptacle  602  may be removed from the base component  604 . Conversely, the pivotal component  614  may rotate along directions indicated by double arrow  702  such that the pivotal component  614  is positioned horizontally as depicted by broken lines  704 . In the horizontal position, the pivotal component  614  is positioned such that it cannot be removed from the opening  612  to thereby hold the locking receptacle  602  in place as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0038]    The magnetic dial  606  may be attached to a magnet  706  that is positioned to influence movement of the magnet  700 . For example, the magnetic dial  606  may be turned to rotate the magnet  706  about an axis  708 . In this way, the rotation of the magnet  706  can cause the magnet  700  to rotate for moving the pivotal component  700  into locked and unlocked positions. 
         [0039]      FIG. 8  illustrates a diagram showing a magnetic linear movement generator  800  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 8 , the movement generator  800  may include a magnet  801  being rotatable along an axis  802  in directions indicated by double arrow  804 . The movement generator  800  may also include another magnet  806  having north and south pole ends  808  and  810  aligned along a direction substantially towards the axis  802 . Further, the movement generator  800  includes a mechanical constraint  812  that can hold the magnet  806  and that constrains the magnet  806  to be moveable only in the directions indicated by double arrow  814 . 
         [0040]    The magnet  801  is positioned sufficiently close to the magnet  806  such that the magnetic field of the magnet  801  influences movement of the magnet  806 . More particularly, by rotation of the magnet  801  about its axis  802 , the magnet  806  can be controlled to move back-and-forth along the directions of double arrow  814 . The magnet  801  is configured to rotate about the axis  802  for movement of the magnet  806  along the direction  814 . The magnet  801  is controllable to rotate about the axis. The magnet  801  may be pivotally connected at the axis  802  to a suitable mechanism for pivot about the axis  802 . Further, a mechanism may controllably rotate the magnet  801  about the axis  802  for effecting movement of the magnet  806 . 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , the magnet  801  is positioned laterally such that a north pole end  816  is directed towards the south pole end  810  of the magnet  812 . In this way, the magnet  801  can influence the magnet  806  to move leftward towards the magnet  801 . Movement of the magnet  806  in this direction may be suitably controlled by a stop or other mechanical feature positioned to prevent further movement of the magnet  806 . 
         [0042]    To move the magnet  806  to the right away from the magnet  801 , the magnet  801  may be rotated such that a south end  818  of the magnet  801  is directed towards the south end  810  of the magnet  806 . In this way, the magnet  801  can repel the magnet  806 . Movement of the magnet  806  in this direction may be suitably controlled by a stop or other mechanical feature positioned to prevent further movement of the magnet  806 . 
         [0043]    It is also noted that the magnet  806  may be suitable connected to another component or mechanism. For example, the magnet  806  may be suitably connected to a component for movement of the component in the directions  814 . In an example, the magnet  806  may be suitably connected to a pump mechanism. 
         [0044]      FIGS. 9A-9D  illustrate diagrams showing another magnetic linear movement generator  900  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 9A-9D , the movement generator  900  may include a magnet  902  that is configured to rotate along an axis  904 . The magnet  902  may be pivotally connected to a suitable mechanism for rotation in directions indicated by double arrow  906 . Further, the magnet  902  may be suitably controlled by a mechanism for rotation in the directions  906 . The movement generator  900  may include another magnet  908  that is positioned sufficiently close to the magnet  902  such that the magnet  908  is influenced by the magnetic field generated by the magnet  902 . 
         [0045]    The magnet  908  has north and south pole ends  910  and  912 , respectively, which are aligned along an x direction  914  that is substantially perpendicular to the axis  904  of rotation of the magnet  801 . Further, the movement generator  900  includes a mechanical constraint  916  that holds the magnet  908  and constrains the magnet  908  to be moveable only in a y direction  918  that is substantially perpendicular to the x direction  914  and the axis  904 . 
         [0046]    The magnet  902  is configured to rotate about the axis  904  to effect movement of the magnet  908  along the y direction  918 . The magnet  902  is controllable to rotate about the axis  904  to in turn effect movement of the magnet  908  along the y direction  918 . Referring particularly now to  FIG. 9A , the magnet  904  is positioned laterally such that a north pole end  918  is nearest to the south pole end  912  of the magnet  908  such that the magnet  908  is held in place and resists movement in the y direction  918 . In this way, the magnet  908  can be controllably locked in position. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 9B , the magnet  904  is positioned vertically such that the north pole end  918  is positioned upward and thereby attracts movement of the magnet  908 . The magnet  908  is influenced to move upward. This is due to the placement of south pole end  912  of the magnet  908  nearest the magnet  902 . 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 9C , the magnet  904  is positioned horizontally such that a south pole end  920  of the magnet  904  is nearest to the south pole end  912  of the magnet  908 . In this way, the magnet  908  may more freely move along the y direction  918 . 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 9D , the magnet  904  is positioned vertically such that the north pole end  918  is positioned downward and thereby attracts movement of the magnet  908 . The magnet  908  is influenced to move downward. 
         [0050]    It is noted that the magnet  908  may be suitable connected to another component or mechanism. For example, the magnet  908  may be suitably connected to a component for movement of the component in the y direction  918 . In an example, the magnet  908  may be suitably connected to a pump mechanism. Further, it is noted that the extent of movement of the magnet  908  can be suitably controlled by placement of stops or any other mechanism for controlling movement. 
         [0051]      FIGS. 10A-10D  illustrate diagrams showing a magnetic gear mechanism  1000  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Referring to  FIGS. 10A-10D , the gear mechanism  1000  includes magnets  1002  and  1004  configured to rotate about axes  1006  and  1008 , respectively. Rotation of one of the magnets  1002  and  1004  about its axis can cause the other magnet to rotate in an opposing direction along its axis as depicted in  FIGS. 10B-10D . Referring to  FIG. 10A  as an example, when the magnets  1002  and  1004  are each held laterally with their poles aligned as shown, the magnets are held steady and can become locked when the north pole of one is positioned nearest the south pole of the other. To effect movement of the other magnet for example, one of the magnets may be rotated as shown by the arrow. For example,  FIGS. 10B-10D  show rotation along arrows  1010  and  1012 . One magnet can controllably rotate the rotation of the other magnet about its respective axis. 
         [0052]    In an example application of the mechanism  100  shown in  FIGS. 10A-10D , the magnets  1002  may be suitably attached to other components for rotation and locking in place of the other component. Such movement may be controlled by movement of the other magnet. This mechanism may be applied, for example, to implement a toothless gear transmission. 
         [0053]      FIGS. 11A and 1  lB are perspective views of a magnetic holder  1100  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Referring to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the magnetic holder  1100  includes components  1102  and  1104  that each have substantially circular outer surfaces. The components  1102  and  1104  are each attached to respective magnets  1106  and  1108 , respectively. The magnets  1106  and  1108  are sufficiently close such that they are magnetically attracted to each other. The component  1102  is constrained by a base unit  1110  such that it can only rotate about an axis  1112 , which is at about the center of the magnet  1106  in this example. Thus, the outer surface of the component  1102  can substantially rotate about the magnet  1106 . 
         [0054]    The base unit  1110  may function as a mechanical constraint that holds the magnet  1108  and the component  1104  and constrains the magnet  1108  and the second component  1104  to be moveable between first and second positions that align substantially in a direction towards the magnet  1106 . The outer surfaces of the components  1102  and  1104  touch in one position as shown in  FIG. 11B . In the other position, the outer surfaces of the components  1102  and  1104  are spaced apart. In an example, several sheets of paper may be placed in the space between component  1102  and  1104 . In an example use case, the magnetic holder  1100  may be used for guiding and holding paper in a printer. 
         [0055]    It is noted that the magnets disclosed herein may be any type of suitable magnets such as, but not limited to, rare earth magnets. 
         [0056]    While the embodiments have been described in connection with the various embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiment for performing the same function without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.