Computer Housing Spherical Cap Pads for Tight Space Sliding

Solution Overview

Problem

Computers with traditional rubber or 'grippy' feet face difficulties in tight spaces due to high frictional forces, leading to jerking or hopping when moved, making it hard to position them in confined areas without shimmying, especially when access is needed to back-end cables.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating low-friction spherical cap pads attached to the computer housing, which allow for smooth sliding by reducing the transition from static to kinetic friction, facilitating steady positioning and reducing vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional rubber or grippy feet are used on computer housing, then the computer remains stable on the surface, but the frictional forces become too high making it difficult to move the computer in tight spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability on surfaceVSAvoidease of movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different surface properties to different parts of the computer housing. The front feet use high-friction rubber material for stability, while the back feet use low-friction PTFE (Teflon) material for easy movement. This local differentiation allows the computer to be stable during normal operation but easily movable when needed, particularly in tight spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the base of the computer housing into multiple separate feet rather than using a single continuous base. Each foot can have different material properties - the front feet are made of rubber while the back feet are made of PTFE. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each foot's function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If high-friction feet are used to prevent slipping, then the computer remains stationary, but the transition from static to kinetic friction causes jerking and hopping during movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-slip capabilityVSAvoidjerking and hopping during movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different surface properties to different parts of the computer housing. The front feet use high-friction rubber material for stability, while the back feet use low-friction PTFE (Teflon) material for easy movement. This local differentiation allows the computer to be stable during normal operation but easily movable when needed, particularly in tight spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the computer is placed in tight spaces under tables or desks, then it is closer to power outlets and network connectors, but access to back-end cables becomes difficult and positioning requires shimmying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement flexibilityVSAvoidaccess to cables and positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different surface properties to different parts of the computer housing. The front feet use high-friction rubber material for stability, while the back feet use low-friction PTFE (Teflon) material for easy movement. This local differentiation allows the computer to be stable during normal operation but easily movable when needed, particularly in tight spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the base of the computer housing into multiple separate feet rather than using a single continuous base. Each foot can have different material properties - the front feet are made of rubber while the back feet are made of PTFE. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each foot's function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 easy and smooth sliding of computers in tight spaces, reducing the need for shimmying and avoiding vibrations, thus improving positioning and handling of computer equipment.

Implementation Method 1

two spherical cap pads attached to the base that define, with respect to the back edge, a maximum tilt angle for downward movement of the back end responsive to upward movement of the front end of the computer housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8737065B2Computer equipment with slippery pads

Publication Date: 2014.05.27 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH

AI summary

A computer housing can include a front end and a back end; a back edge; opposing lateral sides; a top side; a base disposed between the front end and the back end and between the opposing lateral sides; and two spherical cap pads attached to the base that define, with respect to the back edge, a maximum tilt angle for downward movement of the back end responsive to upward movement of the front end of the computer housing. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.