Concealed Battery Cover Locking Mechanism for Slim Portables
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery cover locking devices for portable terminals expose protrusions externally, compromising the appearance and durability, and increasing the thickness of the terminal, which is aesthetically and functionally undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A locking device where the locked or unlocked position of the battery cover is concealed within the portable terminal's body, utilizing a sliding mechanism with catching parts and ridges to attach or detach the cover without external exposure, enhancing the terminal's appearance and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking device uses an externally exposed protrusion for lock and release operations, then the locking function is easily accessible, but the external appearance is compromised and durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion is extracted from the external surface and relocated to the internal surface of the battery cover. The locking operation is still accessible through the opening in the battery cover, but the protrusion itself is hidden inside, separating the operational function from the external appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery cover acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the user and the locking mechanism. The opening in the battery cover provides access to the protrusion for locking operations, while the battery cover itself conceals the protrusion from external view, protecting both appearance and durability.
2Ease of operation
If the protrusion is entirely exposed to the exterior for locking operations, then the locking mechanism is simple to operate, but the durability is reduced due to repeated external use
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion is extracted from the external environment and positioned internally, shielding it from external damage while maintaining its locking function through the opening in the battery cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery cover serves as a protective barrier that cushions and protects the protrusion from external impacts and damage before such damage can occur to the locking mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the locking device is formed on the battery cover externally, then the locking function is provided, but the thickness of the battery cover increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism components (protrusion and groove) are nested within the battery cover and body structure rather than being added externally. The protrusion is positioned on the internal surface of the battery cover, and the groove is formed on the internal surface of the body, creating a nested configuration that avoids increasing overall thickness.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device for a portable terminal includes a body; a battery cover; and a locking unit for allowing the battery cover to be selectively attached or detached from the bottom of the body, wherein a locked or locking-released position of the battery cover provided by the locking unit is located to be concealed within the interior of the body, so that the locked or locking-released position is not exposed to the outside.