Patent Description:
Generally, a fastening mechanism such as a screw or snap feature may be used to attach two components of a device. However, the clean aesthetic requirements of a finished product in certain applications may make the use of unsightly screws and other snap features undesirable. Such aesthetic requirements may exist, for example, for display monitors and/or mobile devices with displays. Current solutions in such devices include, for instance, using adhesive to bond the display to a housing or chassis in a mobile phone or a laptop computer.

More specifically, in some applications, Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) may be used to address such clean aesthetic requirements. PSA can achieve a clean and high-strength fastening mechanism. However, the ease of removal of a component that is attached by PSA is inversely proportional to the strength of the attachment, while using a higher strength PSA makes the removal process much more difficult in cases where there is a need for subsequent removal of a PSA-attached component.

Accordingly, more practical fasteners and fastening mechanisms are needed. <CIT> relates to magnetic fasteners, magnetic joints, and methods for making and using the magnetic fasteners and joints, and articles utilizing the magnetic fasteners and magnetic joints. The magnetic fasteners and joints may be used in furniture, cabinetry, and the like, and enable facile and consistent assembly of furniture and cabinetry. <CIT> relates to a multi-component magnetic system for joining materials together or fastening materials to a person's body. The system is particularly useful as a closure or joining mechanism in clothing, accessories and the like. <CIT> relates to a system for carrying or using a device that includes the device and at least one attachment apparatus. The device may include at least one attachment element. The attachment apparatus may include a length of material and at least one attachment point arranged on an end of the length of material. The at least one attachment point may include at least one magnetic feature configured to attach and detach the device and the length of material. The material can include but is not limited to cloth, metallic (magnetic and non-magnetic), fibrous material, and so forth. <CIT> relates to a recycling method of a motor for separately recovering/collecting various raw materials from a used motor. <CIT> describes a known computing device.

Further optional features are provided in the dependent claims.

Within the disclosure, the terms first and second "operating temperature" mean first and second "maximum operating temperature".

In some instances, well known components may be shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

Aspects of the present disclosure provide a magnetic fastening assembly including two permanent magnets with different operating temperatures such that the fastening assembly can be locked/fastened at temperatures below the operating temperatures of both permanent magnets and can be unlocked/released at temperatures larger than at least one of the two operating temperatures of the two permanent magnets. The present aspects take advantage of the permanent degradation of the magnetic strength of permanent magnets over certain temperature thresholds to provide a temporary fastening mechanism that can be unlocked/released by applying heat to a permanent magnet. Thus, the magnetic fastening assembly may provide a practical and efficient mechanism for reliably connecting components in computing devices while at the same time enabling simple disassembly and rework.

Turning now to the figures, example aspects are depicted with reference to one or more components described herein, where components in dashed lines may be optional. In the following, <FIG>, which may include similar or related components, are described with reference to each other.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of a device <NUM> implements a fastening assembly <NUM> that includes a first permanent magnet <NUM> having a first operating temperature and a second permanent magnet <NUM> having a second operating temperature lower than the first operating temperature, such that the first permanent magnet <NUM> is attachable to the second permanent magnet <NUM> in a locked state at a first temperature lower than the second operating temperature, as shown in <FIG>. Also, as shown in <FIG>, the first permanent magnet <NUM> is releasable from the second permanent magnet <NUM> in an unlocked state at a second temperature higher than the second operating temperature of the second permanent magnet <NUM>. Accordingly, the first permanent magnet <NUM> may be releasably attachable to the second permanent magnet <NUM> in the locked state. As such, heating up the fastening assembly <NUM> to the second temperature higher than the second operating temperature of the second permanent magnet <NUM> enables quick, efficient, clean, and low cost disassembly of the computing device <NUM>.

In an aspect, the first permanent magnet <NUM> may be sized and/or otherwise configured to engage the second permanent magnet <NUM> in the locked state as shown in <FIG>. For example, in an aspect, the first permanent magnet <NUM> has a first magnetic pole <NUM> that may be alignable with a corresponding attractable second magnetic pole <NUM> of the second permanent magnet <NUM> in the locked state such that at least the magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic pole <NUM> of the first permanent magnet <NUM> and the second magnetic pole <NUM> of the second permanent magnet <NUM> keeps the fastening assembly <NUM> in the locked state as shown in <FIG>. For example, the first magnetic pole <NUM> may be one of a north pole or a south pole, and the second magnetic pole <NUM> may be opposite that of the first magnetic pole <NUM> (e.g., south if the first magnetic pole <NUM> is north). However, in various other alternative aspects, the first permanent magnet <NUM> and the second permanent magnet <NUM> may have multiple attractable pairs of magnetic poles and/or differently located/sized attractable pairs of magnetic poles than the first magnetic pole <NUM> and the second magnetic pole <NUM>, such that the collective magnetic attraction force between such multiple attractable pairs of magnetic poles and/or differently located/sized attractable pairs of magnetic poles keeps the fastening assembly <NUM> in the locked state as shown in <FIG>.

In an aspect, for example, the unlocked state of the fastening assembly <NUM> may be defined by a substantial reduction in the magnetic attraction force between the first permanent magnet <NUM> and the second permanent magnet <NUM> at the second temperature at least due to a de-magnetization of the second permanent magnet <NUM> since the second temperature is higher than the second operating temperature of the second permanent magnet <NUM>. For example, the substantial reduction in the magnetic attraction may be a threshold percentage or threshold amount, such as greater than <NUM>% or equal to or greater than an amount of attraction force required to maintain the computing device <NUM> in the locked state during typical usage. In an aspect, the de-magnetization of the second permanent magnet <NUM> causes at least a partial loss of a magnetic field or magnetic flux in the second permanent magnet <NUM>. In an aspect, the first permanent magnet <NUM> may be forcibly releasable from the second permanent magnet <NUM> in the unlocked state by applying a force greater than any remaining and substantially reduced magnetic attraction force between the first permanent magnet <NUM> and the second permanent magnet <NUM> at the second temperature.

Optionally, in an aspect, the substantial reduction in the magnetic attraction force between the first permanent magnet <NUM> and the second permanent magnet <NUM> at the second temperature may further be due to a de-magnetization of the first permanent magnet <NUM> if the second temperature is higher than both the first operating temperature of the first permanent magnet <NUM> and the second operating temperature of the second permanent magnet <NUM> and if the first permanent magnet <NUM> is also heated up to the second temperature due to its proximity to the second permanent magnet <NUM> that is heated up to the second temperature. In this aspect, the de-magnetization of the first permanent magnet <NUM> also causes at least a partial loss of the magnetic field or the magnetic flux of the first permanent magnet <NUM>.

In an aspect, for example, the fastening assembly <NUM> transitions from the locked state (e.g., see <FIG>) to the unlocked state (e.g., see <FIG>) when at least the second permanent magnet <NUM> in the fastening assembly <NUM> is heated up from the first temperature to the second temperature causing de-magnetization of the second permanent magnet <NUM>. In this aspect, if the second temperature is lower than the first operating temperature of the first permanent magnet <NUM>, the first permanent magnet <NUM> maintains magnetism at the second temperature that causes the second permanent magnet <NUM> to become de-magnetized. In an aspect, after the second permanent magnet <NUM> is de-magnetized at the second temperature causing or enabling transition to the unlocked/released state of the fastening assembly <NUM>, the second permanent magnet <NUM> may be cooled down to below the second operating temperature and then re-magnetized, such that the fastening assembly <NUM> may be used in the fastened/locked state again. Accordingly, the fastening assembly <NUM> may be re-usable in some aspects. That is, subsequent to being detached from the second permanent magnet <NUM> in the unlocked state, the first permanent magnet <NUM> may be re-attachable to the second permanent magnet <NUM> (at a temperature below the second operating temperature of the second permanent magnet <NUM>) by re-magnetization of the second permanent magnet <NUM>.

According to the invention, the fastening assembly <NUM> is used to attach/fasten a first component <NUM> of a computing device <NUM> to a second component <NUM> of the computing device <NUM>.

Optionally, in an aspect and specifically referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first permanent magnet <NUM> has a magnet body sized and/or otherwise configured to fit within a first opening <NUM> within the first component <NUM>, such as a pocket or a cubic/box-shaped space. For instance, the first opening <NUM> may be defined by a first set of walls <NUM> formed, pressed, molded, an/or otherwise configured in the first component <NUM> of the device <NUM>. Optionally, in an aspect, the second permanent magnet <NUM> has a magnet body sized and/or otherwise configured to fit within a second opening <NUM> within the second component <NUM>, such as a pocket or a cubic/box-shaped space. For instance, the second opening <NUM> may be defined by a second set of walls <NUM> formed, pressed, molded, an/or otherwise configured in the second component <NUM> of the device <NUM>. Further, the first opening <NUM> may be further defined by a top wall <NUM> that connects to the first set of walls <NUM> to define an open-ended space. Similarly, the second opening <NUM> may be further defined by a bottom wall <NUM> that connects to the second set of walls <NUM> to define an open-ended space.

Further, a first surface <NUM> of the first permanent magnet <NUM> is attached to the first component <NUM> of the device <NUM>, and a second surface <NUM> of the second permanent magnet <NUM> is attached to the second component <NUM> of the device <NUM>. In this aspect, a third surface <NUM> of the first permanent magnet <NUM>, opposite the first surface <NUM>, may be attachable to a fourth surface <NUM> of the second permanent magnet <NUM>, opposite the second surface <NUM>, in the locked state so as to attach the first component <NUM> of the device <NUM> to the second component <NUM> of the device <NUM>. For instance, in one example, the first surface <NUM> of the first permanent magnet <NUM> may be attachable to the first component <NUM>, and/or the second surface <NUM> of the second permanent magnet <NUM> is attachable to the second component <NUM>, such as by sizing and/or shaping the adjoining components so as to form a force fit attachment. For instance, in another example, the first surface <NUM> of the first permanent magnet <NUM> may be attachable to the first component <NUM>, and/or the second surface <NUM> of the second permanent magnet <NUM> may be attachable to the second component <NUM>, such as by connecting the components using a fastening mechanism, such as a screw, a bolt, a tang or tab, or any other type of mechanical retaining mechanism.

In an aspect, the first surface <NUM> of the first permanent magnet <NUM> extends in a first plane that is perpendicular to a second plane where the first set of walls <NUM> extend. In an aspect, the second surface <NUM> of the second permanent magnet <NUM> extends in a third plane that is perpendicular to a fourth plane where the second set of walls <NUM> extend. In an aspect, in the locked state of the fastening assembly <NUM>, a fifth plane where the third surface <NUM> of the first permanent magnet <NUM> extends is parallel to a sixth plane where the fourth surface <NUM> of the second permanent magnet <NUM> extends.

Optionally, in an aspect and additionally referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, for example, the first surface <NUM> of the first permanent magnet <NUM> may be attachable to the first component <NUM> of the device <NUM> by a first adhesive layer <NUM>. In an aspect, the first adhesive layer <NUM> may be curable at a temperature lower than the first operating temperature of the first permanent magnet <NUM> such that curing the first adhesive layer <NUM> does not de-magnetize the first permanent magnet <NUM>. Optionally, in an aspect, for example, the second surface <NUM> of the second permanent magnet <NUM> may be attachable to the second component <NUM> of the device <NUM> by a second adhesive layer <NUM>. In an aspect, the second adhesive layer <NUM> may be curable at a temperature lower than the second operating temperature of the second permanent magnet <NUM> such that curing the second adhesive layer <NUM> does not de-magnetize the second permanent magnet <NUM>. In an aspect, each one of the first adhesive layer <NUM> or the second adhesive layer <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA), a cyanoacrylate, epoxy, polyurethane, a resin, or any other type of adhesive. In some aspects, each one of the first adhesive layer <NUM> or the second adhesive layer <NUM> may include cyanoacrylates or epoxies that can withstand the temperatures required for de-magnetizing the second permanent magnet <NUM>. In some alternative or additional aspects, however, screws or other mechanical fasteners may be used to hold the first permanent magnet <NUM> and/or the second permanent magnet <NUM> in place.

In an aspect, for example but not limited hereto, the first component <NUM> may be a chassis, the second component <NUM> may be a display assembly or a screen. In the claimed invention the device <NUM> is a computing device such as a hand-held device, a mobile phone, a laptop computer, etc. It should be understood, however, that the first component <NUM> and second component <NUM> each may be any type of component, or sub-component, of a computing device that may be fastened together.

Table <NUM> provides the maximum energy product and the maximum operating temperature of non-limiting example grades of the first permanent magnet <NUM> and the second permanent magnet <NUM> that may be used in various aspects.

As shown in Table <NUM>, different grades of permanent magnets have different maximum operating temperatures, and a higher grade magnet has a higher maximum operating temperature as compared to a lower grade magnet. For example, for N52 grade magnets, the maximum operating temperature is <NUM> C, and for higher grade magnets such as N48H grade magnets, the maximum operating temperature is <NUM> C. If a permanent magnet is heated beyond its maximum operating temperature, the permanent magnet irreversibly and substantially lose its magnetic strength unless and until re-magnetized. A permanent magnet does not completely lose its magnetic strength unless heated up to its Curie temperature. For the example grades of permanent magnets in Table <NUM>, the Curie temperature is above <NUM> C.

In an aspect, for example, the first permanent magnet <NUM> may be a higher grade magnet with a higher operating temperature compared to the second permanent magnet <NUM>. In an aspect, for example, the grade of the first permanent magnet <NUM> and the second permanent magnet <NUM> may be selected such that the maximum operating temperature of the first permanent magnet <NUM> is at least <NUM> C higher than the maximum operating temperature of the second permanent magnet <NUM>. In an aspect, for example, the grade of the first permanent magnet <NUM> and the second permanent magnet <NUM> may be selected such that the maximum operating temperature of the first permanent magnet <NUM> is <NUM> C higher than the maximum operating temperature of the second permanent magnet <NUM>. For example, the first permanent magnet <NUM> may be an N48H grade magnet with a maximum operating temperature of <NUM> C, and the second permanent magnet <NUM> may be an N52 grade magnet with a maximum operating temperature of <NUM> C. Accordingly, when the first permanent magnet <NUM> and the second permanent magnet <NUM> are aligned at temperatures below <NUM> C, the fastening assembly <NUM> is in the locked state due to the strong magnetic force between the first permanent magnet <NUM> and the second permanent magnet <NUM>. If the fastening assembly <NUM> or at least the second permanent magnet <NUM> is heated up beyond the maximum operating temperature of the second permanent magnet <NUM>, i.e., <NUM> C, the second permanent magnet <NUM> substantially loses magnetism and the fastening assembly <NUM> transitions from the locked state to the unlocked where the first permanent magnet <NUM> can be detached from the second permanent magnet <NUM> by applying a force greater than any remaining and substantially reduced magnetic attraction force between the first permanent magnet <NUM> and the second permanent magnet <NUM>.

In an aspect, in order to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state, the fastening assembly <NUM> or at least the second permanent magnet <NUM> may be heated beyond <NUM> C for at least a minimum time duration so that at least a substantial portion of the body of the second permanent magnet <NUM> reaches a temperature beyond <NUM> C. In an aspect, for example, the fastening assembly <NUM> or at least the second permanent magnet <NUM> may be heated, for example, by a heating fixture or a heat gun, and the minimum time duration required for heating the second permanent magnet <NUM> may depend on the body size of the second permanent magnet <NUM> and/or the proximity/location of the heating tool with respect to the second permanent magnet <NUM>. In an aspect, for example, a heat gun may be used to heat up the second permanent magnet <NUM> for <NUM>-<NUM> minutes to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state.

In an aspect, after a sufficient amount of time at a temperature above <NUM> C (e.g., one minute at <NUM>-<NUM> C), the second permanent magnet <NUM> undergoes irreversible magnetic field loss which results in an at least substantially reduced magnet force between and the first permanent magnet <NUM> and the second permanent magnet <NUM> such that the first permanent magnet <NUM> can be detached from the second permanent magnet <NUM> by applying a small force, and the amount of the force may depend on the geometry and/or the surface area of the first permanent magnet <NUM> and/or the second permanent magnet <NUM>. In an aspect, since the operating temperature of the first permanent magnet <NUM> is <NUM> C, the magnetism of the first permanent magnet <NUM> may not be affected by temperatures below <NUM> C. Accordingly, applying a temperature between <NUM> C and <NUM> C may substantially reduce the magnetism of the second permanent magnet <NUM> but may not affect the magnetism of the first permanent magnet <NUM>. Therefore, the second permanent magnet <NUM> may later be re-magnetized, for example, by being placed within a magnetizing fixture, so that the second permanent magnet <NUM> may be re-used to attach the first permanent magnet <NUM> to the second permanent magnet <NUM> in the locked state in the fastening assembly <NUM>.

In an aspect, in some implementations, the thinner the second permanent magnet <NUM> is, the faster it may lose its magnetic property when heated beyond its maximum operating temperature. In an aspect, given two heating temperatures that are both above the maximum operating temperature of the second permanent magnet <NUM>, the higher heating temperature may cause the second permanent magnet <NUM> to lose its magnetic property faster compared to the lower heating temperature. Optionally, in an aspect, in order to totally de-magnetize the second permanent magnet <NUM> and reduce the magnetic attraction force between the first permanent magnet <NUM> and the second permanent magnet <NUM> to zero, the second permanent magnet <NUM> may be heated up to its Curie temperature.

Aspects of the fastening assembly <NUM> may be applicable in any devices where the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> need to be fastened together without screws or other unsightly fastening mechanisms that cannot provide clean aesthetics. Alternatively and/or additionally, aspects of the fastening assembly <NUM> may be applicable as an alternative to PSA-based fastening. However, PSA-based fastening mechanisms are not re-usable once removed, and the leftover PSA needs to be cleaned after removing a PSA-based fastening mechanism, while the fastening assembly <NUM> may be re-usable with no such cleaning needed after unlocking the fastening assembly <NUM>.

Optionally, in aspects where the second permanent magnet <NUM> is attached to the second component <NUM> of the device <NUM> by the second adhesive layer <NUM>, the maximum operating temperature of the second permanent magnet <NUM> may be higher than the bonding temperature of the second adhesive layer <NUM> such that curing the second adhesive layer <NUM> does not de-magnetize the second permanent magnet <NUM>. In one aspect, for example, if the second adhesive layer <NUM> is curable at room temperature, the second permanent magnet <NUM> may be an N52 grade permanent magnet or a higher grade permanent magnet.

Optionally, in an aspect, the fastening assembly <NUM> may include a fastener member instead of the first permanent magnet <NUM>, and the material of the fastener member may be a magnetically-attractive material, such as a ferrous or soft magnet material, for being magnetically attractable by the second permanent magnet <NUM> in the locked state. In this optional aspect, the magnet body of the second permanent magnet <NUM> may be sized and/or otherwise configured to provide a magnetic attraction force between the second permanent magnet <NUM> and the fastener member to keep the fastening assembly <NUM> in the locked state at a temperature that is lower than the maximum operating temperature of the second permanent magnet <NUM>. Specifically, the magnet body of the second permanent magnet <NUM> may be sized and/or otherwise configured to induce a magnetic field around the second permanent magnet <NUM> such that when the fastener member is positioned within such magnetic field, the magnetic field magnetizes the magnetically-attractive material of the fastener member, and the interaction between the magnetic field of the second permanent magnet <NUM> and the magnetized material of the fastener member results in the magnetic attraction force between the second permanent magnet <NUM> and the fastener member. In an aspect, the fastener member may be made of stainless steel. For example, in an aspect, the fastener member may be made of a <NUM> grade steel. In an aspect, when the second permanent magnet <NUM> is heated up to a temperature that is above the maximum operating temperature of the second permanent magnet <NUM>, the second permanent magnet <NUM> may substantially lose magnetism. That is, the magnetic field of the second permanent magnet <NUM> may be substantially weakened, resulting in a substantial reduction in the magnetic attraction force between the second permanent magnet <NUM> and the fastener member. Accordingly, the fastening assembly <NUM> may transition from the locked state to the unlocked state where the second permanent magnet <NUM> can be easily detached/disengaged from the fastener member by applying a small force.

Referring now to the example flowchart <NUM> in <FIG>, an aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of using the fastening assembly <NUM> in the device <NUM> for connecting the first component <NUM> of the device <NUM> to the second component <NUM> of the device <NUM>. At <NUM> the method includes attaching the first surface <NUM> of the first permanent magnet <NUM> to the first component <NUM> of the device <NUM>. At <NUM> the method further includes attaching the second surface <NUM> of the second permanent magnet <NUM> to the second component <NUM> of the device <NUM>. At <NUM> the method further includes attaching the first component <NUM> of the device <NUM> to the second component <NUM> of the device <NUM> by aligning the third surface <NUM> of the first permanent magnet <NUM> opposite the first surface <NUM> with the fourth surface <NUM> of the second permanent magnet <NUM> opposite the second surface <NUM> so as to lock the first permanent magnet <NUM> with the second permanent magnet <NUM> at the first temperature lower than the second operating temperature of the second permanent magnet <NUM>.

Optionally, at <NUM> the method may further include detaching the first component <NUM> of the device <NUM> from the second component <NUM> of the device <NUM> by unlocking the first permanent magnet <NUM> from the second permanent magnet <NUM> at the second temperature that is higher than the second operating temperature of the second permanent magnet <NUM>. In an aspect, for example, the unlocking may include heating the second permanent magnet <NUM> up to the second temperature so as to de-magnetize the second permanent magnet <NUM>, and applying a force greater than the magnetic attraction force between the first permanent magnet <NUM> and the second permanent magnet <NUM> at the second temperature above the second operating temperature of the second permanent magnet <NUM>.

Optionally, when the second temperature is above the second operating temperature of the second permanent magnet <NUM> but below a first operating temperature of the first permanent magnet <NUM> and hence does not de-magnetize the first permanent magnet <NUM>, at <NUM> the method may further include re-magnetizing the second permanent magnet <NUM> at the first temperature below the second operating temperature of the second permanent magnet <NUM>, and at <NUM> the method may further include re-attaching the first component <NUM> of the device <NUM> to the second component <NUM> of the device <NUM> by aligning the third surface <NUM> of the first permanent magnet <NUM> with the fourth surface <NUM> of the second permanent magnet <NUM> so as to lock the first permanent magnet <NUM> with the second permanent magnet <NUM> at the first temperature.

Optionally, in an aspect, the attaching of the first surface <NUM> of the first permanent magnet <NUM> to the first component <NUM> of the device <NUM> may include curing the first adhesive layer <NUM> between the first surface <NUM> of the first permanent magnet <NUM> and the first component <NUM> of the device <NUM> at a third temperature lower than the first operating temperature.

Optionally, in an aspect, the attaching of the second surface <NUM> of the second permanent magnet <NUM> to the second component <NUM> of the device <NUM> may include curing the second adhesive layer <NUM> between the second surface <NUM> of the second permanent magnet <NUM> and the second component <NUM> of the device <NUM> at a third temperature lower than the second operating temperature.

Optionally, in an aspect, the attaching of the first surface <NUM> of the first permanent magnet <NUM> to the first component <NUM> of the device <NUM> may include placing the first permanent magnet <NUM> within the first opening <NUM> configured on the first component <NUM> of the device <NUM>.

Optionally, in an aspect, the attaching of the second surface <NUM> of the second permanent magnet <NUM> to the second component <NUM> of the device <NUM> includes placing the second permanent magnet <NUM> within the second opening <NUM> configured on the second component <NUM> of the device <NUM>.

In some implementations not covered by the invention, the apparatus of the present disclosure may be in the form of a kit of parts that can be assembled to form the apparatus. For instance, in an aspect a fastening assembly kit is provided. The fastening assembly kit includes a first permanent magnet having a first operating temperature and a second permanent magnet having a second operating temperature lower than the first operating temperature. The first permanent magnet is attachable to the second permanent magnet in a locked state at a first temperature lower than the second operating temperature. The first permanent magnet is releasable from the second permanent magnet in an unlocked state at a second temperature that is higher than the second operating temperature. In an aspect, the fastening assembly kit further includes a first component attachable to a first surface of the first permanent magnet, and a second component attachable to a second surface of the second permanent magnet, where a third surface of the first permanent magnet opposite the first surface is attachable to a fourth surface of the second permanent magnet opposite the second surface in the locked state so as to attach the first component to the second component. Accordingly, the first permanent magnet is releasably attachable to the second permanent in the locked state. In an aspect, the first permanent magnet is forcibly releasable from the second permanent magnet in the unlocked state by applying a force greater than a magnetic attraction force between the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet at the second temperature.

Thus, the described fastening assembly allows for using two permanent magnets of different grades/operating temperatures to provide a temporary fastening mechanism. The two permanent magnets are sized and/or otherwise configured such that a high strength magnetic attraction force between the two permanent magnets causes a locked state of the fastening assembly. The two permanent magnets may be separated by heating at least one of the permanent magnets up to or slightly over its maximum operating temperature.

Claim 1:
A computing device, comprising:
a fastening assembly (<NUM>), the fastening assembly comprising:
a first permanent magnet (<NUM>) having a first maximum operating temperature, wherein a first surface of the first permanent magnet is attached to a first component (<NUM>) of the computing device (<NUM>); and
a second permanent magnet (<NUM>) having a second maximum operating temperature lower than the first maximum operating temperature, wherein a second surface of the second permanent magnet is attached to a second component (<NUM>) of the computing device and
wherein a third surface of the first permanent magnet opposite the first surface is configured to attach to a fourth surface of the second permanent magnet opposite the second surface in a locked state at a first temperature that is lower than the second maximum operating temperature so as to attach the first component of the computing device to the second component of the computing device and
wherein the fastening assembly is configured to detach the first component of the computing device from the second component of the computing device by the first permanent magnet being released from the second permanent magnet in an unlocked state at a second temperature that is higher than the second maximum operating temperature.