Magnetic latching mechanism for use in mating a mobile computing device to an accessory device
First Claim
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1. A system comprising:
- a mobile computing device;
an accessory device having a receiving surface to magnetically couple to the mobile computing device; and
wherein at least one of the mobile computing device or the accessory device includes a plurality of magnetic components configured to retain the other of the mobile computing device or the accessory device, the plurality of magnetic components being arranged in a manner which reduces magnetic flux through a center of the mobile computing device;
wherein the plurality of magnetic components includes at least one horseshoe magnet assembly comprising;
a first bar magnet and a second bar magnet coupled in parallel;
a non-magnetic spacer element coupled between the first and second bar magnets; and
a base layer coupled to a first pole of each of the first and second bar magnets, wherein the first pole of the first bar magnet is opposite in polarity than the first pole of the second bar magnet.
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Abstract
A mobile computing device and an accessory device are individually equipped with features and components that enable magnetic coupling of the two devices. Specific embodiments provide for the use of one or more horseshoe magnets for use in the magnetic coupling mechanisms. As an addition or alternative, electromagnetic coupling may be used to selectively maintain and/or orient the two devices in a mated position.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A system comprising:
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a mobile computing device; an accessory device having a receiving surface to magnetically couple to the mobile computing device; and wherein at least one of the mobile computing device or the accessory device includes a plurality of magnetic components configured to retain the other of the mobile computing device or the accessory device, the plurality of magnetic components being arranged in a manner which reduces magnetic flux through a center of the mobile computing device; wherein the plurality of magnetic components includes at least one horseshoe magnet assembly comprising; a first bar magnet and a second bar magnet coupled in parallel; a non-magnetic spacer element coupled between the first and second bar magnets; and a base layer coupled to a first pole of each of the first and second bar magnets, wherein the first pole of the first bar magnet is opposite in polarity than the first pole of the second bar magnet. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system comprising:
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a mobile computing device comprising one or more electronic components; an accessory device having (i) a receiving surface to magnetically couple to the mobile computing device and (ii) circuitry to communicate with the one or more electronic components of the mobile computing device when magnetically coupled; and wherein the accessory device includes a plurality of magnetic components configured to retain the mobile computing device while reducing magnetic interference, from the magnetic component, during communications between the mobile computing device and the accessory device, the plurality of magnetic components being arranged in a manner which reduces magnetic flux through a center of the mobile computing device; wherein the plurality of magnetic components includes at least one horseshoe magnet assembly comprising; a first bar magnet and a second bar magnet coupled in parallel; a non-magnetic spacer element coupled between the first and second bar magnets; and a base layer coupled to a first pole of each of the first and second bar magnets, wherein the first pole of the first bar magnet is opposite in polarity than the first pole of the second bar magnet. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A system comprising:
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a mobile computing device; an accessory device having a receiving surface; and wherein at least one of the mobile computing device or accessory device includes one or more electromagnets to selectively retain the other of the mobile computing device or accessory device in one or more orientations, the plurality of electromagnets being arranged in a manner which reduces magnetic flux through a center of the mobile computing device; wherein the plurality of electromagnets includes at least one horseshoe magnet assembly comprising; a first bar magnet and a second bar magnet coupled in parallel; a non-magnetic spacer element coupled between the first and second bar magnets; and a base layer coupled to a first pole of each of the first and second bar magnets, wherein the first pole of the first bar magnet is opposite in polarity than the first pole of the second bar magnet. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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Specification