Casing Assembly Engaging Elements for Screwless Structural Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional casing assemblies for electronic devices are complex and time-consuming to assemble and disassemble, require numerous screws for secure connection, and have limited space due to thick engagement junctions, leading to deformation and restricted layout for electronic components.

Innovation Solution

A casing assembly design featuring engaging elements with concave and protruded slabs and sidewalls that connect securely without screws, providing structural strength and reducing the thickness of the junction, allowing for enhanced space utilization and simplified assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If multiple screws are used to connect the two casings, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple screw connections into a single engagement element that performs the function of multiple screws. The engagement element includes a body with multiple engagement portions that can simultaneously connect to corresponding portions on the other casing, merging multiple fastening functions into one integrated component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural connection, restricts movement in multiple directions (horizontal and vertical), and eliminates the need for separate screws. This multi-functional design reduces assembly complexity while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If multiple screws are used to connect the two casings, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple screw connections into a single engagement element that performs the function of multiple screws. The engagement element includes a body with multiple engagement portions that can simultaneously connect to corresponding portions on the other casing, merging multiple fastening functions into one integrated component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural connection, restricts movement in multiple directions (horizontal and vertical), and eliminates the need for separate screws. This multi-functional design reduces assembly complexity while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a hook structure is used for engagement, then the assembly process is simplified, but the structural strength decreases and deformation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple screw connections into a single engagement element that performs the function of multiple screws. The engagement element includes a body with multiple engagement portions that can simultaneously connect to corresponding portions on the other casing, merging multiple fastening functions into one integrated component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural connection, restricts movement in multiple directions (horizontal and vertical), and eliminates the need for separate screws. This multi-functional design reduces assembly complexity while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Stability of the object's composition

If a thick junction is used for engagement, then the connection stability is improved, but the space for electronic components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidlayout space
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple screw connections into a single engagement element that performs the function of multiple screws. The engagement element includes a body with multiple engagement portions that can simultaneously connect to corresponding portions on the other casing, merging multiple fastening functions into one integrated component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural connection, restricts movement in multiple directions (horizontal and vertical), and eliminates the need for separate screws. This multi-functional design reduces assembly complexity while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9386720B2Casing assembly and power supply apparatus with the same
Publication Date: 2016.07.05 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)
  • US9386720B2 patent drawing
  • US9386720B2 patent drawing
  • US9386720B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A casing assembly includes a first casing and a second casing. The first casing includes a first lateral plate and a first engaging element. The first engaging element includes a first slab, a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall are connected with the first lateral plate. Moreover, a dent is formed between the first lateral plate and the first engaging element. The second casing is combined with the first casing. The second casing includes a second lateral plate and a second engaging element. The second engaging element includes a second slab, a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall. The third sidewall and the fourth sidewall are connected with the second lateral plate. The second engaging element is accommodated within the dent and in contact with the first engaging element, so that the first casing and the second casing are combined together.