Bi-directional Biasing Access Panel for Single-Hand Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face issues with access panels or doors that are prone to damage or loss when detached, and often require two-handed operation for opening and closing, due to their tethered or pivotally coupled designs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bi-directional biasing element that allows single-handed operation of access panels or doors, which remain attached to the electronic device in an open position, featuring a hinge mechanism that automatically locks when closed, providing a seamless profile and preventing damage or loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the access panel is removed or decoupled from the electronic device to enable access to the card holder, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as the panel may be lost or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A tether acts as an intermediary element connecting the access panel to the electronic device housing. This tether allows the panel to be detached for access while preventing complete separation, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability by maintaining a physical connection during the transition state
2Reliability
If the access panel is tethered to the electronic device when detached, then reliability is improved by preventing loss, but device complexity increases due to the additional tether component
Solution Approach 1:
The tether is implemented as a flexible thin element that provides the necessary connection function without adding significant structural complexity. This flexible connector maintains reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity through its simple, thin-film implementation
3Reliability
If manual locking tabs or latches are used to retain the access panel in closed position, then reliability is improved by securing the panel, but ease of operation deteriorates as two-handed operation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The access panel incorporates a spring-loaded latch mechanism that provides self-service functionality. When the panel is pushed into the closed position, the latch automatically engages and locks the panel without requiring manual activation, thereby maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation by eliminating the need for two-handed operation
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
Enables single-hand operation for opening and closing, maintains panel attachment to prevent damage or loss, and ensures secure automatic locking, enhancing user convenience and device integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a bi-directional biasing element that enables single hand operation to open and close the access panel or door. The bi-directional biasing element may include a first biasing element to laterally bias the access panel or door and a second biasing element to rotatably bias the access panel or door
Implementation Method 2
The access panel or door may be hinged to a housing of an electronic device and may remain attached to the electronic device when the access panel or door is in an open position
Data Source
AI summary
Access Panels for electronic devices are disclosed herein. An example electronic device disclosed herein includes a housing having an opening to access a card holder and an access panel coupled to the housing to cover the opening. The access panel slides and rotates relative to the housing when the access panel moves between an open position to allow access to the opening and a closed position to cover the opening. A first biasing element has a first end attached to the access panel and a second end attached to the housing and biases the access panel laterally relative to the housing. A second biasing element is coupled to the access panel to cause the access panel to rotate in a first rotational direction relative to the housing.