Part fixation

Abstract

The present specification relates to an apparatus having a removable part, such as a foot or pad. One example may include a housing containing electronic components and a socket located within the housing. The foot assembly may be located in the receptacle. The foot assembly may include a locking mechanism that mechanically impedes removal of the foot assembly from the receptacle unless subjected to a magnetic field that rearranges the locking mechanism to release the impediment of removal of the foot assembly from the receptacle.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Traditionally, devices such as computing devices configured to contact various work surfaces have included resilient polymer feet or pads. Summary of the Invention

[0002] This patent relates to devices having removable components, such as feet or pads. One example may include a housing containing electronic components and a socket located within the housing. A foot assembly may be located in the socket. The foot assembly may include a locking mechanism that mechanically prevents the foot assembly from being removed from the socket unless subjected to a magnetic field that rearranges the locking mechanism, thereby removing the resistance to removal of the foot assembly from the socket.

[0003] This Summary is intended as a brief introduction to some of the concepts described in this document and is not meant to be inclusive or limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The accompanying drawings illustrate implementations of the concepts conveyed herein. The features of the illustrated implementations may be more readily understood by reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Wherever feasible, like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements in the various figures. In addition, the leftmost digit of each figure number indicates the figure in which the reference numeral is first introduced and the associated discussion.

[0005] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example secure part retention system according to the present concepts.

[0006] Figure 2A is a front view of an example security part securing implementation according to the present concepts.

[0007] Figure 2B 、 Figures 3A-3E as well as Figures 4A-4E is a cross-sectional view of an example secure part securing implementation according to the present concepts.

[0008] Figure 2C and Figure 2D is a cutaway perspective view of an example secure part securing implementation according to the present concepts.

[0009] Figure 2E is with Figure 2A Exploded front view of the corresponding example safety part fixation implementation.

[0010] Figure 2F is with Figure 2B Exploded cross-sectional view of the corresponding example safety part fixation implementation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The present inventive concepts relate to devices, such as computing devices, that may include components within a housing or casing. The concepts include technical solutions for removably securing a part to the casing. In one instance, the part may be a foot including an exposed pad. One or more feet may be removably secured to the device. The feet may be mechanically blocked to prevent removal from the device, thereby providing a high retention force. If it is desired to remove an individual foot, a magnet may be placed against the individual foot to mechanically unblock the individual foot for removal. The individual foot may be removed and reinstalled through repeated cycles without experiencing a loss of retention force as with conventional elastomeric polymer feet.

[0012] Some technical solutions of the present invention require a locking mechanism that is in a locked position or locked state by default, mechanically locking a part such as a leg and preventing it from being removed from the device. When removal is required, the locking mechanism can be converted to an unlocked position or unlocked state by a magnet. The locking mechanism can be subjected to a force from a biasing member, which biases the locking mechanism to the locked position. Positioning a magnet near the part can overcome the force and convert the locking mechanism to the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the part can be easily removed from the device. The part can be reinstalled and automatically locked in the device when the magnet is removed. When the magnet is removed, the force from the biasing member converts the locking mechanism back to the locked position.

[0013] Figure 1 An exemplary system 100 is shown to which the present secure part securing concepts may be applied. In this case, system 100 includes a device 102. Device 102 includes a housing 104 that houses electronic components 106. Electronic components 106 are shown in phantom (e.g., dashed lines) to indicate that they are obscured by housing 104. A part 108, such as a foot assembly 110, may be secured to a socket 112 in housing 104. For example, in this case, socket 112 is located on a bottom surface 114 of housing 104. Foot assembly 110 may be located in socket 112 to protect the device and / or provide a secure support on a surface on which the device may be placed.

[0014] Conventional legs are made of an elastic material that is inserted into a tapered socket. Securement is achieved through compression of the elastic material during insertion and subsequent expansion relative to the socket. The elastic legs have limited holding strength and can be pulled out during normal activities, such as putting a laptop into a backpack. Conventional elastic legs can also be intentionally removed. However, the holding strength decreases with each removal and reinsertion, to the point where the legs may simply fall out.

[0015] In contrast, the present concept provides a technical solution for parts 108, such as leg assemblies 110, to be mechanically locked into sockets 112. Mechanical locking provides greater retention strength than conventional designs. Individual leg assemblies 110 can be unlocked with magnets for easy removal from the socket. The leg assemblies can be reinstalled and locked into the socket, retaining / preserving their original high retention strength. Figures 2A-2F Example foot assemblies that provide these and other solutions are described. Figures 3A-4E Together they show Figures 2A-2F Locking and unlocking aspects of an exemplary leg assembly.

[0016] Figures 2A-2F Elements of an exemplary leg assembly 110 and a socket 112 are shown together. Figure 2A is a side view of an exemplary leg assembly 110 and socket 112 . Figure 2B 1 and 2 are corresponding side cross-sectional views of an exemplary leg assembly 110 and socket 112 . Figure 2C and Figure 2D are complementary cutaway perspective views. Figure 2E is an exploded side view of an exemplary leg assembly 110 and socket 112 . Figure 2F is an exploded side cutaway view of an exemplary leg assembly 110 and socket 112 .

[0017] In this case, the receptacle 112 defines an opening 200 ( Figure 2F ), collar 202 and a restraining member in the form of a ring 204 ( Figure 2F ), which define to some extent the internal volume 206 ( Figure 2F In other words, a restriction (e.g., ring 204) is interposed between opening 200 and volume 206. Thus, volume 206 is bounded to some extent by ring 204 such that entry and / or exit of volume 206 requires passing through the restriction.

[0018] In this implementation, the foot assembly 110 includes a locking mechanism 208 ( Figure 2E and Figure 2F ), biasing member 210 ( Figure 2B 、 Figure 2E and Figure 2F ), substrate 212 ( Figure 2B 、 Figure 2E and Figure 2F ) and exposed pad 214. In this implementation, exposed pad 214 is embodied as a cover that is overmolded. In this example, as in Figure 2B 、 Figure 2E and Figure 2F As indicated in FIG, the locking mechanism 208 includes a housing 216 , a locking tab 218 , a core 220 , and a biasing member 210 .

[0019] The housing 216 defines a hole 222, a collar 224, a rim 226, and a volume 228 ( Figure 2F The locking projection 218 includes a spherical portion 230 and an elongated portion 232 ( Figure 2E and Figure 2F ). In this example, the holes 222 are radially distributed around a reference axis (e.g., the z-axis). The spherical portion 230 is located in the hole 222, so that the locking tabs 218 are radially arranged around the axis at corresponding positions of the hole 222. In this case, there are four holes 222 and four locking tabs 218 arranged at 90-degree intervals around the axis. Other numbers of locking tabs 218 and holes 222 are contemplated. For example, three pairs of locking tabs 218 and holes 222 can be arranged at 120-degree intervals, as well as other configurations.

[0020] The core 220 has a tapered body 234 (shown but not labeled) from a wider bottom portion near the base 212 (shown but not labeled) to a narrower top portion (shown but not labeled) away from the base 212. Figure 2E and Figure 2F The core 220 further defines a volume 238. The biasing member 210 is embodied as a spring 240 ( Figure 2B 、 Figure 2D 、 Figure 2E and Figure 2F For example, the biasing member 210 may be an elastic body.

[0021] When assembled, the spring 240 is nested within the volume 238 defined by the core 220. The spring 240 is compressed and retained between the base plate 212 and the core 220. The core 220, in turn, is nested within the volume 228 defined by the housing 216. The edge 226 of the housing 216 and the base plate 212 are retained against each other in the recess 242 of the exposed pad 214. Thus, the components of the foot assembly 110 are retained by and between the exposed pad 214 and the housing 216. In addition, the compressed spring 240 generates an upward biasing force (e.g., in the positive z-reference direction or axis) on the core 220. The upward biasing force pushes the core 220 into the collar 224 of the housing 216 and toward the collar 202 of the receptacle 112.

[0022] Note also that in this implementation, the core 220 has a ferrous metal composition (e.g., magnetic). In contrast, other components (such as the housing 216, the locking tabs 218, and / or the base plate 212) may be non-ferrous (e.g., non-magnetic) materials. For example, these latter components may be formed from non-ferrous metals (such as aluminum, magnesium, etc.) or non-metallic materials (such as ceramics or composite materials, etc.). Figures 3A-3E These aspects are explained in more detail.

[0023] Figures 3A-4ETogether, the functionality of the foot assembly 110 is illustrated. Figure 3A The foot assembly 110 is shown unmounted but ready for installation beneath the receptacle 112. At this point, the ball portion 230 of the locking tab 218 is located within the aperture 222 and extends outward through and beyond the aperture 222. A spring 240 biases the core 220 upward into the collar 224 of the housing 216. The upward movement of the core 220 causes the tapered portion 234 to contact the ball portion 230 until further upward movement of the core is blocked. The locking tabs 218 cannot move outward because the elongated portion 232 contacts the housing 216 and is prevented from further movement. The locking tabs 218 cannot move inward because they are blocked by the tapered portion 234 of the core 220. As a result, the offset outer dimension D1, measured from the outer edge of the opposing locking tabs 218 in a direction transverse to the z-reference axis, is greater than the inner dimension D2 defined by the ring 204 of the receptacle 112.

[0024] about Figure 3A The biasing force of the spring 240 is unable to move the core 220 further upward due to the increased diameter exhibited by the tapered body 234 when it contacts the locking tab 218. The spring 240 cannot move downward because it is trapped between the core 220 above and the base plate 212 held against the edge 226 by the exposed pad 214 (e.g., an overmolded cover).

[0025] Figure 3B The magnet 302 is shown added and positioned beneath the leg assembly 110 against the exposed pad 214. Recall that the core 220 is formed of a magnetic ferrous material. The magnet 302 generates a magnetic field that creates an attractive force on the ferrous material, such as the core 220. At this point, the magnetic attraction between the magnet 302 and the core 220 has overcome the upward biasing force created by the spring 240 and causes the core 220 to move downward (e.g., in the negative z-reference direction). In the illustrated configuration, the distance of downward movement is approximately equal to the thickness of the housing 216 at the collar 224 in the z-reference direction. For ease of comparison, in Figure 3A In FIG, the core 220 is located on top of the collar 224 of the housing 216, and in FIG. Figure 3B In FIG, the core 220 is located at the bottom of the collar 224 of the housing 216. The downward movement of the core 220 caused by the magnet 302 causes the diameter of the cone 234 adjacent to the spherical portion 230 of the locking tab 218 to decrease. This allows the locking tab 218 to move slightly inward in the xy reference plane. In other words, in the presence of the magnet 302 Figure 3B The (unbiased) outside-to-outside dimension D3 between the opposing locking tabs 218 is smaller than in the absence of the magnets. Figure 3A The smaller dimension D3 will allow the leg assembly 110 to be inserted into the socket 112, which will Figure 3CShown in.

[0026] As used herein, the "biased" outer dimension or outside-to-outer dimension D1 occurs when the spring 240 biases the core 220 upward, causing the larger diameter of the cone 234 to be forced against the locking tab 218 and forcing the locking tab to move outward in the xy reference plane. The "unbiased" outer dimension D3 occurs when the magnetic field overcomes the upward spring biasing force and the smaller diameter of the core cone 234 contacts the locking tab 218, allowing the locking tab to move inward along the xy reference plane.

[0027] Figure 3C The magnet 302 is shown remaining on the leg assembly 110 and continuing to provide a magnetic force to move the core 220 downward. At this point, the leg assembly is being inserted upward into the socket 112. The ball portion 230 is passing through the constraint of the ring 204. The ring 204 forces the locking tabs 218 inward against the core 220. The outer dimensions (e.g., Figure 3B The dimension D3) is substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the inner dimension defined by the ring 204 (e.g. Figure 3A dimension D2).

[0028] Figure 3D The foot assembly 110 is shown fully inserted into the socket 112 with the magnet 302 still attached to the foot assembly. When the foot assembly 110 is fully inserted into the socket 112, the locking tab 218 passes through the ring 204 and is located within the volume 206. At this point, the widest part / portion of the bulbous portion 230, which defines dimension D3, has passed through and is located above the ring 204.

[0029] Figure 3E The position of the leg assembly 110 in the socket 112 is shown. Figure 3D However, the magnets have been removed from the leg assembly 110. Without the magnetic force acting on the core 220 and pulling it downward, the spring 240 again biases the core 220 upward. The upward movement of the core is reflected by the core being located in the collar 224, rather than Figure 3D The upward movement of the core 220 causes the cone 234 to contact the locking tab 218 and force the locking tab outward (e.g., the outside-to-outside dimension of the locking tab is now equal to Figure 3A of D1).

[0030] exist Figure 3E In the position of the core 220 relative to the z reference direction, the core 220 locks the locking projection 218 in the position corresponding to the z reference direction. Figure 3AThe locking tabs 218 cannot move inwardly within the xy reference plane (e.g., toward each other or toward the z reference axis or direction) unless the core 220 moves downward. However, the spring 240 exerts an upward bias on the core 220, preventing the core from moving downward. In this configuration, the spherical portion 230 of the locking tab 218 has returned to its original position. Figure 3A The dimension D1 marked in the figure is larger than Figure 3A Thus, the locking tabs 218 physically prevent the leg assembly 110 from being moved downwardly (eg, removed) from the socket 112 .

[0031] The locking tabs 218, in combination with the tapered core 220, provide a solution for defining the outer dimensions of the leg assembly 110 within the volume 206 above the constraint provided by the ring 204. The outer dimensions control whether the leg assembly 110 is locked within the socket 112 or can be removed. This solution is achieved by the locking tabs 218, wherein the elongated portion 232 holds the locking tabs 218 between the core 220 and the housing 216. The bulbous portion 230 is moved radially inward and outward by the dimensions of the tapered core 234 with which it contacts. This radial movement controls whether the outer dimensions of the leg assembly 110 are larger or smaller than the constraint of the socket 112 (e.g., the inner dimensions of the ring 204).

[0032] Thus, in this embodiment, the locking tab 218 is fixed in the z-reference direction but can move inwardly and outwardly in the xy-reference plane when in contact with the cone 234 to define the outer dimensions of the foot assembly 110 within the volume 206 defined by the ring 204. This embodiment also enables contactless "locking" and "unlocking" of the locking mechanism 208 via the magnet 302. Thus, this configuration allows the exposed pad 214 to be seamless (e.g., without openings or tool holes) to allow the locking mechanism 208 to be locked or unlocked. In fact, in this embodiment, the locking mechanism 208 can be locked and unlocked by the presence or absence of a magnetic field without the need for physical contact with the locking mechanism. Viewed from another perspective, this embodiment eliminates the need for fasteners such as screws to attach the foot assembly to the device, thereby eliminating the need for physical contact through the seamless exposed pad 214 and eliminating the problem of fasteners becoming loose and / or lost.

[0033] Figures 4A-4E Together, the functionality of the foot assembly 110 is illustrated. Figure 4A The foot assembly 110 is shown installed in the socket 112, as shown in FIG. Figure 3EAs shown. At this point, spring 240 expands to height H1 and applies a biasing force on core 220. The biasing force of spring 240 forces core 220 upward into collar 224. This increases the diameter of cone 234, which acts on locking tabs 218. Cone 234 pushes locking tabs 218 radially outward and prevents them from moving inward, even when the locking tabs are subjected to inward forces. Thus, locking tabs 218, having a biased outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of ring 204, mechanically hinder removal of leg assembly 110 from receptacle 112.

[0034] Figure 4B The figure shows how the foot assembly 110 is unlocked and removed from the socket 112 by means of the magnet 302. The magnet 302 is positioned against the exposed pad 214. The magnet 302 generates an attractive force on the ferrous core 220. The attractive force overcomes the upward bias of the spring 240 and pulls the core 220 downward and compresses the spring. This is achieved by compressing the spring to a height H2 less than Figure 4A The downward movement of the core 220 exposes the smaller diameter of the cone 234 to the ball portion 230. This allows the locking tab 218 to move inward so that the outer dimension of the ball portion 230 is equal to or smaller than the diameter defined by the ring 204.

[0035] Figure 4C The foot assembly 110 is shown partially removed from the socket 112. At this point, the ball portion 230 of the locking tab 218 passes over the ring 204 as the foot assembly 110 moves relative to the socket in the negative z-reference direction. For example, the weight of the foot assembly 110 and the magnet 302 may be sufficient to cause downward movement. Alternatively or additionally, a user placing a magnet on the foot assembly may apply a downward force to the magnet.

[0036] Figure 4D The leg assembly 110 is shown removed or detached from the socket 112 and still attached to the magnet 302. At this point, the magnetic force continues to pull the core 220 downward and compress the spring 240.

[0037] Figure 4E The magnet is shown removed from the foot assembly 110. The spring 240 expands again and forces the core 220 upward into the collar 224. This is equivalent to Figure 3A The above sequence illustrates the technical advantages provided by the tapered core 220. In this embodiment, the spring 240 and the magnet 302 control the position of the tapered core 220 in the z-reference direction, and therefore the diameter of the tapered core acting on the locking tab 218. The tapered core 220 converts this z-reference direction position into radial movement of the locking tab 218 in the xy plane, thereby controlling whether the leg assembly 110 is locked in the receptacle 112 (e.g., locked position) or can be removed (e.g., unlocked position).

[0038] The present concepts can be used with various types of computing devices that can be secured with security features. Computing devices may include, but are not limited to, laptops, tablet computers, smartphones, wearable smart devices, gaming devices, entertainment consoles, and / or other device types currently under development or yet to be developed. As used herein, a computing device can be any type of device with some processing power and / or storage capacity and / or other heat-generating components.

[0039] Various examples are described below. Additional examples are described below. One example includes a device comprising: a housing for housing an electronic component; a socket located within the housing; and a foot assembly located within the socket, the foot assembly including a locking mechanism that mechanically prevents the foot assembly from being removed from the socket unless subjected to a magnetic field that realigns the locking mechanism, thereby removing the resistance to removal of the foot assembly from the socket.

[0040] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the receptacle defines a volume that is partially bounded by the ring.

[0041] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the locking mechanism is inserted through the ring into the volume.

[0042] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the locking mechanism mechanically hinders removal of the leg assembly by having an outer dimension greater than an inner dimension of the ring.

[0043] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the locking mechanism includes a housing defining a collar and radially arranged apertures.

[0044] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the locking mechanism further includes a locking tab positioned within the radially arranged aperture.

[0045] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the locking tabs collectively define the outer dimension.

[0046] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the locking tabs collectively define the outer dimension.

[0047] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the locking mechanism further includes a core housed in a second volume defined by the housing.

[0048] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the core is tapered, and the position of the core in the second volume determines the position of the locking tab and the outer dimension.

[0049] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the locking mechanism further includes a biasing member that applies a biasing force to the core to cause the core to enter the second volume defined by the housing.

[0050] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the biasing force urges the core further into the housing and causes the cone to contact the locking tab.

[0051] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the biasing member includes a spring.

[0052] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the core comprises a ferrous material.

[0053] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the housing and the locking tab comprise a non-ferrous material.

[0054] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the magnetic field overcomes the biasing force and pulls the core partially out of the housing.

[0055] Another example includes a device comprising: a housing including a socket defining a constraint between an opening and an internal volume; and a leg assembly including a molded cover positioned over the socket and a locking mechanism extending along an axis through the opening and the constraint into the volume, the locking mechanism having an unbiased outer dimension measured in a direction transverse to the axis, the unbiased outer dimension being smaller than an inner dimension defined by the constraint, the leg assembly further comprising a spring configured to generate a bias such that the biased outer dimension of the locking mechanism is larger than the inner dimension of the constraint.

[0056] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the locking mechanism includes a tapered core that is biased along the axis by the spring, and wherein the tapered core acts on locking tabs that together define the outer dimension.

[0057] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the apparatus further comprises a removable magnet on the leg assembly, the removable magnet configured to overcome the bias and maintain the unbiased outer dimension smaller than the inner dimension of the constraint.

[0058] Another example includes an apparatus comprising: a socket defining a ring along an axis between a volume and an opening; and a leg assembly including an exposed pad located outside the opening and a locking mechanism extending from the exposed pad into the volume; and the locking mechanism including a biasing member nested in a conical core nested within a housing, the locking mechanism further including locking tabs clamped between and extending through holes in the housing, the biasing member generating a biasing force on the conical core along the axis that urges the tabs outward through the holes and locks, thereby locking the leg assembly in the socket above the ring.

[0059] Conclusion

[0060] Although techniques, methods, apparatus, systems, etc. related to securing parts have been described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claimed methods, apparatus, systems, etc.

Claims

1. A device (102), comprising: a housing (104) for housing electronic components (106); a socket (112) located within the housing; as well as A leg assembly (110) is positioned within the socket, the leg assembly including a locking mechanism (208) that mechanically resists removal of the leg assembly from the socket unless acted upon by a magnetic field that realigns the locking mechanism, thereby removing the resistance to removal of the leg assembly from the socket.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The receptacle defines a volume (206) partially bounded by a ring (204).

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The locking mechanism is inserted through the ring into the volume.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The locking mechanism mechanically hinders removal of the foot assembly by having an outer dimension greater than an inner dimension of the ring.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that The locking mechanism includes a housing (216) defining a collar (224) and radially arranged apertures (222).

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that The locking mechanism further includes a locking tab (218) positioned within the radially disposed aperture.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that The locking tabs together define the outer dimension.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The locking tab includes an elongated portion (232) and a spherical portion (230).

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The locking mechanism further includes a core (220) received in a second volume (228) defined by the housing.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that The core is tapered (234), and the position of the core in the second volume determines the position of the locking tab and the outer dimensions.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The locking mechanism further includes a biasing member (210) that applies a biasing force to the core to cause the core to enter the second volume defined by the housing.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein The biasing force forces the core further into the housing and causes the cone to contact the locking tab.

13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that The biasing member includes a spring.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein The core comprises a ferrous material.

15. A device (102), comprising: a socket (112) defining a ring (204) along an axis between a volume (206) and an opening (200); as well as, a foot assembly (110) comprising an exposed pad (214) positioned outside the opening and a locking mechanism (208) extending from the exposed pad into the volume; as well as The locking mechanism includes a biasing member (210) nested in a conical core (220), the conical core nested in a housing (216), the locking mechanism further including locking tabs (218) that are clamped between and extend through holes (222) in the housing, the biasing member generating a biasing force on the conical core along an axis, the biasing force urging the tabs outward through the holes and locking, thereby locking the leg assembly in the socket above the ring.

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