On-vehicle Electronic Device Detachable Panel Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-vehicle electronic devices with detachable panels face issues of increased component count, space constraints, and accidental detachment due to complex mechanisms, leading to potential distortion of internal structures and operational difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A simplified mechanism using a panel support unit with a holding member that doubles as both a holder and a posture changer, featuring a first hook portion, a second hook portion, and an operation member to securely attach and temporarily support the detachable panel, reducing the number of components and preventing accidental detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate lock unit and stopper units are provided in the front bracket, then the operation panel can be locked and pressed forward, but the number of components increases and occupies large area
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member integrates multiple functions: it acts as both the lock unit (with holding recess portion) and the stopper unit (with temporary support portion) simultaneously. This merging of functions into a single component reduces the number of parts while maintaining the locking and pressing forward capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member is designed as a multi-functional component that performs locking (via holding recess portion engaging the hook), pressing forward (via spring member urging), and temporary support (via temporary support portion) operations. This universal component replaces multiple specialized parts.
2Ease of operation
If the operation panel is constantly pressed forward by stoppers, then the panel can be easily detached, but distortion of internal structures easily occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member provides intermittent pressing force rather than constant pressure. The holding member moves between retracted position (panel attached) and projected position (panel detached), applying pressure only during the detachment motion, not continuously. This periodic action reduces cumulative stress on internal structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member is designed to be movable between retracted and projected positions rather than fixed. This dynamic structure allows the pressing force to be applied only when needed for detachment, rather than constantly, thereby protecting internal structures from continuous stress.
3Ease of operation
If movement space and holding mechanism are provided in the main body portion, then the lock lever can be retracted, but spaces in the main body portion are occupied and arrangement of other mechanisms is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into separate functional parts: the holding member (with holding recess and temporary support portions) is positioned on the front bracket, while the operation member is on the rear bracket. This segmentation distributes the mechanism across different locations, reducing space occupation in any single area.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member utilizes the front-back dimension by extending forward from the main body portion, rather than occupying lateral space within the main body. The holding recess portion and temporary support portion are positioned to engage the hook from the front, effectively using the depth dimension for mechanism placement.
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 solution allows for reliable attachment and temporary support of the detachable panel with reduced components, preventing accidental detachment and minimizing pressure on internal mechanisms, thus enhancing operational stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member that urges the holding member toward the projected position
Data Source
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AI summary
A detachable panel (20) includes a first hook portion (25a) and a second hook portion (27). The first hook portion and the second hook portion are provided in a rear portion (20b) of the detachable panel such that the first hook portion and the second hook portion are spaced apart from each other. A panel support unit (30) disposed on the front side of a device main body (10) includes a hook support portion (31f) to which the first hook portion is hooked, a holding member (40) that is moved between a projected position (ii) and a retracted position (i), a spring member (48) that urges the holding member toward the projected position, and an operation member (50) operated from outside. A holding recess portion (45) into which a second hook portion (27) is inserted and a temporary support portion (46) that temporarily supports the second hook portion are formed in the holding member. When the second hook portion is inserted into the holding recess portion and the holding member is moved to the retracted position, the holding member is retained by the operation member, thereby the detachable panel becomes stable in an attached posture (iii). When the operation member is operated and retention of the holding member is released, the holding member is moved to the projected position, the second hook portion is temporarily supported by the temporary support portion, and the detachable panel is rotated toward the front side and stopped in a temporarily supported posture (iv).