Microsoft patents magnetic feet that lock into devices
Microsoft has filed a patent for a device with removable feet or pads that snap into a housing. The feet use a locking mechanism that stays in place until a magnetic field is applied, which rearranges the lock to allow the foot to be removed.
In the filing’s own words
The description relates to devices that have removable parts, such as feet or pads. One example can include a housing containing electronic components and a receptacle positioned in the housing. A foot assembly can be positioned in the receptacle. The foot assembly can include a locking mechanism that mechanically blocks removal of the foot assembly from the receptacle unless acted upon by a magnetic field that rearranges the locking mechanism and unblocks removal of the foot assembly from the receptacle.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A device ( 102), comprising: a housing ( 104) containing electronic components ( 106); a receptacle ( 112) positioned in the housing; and, a foot assembly ( 110) positioned in the receptacle, the foot assembly including a locking mechanism ( 208) that mechanically blocks removal of the foot assembly from the receptacle unless acted upon by a magnetic field that rearranges the locking mechanism and unblocks removal of the foot assembly from the receptacle.
Facts
- Company
- Microsoft (Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC)
- Official title
- Part Retention
- Publication number
- US20260277276A1
- Application number
- 19167958
- Filed
- Apr 3, 2023
- Published
- Sep 17, 2026
- Inventors
- 2
- Claims
- 15
Classified under
G06F 1/166 Physics & computingH05K 5/0221 Electricity & electronicsH05K 5/0234 Electricity & electronicsMore from Microsoft in Chips & hardware
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.