Method and apparatus for producing magnetic attachment system
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorCesare A. TOLENTINO
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for producing a magnetic attachment mechanism is described. A method is provided for determining the magnetic field axis of an element prior to machining it. The magnetic field axis can be used as a reference to machine an outer surface of the magnetic element at a desired angle. The method provides a means to more precisely align magnetic field axes of corresponding magnets in a magnetic attachment system.
Claims21
A method of producing a magnetic element, the method comprising:
- determining a magnetic field axis of the element by placing a sintered element formed of rare earth elements in a fixture that will allow the element to freely align with an external magnetic field applied to the element;
- demagnetizing the sintered element;
- and
- machining an outer surface of the sintered element in the fixture at a desired angle to the magnetic field axis.
A fixture for supporting a magnetic element and for determining a magnetic field axis of the magnetic element, the fixture being configured to:
- support a sintered element while allowing the sintered element to freely align with an external magnetic field applied to the sintered element;
- fix the sintered element in a locked position in the fixture after the sintered element freely aligns with the external magnetic field;
- and
- support the sintered element in the locked position while the sintered element is machined.
A method of making a magnetic attachment system, comprising:
- receiving in a fixture a sintered and demagnetized block comprising rare earth elements, wherein the fixture allows the block to freely align with an external magnetic field applied to the element;
- apply an external magnetic field to the block;
- lock the block in place after the block has freely aligned with the applied external magnetic field;
- demagnetizing the block after locking it in place;
- and
- machining an outer surface of the block in the fixture at a desired angle to the magnetic field axis after demagnetizing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.