Cover Assembly Internal Latch Mechanism for Screwless Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laptop computer cover assemblies require numerous screws and holes for structural strength, compromising aesthetics and increasing assembly time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A cover assembly design that uses interference between internal components, including limiting elements, a latch, and an elastic unit to fix two covers together without external screws, reducing the number of holes and fasteners, while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If many screws are used for fixing the parts to ensure structural strength, then the structural strength is improved, but the appearance beauty deteriorates due to many screw holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from the external screw holes and relocates it to internal components. The limiting elements and latch mechanism are positioned inside the cover assembly, eliminating the need for visible screw holes on the external surfaces while maintaining structural strength through internal interference fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nesting by placing the latch mechanism and limiting elements within the internal cavity of the cover assembly. The third limiting elements of the latch are nested within the overlapping portions of the first and second limiting elements, creating a compact internal fastening system that preserves external aesthetics.
2Strength
If many screws are used for fixing the parts, then the structural strength is improved, but the assembly time and manpower increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fastening function into multiple distributed limiting elements (first, second, and third limiting elements) rather than using a single screw. This segmentation allows the assembly to maintain structural strength through distributed load bearing while enabling simpler assembly operations that do not require multiple screw fastening steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism with the elastic unit provides self-locking functionality. When the latch is engaged, the elastic unit automatically applies locking force to secure the third limiting elements in place, eliminating the need for additional manual fastening operations and reducing assembly time.
3Strength
If many screws are used for fixing the parts, then the structural strength is improved, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastening functions into a single integrated latch mechanism. The latch combines the limiting elements, elastic unit, and locking action into one component assembly, reducing the total number of parts compared to using multiple individual screws while maintaining structural strength through the distributed limiting elements.
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
The design enhances the aesthetic appeal by minimizing external holes, reduces assembly time and labor, and lowers production costs by minimizing the number of fasteners and holes, while maintaining structural strength through internal interference mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic unit, and a fastener. The elastic unit is connected between the latch and the hook and applies a restoring force to the latch
Data Source
AI summary
A cover assembly including a first and second covers, a latch, an elastic unit, and fasteners is provided. The first cover has inner and outer surfaces, wherein first limiting elements, a hook, and a rail are formed on the inner surface, and keyholes are formed through the inner and outer surfaces. The second cover fixed on the first cover with the inner surface facing the second cover has a stud and second limiting elements overlapping the first limiting elements. The elastic unit connected between the latch disposed in the rail and having third limiting elements and the hook applies a restoring force to the latch. The fasteners pass through the keyholes into the stud. The latch is constrained by the fasteners to drive the third limiting elements to pass through the overlapping portions of the first and second limiting elements, and thereby the first and second covers are fixed together.