Adjustable Elastic Connector Cover for Thin Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector mechanisms for thin electronic devices, such as laptops, face issues with inconsistent elastic force in the lateral cover, leading to inefficiencies in opening and closing, and elastic fatigue, which can result in the cover not returning to its default position, necessitating repairs.
Innovation Solution
A connector mechanism featuring an electrical connector, a cover member, and an elasticity-adjusting member, where the cover member pivots relative to the case and the elasticity-adjusting member adjusts the elastic force of the elastic portion, allowing for customizable restitutive force by changing the deformation of the elastic portion through movement along specific guiding grooves or screwing mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastic member is installed on the lateral cover to provide restitutive force, then the lateral cover can return to its default position and cover the slot, but the elastic force may be too large for users to open easily or too small to cover the slot firmly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the elastic portion adjustable in length through the elasticity-adjusting member. The elastic portion can be extended or retracted along the guiding groove, allowing the restitutive force to be dynamically adjusted. When the elastic portion is extended, it provides stronger restitutive force to ensure the lateral cover closes firmly; when retracted, it reduces the force to make opening easier. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between reliable closing and ease of opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the length of the elastic portion to change its elastic properties. The elasticity-adjusting member allows the length of the elastic portion to be varied, which directly changes the restitutive force parameter. By adjusting this parameter, the system can optimize the balance between providing sufficient closing force and maintaining ease of operation, resolving the technical contradiction.
2Reliability
If the elastic member is used too many times, then elastic fatigue occurs and the lateral cover may not move back to the default position, but replacing the elastic member requires disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the elastic portion to be adjusted in real-time without disassembly. The elasticity-adjusting member with the guiding groove allows the elastic portion to be extended or retracted freely. When elastic fatigue occurs, users can simply adjust the length of the elastic portion through the guiding groove to restore sufficient restitutive force, eliminating the need for complete disassembly and reassembly, thus improving ease of repair while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing an adjustment mechanism that allows preventive maintenance. Before the elastic member completely fails, users can adjust the length of the elastic portion through the guiding groove to restore its functionality. This preliminary adjustment capability allows for easy maintenance and repair without requiring full disassembly, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of repair.
3Volume of moving object
If the thickness of the electronic device is reduced to be thin and sleek, then the interior space is significantly reduced, but this limits the space allocation for components and makes it difficult to install slots with large width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the electrical connector into two parts: a fixed portion installed on the case and a movable portion that can be accessed through the lateral cover. This segmentation allows the connector to be installed in the limited space of a thin device while still providing full functionality through the cover opening, resolving the contradiction between thin design and ease of manufacturing/installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the movable portion of the electrical connector within the lateral cover structure. The connector is nested within the compact space of the thin device, with the cover providing access to the connector's movable portion. This nesting approach allows the connector to be installed in the limited space while maintaining ease of manufacture and assembly.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for adjustable restitutive force, improving the ease of use and longevity of the connector mechanism by enabling users to customize the elastic force to meet specific requirements and maintain functionality even when elastic fatigue occurs, reducing the need for repairs.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic portion deforms with different elasticity value in response to the movement of the elasticity-adjusting member, thereby adjusting the restitutive force of the cover portion accordingly
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device comprises a case and a connector mechanism. The case comprises a bottom plate, a lateral plate and a pivoting base. The lateral plate is connected to the bottom plate, the lateral plate has an opening and the pivoting base is connected to the lateral plate. The connector mechanism comprises an electrical connector, a cover member and an elasticity-adjusting member. The electrical connector comprises an insulating base and a plurality of conductive terminals installed in the insulating base. A slot is formed in the insulating base and exposed to the opening. The cover member comprises a cover portion, a pivoting portion and an elastic portion all connected together, wherein the pivoting portion is positioned between the elastic portion and the cover portion while being disposed on the pivoting base.