Integrated Connector Hinge Assembly for Space-Saving Tablet I/O
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tablet devices and their accessories lack integration, with connectors such as USB slots and SIM card trays consuming valuable space and being poorly positioned for unobtrusive connections, affecting usability and performance.
Innovation Solution
A design that integrates a USB connector assembly and SIM assembly into a compact volume with a rigid flex cable connecting the USB module to the tablet board, along with a hinge assembly that allows rotation and secure attachment of accessories like keyboards, providing enhanced usability and space-saving integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If connectors such as USB slots and SIM card trays are integrated into a compact volume, then space efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the USB connector assembly and SIM card tray assembly into a single integrated connector assembly that shares a common housing and actuation mechanism. This merging of previously separate components into one unified structure reduces the overall space occupied while managing the complexity through shared design elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated connector assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously - it houses both the USB connector and SIM card tray, provides a unified actuation mechanism for both components, and shares a common housing structure. This multi-functionality approach consolidates what would traditionally require separate assemblies, improving space efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If connectors are repositioned for unobtrusive connections, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the USB connector and SIM card tray into a single accessible assembly located at one position on the device, users can operate both connectors from a single location rather than accessing separate connectors at different positions. This unified access point improves ease of operation while the shared housing and actuation mechanisms help manage the added complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Particular examples described herein provide for an apparatus, which comprises a computing device casing including a barrel portion, which is at least partially cylindrical. The apparatus may also include a first metallic ring and a second metallic ring that are aligned and integrated with the barrel portion. The first metallic ring is disposed in a location near the second metallic ring and the relative positions of the first and second metallic rings may further define a first slot between the two rings to provide access to at least a location within the diameter of the barrel portion. The apparatus may also include a multi-toothed wheel aligned with and housed within the barrel portion. The multi-toothed wheel is disposed approximately at the first slot location and may receive and engage one or more teeth external to the multi-toothed wheel.