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Methods and apparatus for configuring a magnetic attachment system

  • US 8,242,868 B2
  • Filed: 12/17/2010
  • Issued: 08/14/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/17/2010
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for configuring a dual state magnetic element for use in an electronic device having an enclosure, comprising:

  • providing a first plurality of magnetic elements in accordance with a first configuration;

    providing a second plurality of magnetic elements in accordance with a second configuration that is complementary to the first configuration;

    positioning the first and second plurality of magnetic elements with respect to each other until a peak magnetic attachment force is determined;

    positioning the first and second plurality of magnetic elements with respect to each other until a first local maximum off peak magnetic attachment force is determined; and

    forming the dual state magnetic element using the first plurality of magnetic elements in accordance with the first configuration, respectively, only when the first local maximum off peak magnetic attachment force is equal to or greater than one half of the peak magnetic attachment force, wherein the dual state magnetic element is disposed within the enclosure at a first side wall and arranged to provide a first magnetic surface at an exterior surface of the first side wall in an inactive state, the first magnetic surface not substantially affecting a magnetically sensitive device at the exterior surface, wherein in an active state, the dual state magnetic element provides a second magnetic surface at the exterior surface of the first side wall, the second magnetic surface suitable for generating the peak magnetic attachment force used to form a magnetic attachment between the dual state magnetic element and a magnetic assembly in a first part of an accessory unit, wherein the dual state magnetic element comprises a state maintaining mechanism coupled to the enclosure and arranged to maintain the dual state magnetic element in the inactive state by providing a retaining force, wherein the dual state magnetic element changes from the inactive state to the active state only when the magnetic assembly aligns with the dual state magnetic element, and wherein when the dual state magnetic element changes from the inactive to the active state, the dual state magnetic element moves from a first position to a second position against the retaining force a distance Δ

    x towards the first sidewall wherein the state maintaining mechanism comprises a spring having a spring constant k;

    the magnetic assembly comprising;

    a plurality of magnetic elements arranged in accordance with the second configuration enclosed in a housing having a front opening, a first end lug pivotally connected to an end of the housing, a second end lug pivotally connected to an opposite end of the housing, wherein the first and second end lugs and the housing pivot about a first pivot line, a rigid connecting rod connecting the first and second end lugs, a collar sized to accommodate the rigid connecting rod, the collar and rigid connecting rod inserted into an opening in the accessory unit, the rigid connecting rod forming a second pivot line different than the first pivot line about which the first and second end lugs pivot.

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