PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-7486165-B2
Application Number: US-58221206-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Magnetic latch mechanism

Abstract:
A magnetic latch mechanism for latching a first electronic assembly to a second electronic assembly. The magnetic latch mechanism includes a Halbach array captured by the first electronic assembly. The Halbach array is configured to provide a first magnetic flux in a first direction. The magnetic latch mechanism further includes an attraction plate captured by the second electronic assembly. The attraction plate is configured to be coupled with the first magnetic flux when the first electronic assembly is in a closed position with respect to the second electronic assembly such that there is mutual attraction between the attraction plate and the Halbach array in the closed position.

Claims:
1. A magnetic latch mechanism for latching a first electronic assembly to a second electronic assembly, the magnetic mechanism comprising:
 a Halbach array captured by the first electronic assembly, the Halbach array configured to provide a first magnetic flux in a first direction; 
 an attraction plate captured by the second electronic assembly and configured to be coupled with the first magnetic flux when the first electronic assembly is in a closed position with respect to the second electronic assembly such that there is mutual attraction between the attraction plate and the Halbach array in the closed position; 
 a tuning bumper, the tuning bumper disposed between the first and second electronic assemblies when the first electronic assembly is in the closed position with respect to the second assembly and configured to tune an intensity of a magnetic attraction force between the attraction plate and the Halbach array; and 
 a second tuning bumper, wherein the tuning bumper is replaceable by the second tuning bumper, the tuning bumper having a first predefined height, the second tuning bumper having a second predefined height, the first predefined height being different from the second predefined height. 
 
     
     
       2. A magnetic latch mechanism for latching a first electronic assembly to a second electronic assembly, the magnetic mechanism comprising:
 a Halbach array captured by the first electronic assembly, the Halbach array configured to provide a first magnetic flux in a first direction; 
 an attraction plate captured by the second electronic assembly and configured to be coupled with the first magnetic flux when the first electronic assembly is in a closed position with respect to the second electronic assembly such that there is mutual attraction between the attraction plate and the Halbach array in the closed position; and 
 a tuning bumper, the tuning bumper disposed between the first and second electronic assemblies when the first electronic assembly is in the closed position with respect to the second assembly and configured to tune an intensity of a magnetic attraction force between the attraction plate and the Halbach array, including at least an indicator for indicating the intensity of the magnetic attraction force between the attraction plate and the Halbach array. 
 
     
     
       3. The magnetic latch mechanism of  claim 2  further comprising a second tuning bumper, wherein the tuning bumper is replaceable by the second tuning bumper, the tuning bumper having a first predefined height, the second tuning bumper having a second predefined height, the first predefined height being different from the second predefined height. 
     
     
       4. The magnetic latch mechanism of  claim 2  wherein the tuning bumper includes a shank having a user-customizable height. 
     
     
       5. The magnetic latch mechanism of  claim 2  wherein the tuning bumper comprises a height-adjustment mechanism, the height-adjustment mechanism being configured to adjust a distance between the Halbach array and the attraction plate. 
     
     
       6. The magnetic latch mechanism of  claim 5  wherein the height-adjustment mechanism comprises a screw structure. 
     
     
       7. The magnetic latch mechanism of  claim 2  further comprising a magnetic shield, the Halbach array being disposed between the attraction plate and the magnetic shield when the first electronic assembly is in the closed position with respect to the second electronic assembly, the magnetic shield being configured to reduce a second magnetic flux of the Halbach array in a second direction different from the first direction. 
     
     
       8. The magnetic latch mechanism of  claim 2  further comprising at least one connecting element, the at least one connecting element pivotally connects the first electronic assembly with the second electronic assembly. 
     
     
       9. The magnetic latch mechanism of  claim 8  wherein at least one of the first electronic assembly and the second electronic assembly includes a display screen. 
     
     
       10. An electronic device having a magnetic latch mechanism, the electronic device comprising:
 a first electronic assembly; 
 a second electronic assembly pivotally connected with the first electronic assembly; 
 a magnetic means for providing an uneven magnetic flux with respect to at least two sides of the magnetic means, a first side of the magnetic means having a first magnetic flux that is higher in intensity relative to a second magnetic flux associated with a second side of the magnetic means, wherein the magnetic means is captured by the first electronic assembly; 
 an attraction means for magnetically attracting the magnetic means, the attraction means captured by the second electronic assembly and configured to be coupled with the first magnetic flux when the first electronic assembly is in a closed position with respect to the second electronic assembly such that there is mutual attraction between the attraction plate and the magnetic means in the closed position; and 
 a gap-adjusting means configured to adjust a distance between the magnetic means and the attraction means when the electronic device is in the closed position, the gap-adjusting means including at least an indicator for indicating an intensity of a magnetic attraction force between the attraction means and the magnetic means. 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 10  further comprising a magnetic shield configured to at least partially shield components of the electronic device from the second magnetic flux, the magnetic means being disposed between the attraction means and the magnetic shield when the first electronic assembly is in the closed position with respect to the second electronic assembly. 
     
     
       12. An electronic device having a magnetic latch mechanism, the electronic device comprising:
 a first electronic assembly; 
 a second electronic assembly pivotally connected with the first electronic assembly; 
 magnetic means for providing an uneven magnetic flux with respect to at least two sides of the magnetic means, a first side of the magnetic means having a first magnetic flux that is higher in intensity relative to a second magnetic flux associated with a second side of the magnetic means, wherein the magnetic means is captured by the first electronic assembly; 
 an attraction means for magnetically attracting the magnetic means, the attraction means captured by the second electronic assembly and configured to be coupled with the first magnetic flux when the first electronic assembly is in a closed position with respect to the second electronic assembly such that there is mutual attraction between the attraction plate and the magnetic means in the closed position; 
 a gap-adjusting means configured to adjust a distance between the magnetic means and the attraction means when the electronic device is in the closed position; and a second gap-adjusting means, 
 wherein the gap-adjusting means is replaceable by the second gap-adjusting means, the gap-adjusting means having a first predefined height, the second gap-adjusting means having a second predefined height, the first predefined height being different from the second predefined height. 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 12  wherein the gap-adjusting means includes a screw. 
     
     
       14. An electronic device having a magnetic latch mechanism, the electronic device comprising:
 a first electronic assembly; 
 a second electronic assembly pivotally connected with the first electronic assembly; 
 a magnetic unit captured by the first electronic assembly, the magnetic unit configured to provide a first magnetic flux in a first direction; 
 an attraction plate captured by the second electronic assembly and configured to be coupled with the first magnetic flux when the first electronic assembly is in a closed position with respect to the second electronic assembly such that there is mutual attraction between the attraction plate and the magnetic unit in the closed position; and 
 a tuning bumper, the tuning bumper configured to adjust a distance between the magnetic unit and the attraction plate in the closed position, thereby adjusting an intensity of a magnetic attraction force between the magnetic unit and the attraction plate, wherein the tuning bumper includes at least an indicator for indicating the intensity of the magnetic attraction force between the attraction plate and the magnetic unit. 
 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 14  wherein the magnetic unit comprises a Halbach array. 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 14  further comprising a second tuning bumper, wherein the tuning bumper is replaceable by the second tuning bumper, the tuning bumper having a first predefined height, the second tuning bumper having a second predefined height, the first predefined height being different from the second predefined height. 
     
     
       17. An electronic device having a magnetic latch mechanism, the electronic device comprising:
 a first electronic assembly; 
 a second electronic assembly pivotally connected with the first electronic assembly; 
 a magnetic unit captured by the first electronic assembly, the magnetic unit configured to provide a first magnetic flux in a first direction; 
 an attraction plate captured by the second electronic assembly and configured to be coupled with the first magnetic flux when the first electronic assembly is in a closed position with respect to the second electronic assembly such that there is mutual attraction between the attraction plate and the magnetic unit in the closed position; 
 a tuning bumper, the tuning bumper configured to adjust a distance between the magnetic unit and the attraction plate in the closed position, thereby adjusting an intensity of a magnetic attraction force between the magnetic unit and the attraction plate; and 
 a second tuning bumper, 
 wherein the tuning bumper is replaceable by the second tuning bumper, the tuning bumper having a first predefined height, the second tuning bumper having a second predefined height, the first predefined height being different from the second predefined height. 
 
     
     
       18. The device of  claim 17  wherein the tuning bumper includes a shank having a user-customizable height. 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 17  wherein the tuning bumper includes a screw structure. 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 17  further comprising a magnetic shield, the magnetic unit being disposed between the attraction plate and the magnetic shield when the first electronic assembly is in the closed position with respect to the second electronic assembly, the magnetic shield configured to reduce a second magnetic flux of the magnetic unit in a second direction different from the first direction. 
     
     
       21. The electronic device of  claim 17  wherein at least one of the first electronic assembly and the second electronic assembly includes an electronic display.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     An electronic device that includes a display such as a notebook computer, media player, game device, or navigation device may include a display assembly and a base assembly. Typically, an edge of the display assembly is connected with the base assembly by one or more hinges or clutches so that the display assembly can be pivoted open to reveal the display screen of the display assembly to the user or closed to protect the display screen. To ensure that the electronic device stays closed, the electronic device may further include a latch mechanism for securing the display assembly in the closed position. 
     Conventionally, the latch mechanism may include a latch and a catch for securing the display assembly in the closed position. However, the latch and catch components may be vulnerable to impact damage and may pose significant reliability issues. To better withstand impact and wear, the latch and catch and other related moving components may be manufactured with high performance materials. However, the additional cost of the high performance material disadvantageously increases the overall cost of the electronic device. Further, such a latch mechanism occupies some amount of space and may need to be housed in gaps, voids, or recesses in the display assembly and/or the base assembly. These gaps, voids, or recesses may significantly compromise the structure and/or aesthetics of the electronic device and possibly allow debris and/or moisture to cause damage to the electronic device. 
     Alternatively, in some conventional configurations, a “pop-down” cam mechanism may be provided at the clutch to provide some force for resisting the unintentional opening of the display assembly. In other conventional configurations, a complex over-center mechanism may be provided to snap shut the display assembly and to keep the display assembly snap shut. Both of these alternative mechanisms typically require a large form factor to implement and therefore may be undesirable to users from an aesthetic point of view. 
     In some other conventional configurations, one or more magnets may be installed in the display assembly, the base assembly, or both to provide an attraction force for latching the assemblies. However, many other components of the electronic device may be sensitive to magnetic effects. As such, the use of magnets may complicate the design and arrangement of components inside the electronic device, which may require for example magnetic shielding to protect these sensitive components. Installation of magnetic shields may incur increased manufacturing cost as well as consume some of the internal space of the electronic device, resulting in an undesirably bulky final product. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention relates, in an embodiment, to a magnetic latch mechanism for latching a first electronic assembly to a second electronic assembly. The magnetic latch mechanism includes a Halbach array captured by the first electronic assembly. The Halbach array is configured to provide a first magnetic flux in a first direction. The magnetic latch mechanism further includes an attraction plate captured by the second electronic assembly. The attraction plate is configured to be coupled with the first magnetic flux when the first electronic assembly is in a closed position with respect to the second electronic assembly such that there is mutual attraction between the attraction plate and the Halbach array in the closed position. 
     In one or more embodiments, the invention relates to an electronic device having a magnetic latch mechanism. The electronic device includes a first electronic assembly and a second electronic assembly pivotally connected with the first electronic assembly. The electronic device also includes magnetic means for providing an uneven magnetic flux with respect to at least two sides of the magnetic means. A first side of the magnetic means has a first magnetic flux that is higher in intensity relative to a second magnetic flux associated with a second side of the magnetic means. The magnetic means is captured by the first electronic assembly. The electronic device further includes attraction means for magnetically attracting the magnetic means. The attraction means is captured by the second electronic assembly. The attraction means is configured to be coupled with the first magnetic flux when the first electronic assembly is in a closed position with respect to the second electronic assembly such that there is mutual attraction between the attraction plate and the Halbach array in the closed position. 
     In one or more embodiments, the invention relates to an electronic device having a magnetic latch mechanism. The electronic device includes a first electronic assembly and a second electronic assembly pivotally connected with the first electronic assembly. The electronic device also includes a magnetic unit captured by the first electronic assembly. The magnetic unit is configured to provide a first magnetic flux in a first direction. The electronic device further includes an attraction plate captured by the second electronic assembly. The attraction plate is configured to be coupled with the first magnetic flux when the first electronic assembly is in a closed position with respect to the second electronic assembly such that there is mutual attraction between the attraction plate and the Halbach array in the closed position. 
     These and other features of the present invention will be described in more detail below in the detailed description of the invention and in conjunction with the following figures 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows an illustrative representation of an electronic device and a magnetic latch mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2A-D  show an illustrative representation of a tuning bumper in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention and uses thereof. 
         FIG. 3  shows a Halbach array configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows an illustrative representation of an electronic device and a magnetic latch mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5A-D  show illustrative representations of tuning bumpers in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention and uses thereof. 
         FIGS. 6A-B  show a magnetic unit and a magnetic shield in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  shows an illustrative representation of an electronic device  1000  and a magnetic latch mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , electronic device  1000  is a portable computing device. However, electronic device  1000  may represent any electronic device (such as a portable video player, a portable music player, a communication device, etc.) that has two or more assemblies pivotally connected together. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , electronic device  1000  includes a display assembly  100 , a base assembly  200 , and a magnetic latch mechanism that includes at least one tuning bumper  120 , at least one attraction plate  210 , and at least one Halbach array  110 . Display assembly  100  further includes an electronic display  130  and a display bezel  140 . Halbach array  110  is captured (i.e., encapsulated or held fixed) by display bezel  140  and/or additional parts of display assembly  100  and is configured to provide a magnetic flux. Halbach array  110  will be discussed further with reference to  FIG. 3  below. 
     Base assembly  200  includes a top case  240 . Further, base assembly  200  includes at least one attraction plate  210 , captured by top case  240 . Attraction plate  210  is configured to be coupled with the magnetic field provided by Halbach array  110  when display assembly  100  is near or in a closed position with respect to base assembly  200  such that there is a mutual attraction force between attraction plate  210  and Halbach array  110 , causing display assembly  100  to be biased to a closed position relative to base assembly  200 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , Halbach array  110  is disposed opposite attraction plate  210  when the electronic device is in a closed position. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, attraction plate  210  is formed of a material that includes a ferrous or magnetic material. 
     Electronic device  1000  further includes at least one connecting element  300 . Connecting element  300  is typically disposed away from Halbach array  110  and is configured to pivotally connect an edge of display assembly  100  and base assembly  200 . In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, connecting element  300  may include hinges, hooks, pins, snaps, detents or other suitable pivotal connecting structures. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, connecting element  300  is considered a component of the magnetic latch mechanism. 
     Display assembly  100  further includes at least one tuning bumper  120  disposed on display bezel  140  of display assembly  100 .  FIGS. 2A-D  illustrate tuning bumper  120  and uses thereof with reference to partial cross-sectional views of display bezel  140  and top case  240 .  FIGS. 2A-B  illustrate the use of tuning bumper  120  in a configuration that provides a strong latch and a minimum gap  402  between display bezel  140  and top case  240 .  FIGS. 2C-D  illustrate the use of tuning bumper  120  in a configuration that provides a weak latch and a widened gap  406  between display bezel  140  and top case  240 . 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, tuning bumper  120  includes a height-adjustment mechanism. The height-adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust a height of tuning bumper  120  over a surface of display bezel  140 . The height in turn determines the gap between display bezel  140  and top case  240 , as well as the distance between Halbach array  110  and attraction plate  210  when display bezel  140  is near or in a closed position with respect to top case  240 . In accordance with one or more embodiments, the height-adjustment mechanism includes a screw structure  124  as shown in the example of  FIG. 2A . 
     Tuning bumper  120  may further include a slot  128  disposed on a head  122  that is attached to screw structure  124 . Slot  128  may be configured to receive a tool such that a user may use the tool to turn screw structure  124  of tuning bumper  120 . Slot  128  may also have a configuration that is used in commercially available screws such as, for example and without limitation, a single slot, Phillips (cross shaped), hex, Robertson (square shaped), TORX (star shaped), or spanner (two slots). The tool may also be any screw driver with a driving head that fits slot  128 . 
     When tuning bumper  120  is turned in a first direction (i.e., clockwise in the example of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  from marker position (W)eak  148  to (M)edium  150  to (S)strong  146  as indicated by an indicator  126  disposed on head  122 ), screw structure  124  moves further into display bezel  140 , thereby decreasing the height of head  122  above the surface of display bezel  140 . Accordingly, when -display bezel  140  is in a closed position with respect to top case  240 , the distance between Halbach array  110  and attraction plate  210  is reduced. 
     As a result, if turning bumper  120  is turned to the marker position (S)trong  146  as is done in  FIG. 2A , the magnitude or intensity of the magnetic attraction force between attraction plate  210  and Halbach array  110  is relatively strong (due to the closer gap between attraction plate  210  and Halbach array  110 ) and a stronger external force is required to unlatch display assembly  100  from base assembly  200 . This situation is shown in  FIG. 2B , as seen by viewing into the gap between display assembly  100  and base assembly  200 . 
     Conversely, when turning bumper  120  is turned in a second direction opposite the first direction (i.e., counterclockwise in the example of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  from marker position (S)strong  146  to (M)edium  150  to (W)eak  148 ), screw structure  124  moves away from display bezel  140  such that such that the height of head  122  above the surface of display bezel  140  is increased. Accordingly, when display bezel  140  is in a closed position with respect to top case  240 , the distance between Halbach array  110  and attraction plate  210  is increased. 
     As a result, if turning bumper  120  is turned to the marker position (W)eak  148  as is done in  FIG. 2B , the magnitude or intensity of the magnetic attraction force between attraction plate  210  and Halbach array  110  is relatively weak (due to the wider gap between attraction plate  210  and Halbach array  110 ) and a weaker external force is required to unlatch display assembly  100  from base assembly  200 . This situation is shown in  FIG. 2D , as seen by viewing into the gap between display assembly  100  and base assembly  200 . 
     If turning bumper  120  is turned to the marker position (M)edium  150 , the magnetic attraction force between attraction plate  210  and Halbach array  110  is in between the strong latching force associated with marker position (S)trong  146  and the weak latching force associated with marker position (W)eak  148 . 
     Although only three marker positions are shown, additional marker positions may be provided. In an embodiment, a detent arrangement or a functionally analogous arrangement may be provided with turning bumper  120  to allow turning bumper  120  to make an audible and/or a tactile feedback (such as a “click”) when turned to the appropriate marker position. 
     Generally speaking, both of the minimum gap  402  and the maximum gap  406  (see  FIGS. 2B and 2D  respectively) may be based on ergonomic considerations as well as one or more of aesthetic and structural considerations. 
     In an embodiment, the minimum distance between Halbach array  110  and attraction plate  210  when the electronic device is closed is determined by the desired maximum attraction force. The desired maximum attraction force is, in an embodiment, the strongest latching force desired in situations where unlatching is highly undesirable (e.g., during transportation). In an embodiment, the minimum distance between Halbach array  110  and attraction plate  210  is determined by appropriately dimensioning the thickness of head  122 . The minimum distance may be determined, additionally or alternatively, by forming the appropriate “bump” or “depression” in the mating portion of top case  240  that contacts head  122  in the closed position. Additionally or alternatively, the minimum distance may be determined by the rotational position of screw  124  when turning bumper  120  is pointed to the marker position (S)trong  146 . 
     Likewise, the maximum distance between Halbach array  110  and attraction plate  210  when the electronic device is closed is determined by the desired minimum attraction force. The desired minimum attraction force is, in an embodiment, the lowest latching force desired in situations where a high unlatching force is undesirable (e.g., in situations that require the frequent opening and closing of the electronic device or when an infirm person or young child is involved). In an embodiment, the maximum distance between Halbach array  110  and attraction plate  210  is determined by appropriately dimensioning the thickness of head  122 . The maximum distance may be determined, additionally or alternatively, by forming the appropriate “bump” or “depression” in the portion of top case  240  that contacts head  122  in the closed position. Additionally or alternatively, the maximum distance may be determined by the rotational position of screw  124  when turning bumper  120  is pointed to the marker position (W)eak  148 . 
     In an embodiment, head  122  may be configured to absorb impact and/or may be made of compressible material and/or resilient material such as rubber without departing from the present invention. Alternatively or additionally, the mating area that contacts head  122  may be formed of a compressible and/or resilient material to reduce the impact of snapping shut the electronic device. 
       FIG. 3  shows Halbach array  110  configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , Halbach array  110  may include multiple magnetic subunits. The magnetic subunits may be arranged such that Halbach array  110  provides an augmented first magnetic flux  116  in a first direction  112 , while a second magnetic flux  118  of Halbach array  110  in a second direction  114  is significantly diminished (to near zero or zero). In the context of the present invention, a Halbach array is defined as a magnetic structure or component that has uneven magnetic fluxes on two different sides of the array. In the example of  FIG. 3 , the magnetic flux in first direction  112  (shown symbolically by magnetic lines  116 ) couples with and provides an attraction force to attraction plate  210 . 
       FIGS. 4 ,  5 A,  5 B,  5 C and  5 D show an alternative embodiment wherein the selectable magnetic attraction force that is determined by turning bumper  120  of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 A,  2 B,  2 C and  2 D is instead determined by replaceable bumper  520 .  FIG. 4  shows the same electronic device  1000  of  FIG. 1  except that turning bumper  120  of  FIG. 1  has been replaced by replaceable bumper  520  of  FIG. 4 , and that the magnetic attraction force is exerted by a magnetic unit  610  captured by base assembly  200  on attraction plate  510  captured by display assembly  140 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 4 , replaceable bumper  520  represents a bumper for implementing a (S)trong magnetic latching force. This is shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  wherein replaceable bumper  520  therein is shown labeled with the label “S”  528  indicating that replaceable bumper  520  implements a (S)trong latching force. Replaceable bumper  520 , which includes head  522  and shank  524 , may be inserted, frictionally fitted, or plugged into a hole in display bezel  140 . The top of head  522  and/or the corresponding mating surface on top case  240  are configured such that the distance  700  between magnetic unit  610  and attraction plate  210  of  FIG. 5B  is fairly close to attain a high latching force. Generally speaking, the latching force may be adjusted by controlling the dimension of one or more of height of head  522 , height of shank  524 , depth of hole into which shank  524  is inserted, and dimension of the corresponding “bump” or “depression” in the mating surface of top case  240  that contacts head  522  in the closed position. 
     In an embodiment, it is contemplated that the replacement bumper represents a factory-supplied component. In another embodiment, it is contemplated that the replacement bumper represents a user-configurable component. The user may configure a replacement bumper for a custom latching force by, for example, trim or cut the height of shank  524  or  534 . 
     In the example of  FIGS. 5C and 5D , replaceable bumper  530  therein is shown labeled with a label “W”  538 , indicating that replaceable bumper  530  implements a (W)eak latching force. In this case, the top of head  532  and/or the corresponding mating surface on top case  240  are configured such that the distance  704  between magnetic unit  610  and attraction plate  210  of  FIG. 5B  is further away from one another to attain a lower latching force. As mentioned, the latching force may be adjusted by controlling the dimension of one or more of height of head  522 , height of shank  524 , depth of hole into which shank  524  is inserted, and dimension of the corresponding “bump” or “depression” in the mating surface of top case  240  that contacts head  522  in the closed position. 
     To further protect components that may be sensitive to electromagnetic field radiation, a magnetic shield may be provided to shield one or both of the magnet and the attraction plate.  FIGS. 6A-B  show magnetic unit  610  and a magnetic shield  800  implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
     As illustrated in the example of  FIG. 6A , magnetic unit  610  provides a magnetic flux  616  in a first direction  612  and in a second direction  614  that is opposite first direction  612 . In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, magnetic unit  610  represents a Halbach array configured to provide a directed magnetic flux on one side that is different from or lower than the magnetic flux on the other side. 
     As illustrated in the example of  FIG. 6B , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the magnetic latch mechanism further includes magnetic shield  800 . Magnetic shield  800  may be configured to reduce or eliminate effects of the magnetic flux in second direction  614  while augmenting the magnetic flux in first direction  612 . Magnetic shielding  800  may be formed of a suitable shielding material (such as for example a solid or mesh ferrous structure or plate) and dimensioned and/or positioned to provide adequate shielding for the electromagnetically sensitive components. 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a magnetic shield may be configured to reduce or eliminate magnetic effects of magnetic unit  610  in a direction that is different from first direction  612 . 
     As can be appreciated from the foregoing, by providing a structure and method for tuning a magnetic latching force between an attraction plate and a magnetic structure (by adjusting the gap between the attraction plate and the magnetic structure), one or more embodiments of the present invention may provide improved ergonomics for different users of the electronic device as well as improved latch performance under various use scenarios of the electronic device. 
     Further, by augmenting the magnetic flux in a first direction while reducing the magnetic flux in a second direction for the magnetic unit that provides the latching force, one or more embodiments of the present invention may improve latch performance and/or provide improved protection for components that may be sensitive to electromagnetic radiation. 
     Still further, by using a Halbach array for the magnetic unit, one or more embodiments of the present invention satisfactorily protect components that may be sensitive to electromagnetic radiation while providing the desired magnetic latching functionality without requiring the use of a bulky shield. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. For example, removable sticking bumpers with various thicknesses may be used instead of or in coordination with the screw-type or insert-type tuning bumpers as illustrated, as one skilled in the art can readily appreciate. As another example, the adjustment of the height of the bumper may be made from either side of the display bezel (e.g., by using a turning bumper that extends through the display bezel and has a head designed to accept a turning tool on the side facing away from the top case). As a further example, the tuning bumper (turning type or replaceable type) may be provided on either or both of the display bezel and the top case without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     As a further example, the magnetic structure (such as the Halbach array, for example) and/or the attraction plate may be disposed on either the display bezel or the top case, as long as there is a magnetic structure/attraction plate pair where a latching force is desired. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may find utility in other latching applications such as, for example and without limitation, latching an electronic assembly or component (such as a battery) to a bay of an electronic device (such as a notebook computer). It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20061016
Publication Date: 20090203
Grant Date: 20090203
Priority Date: 20061016
Inventors: LIGTENBERG CHRIS A.
DEGNER BRETT WILLIAM
BANKO JOSHUA
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1679", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1679", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 39675963