Docking Hook Mechanism Prevents Tablet Casing Abrasion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tablet computer docking systems cause abrasion on the casing surface during device placement due to the protrudent hook mechanism, compromising aesthetics and having a complex structure that is not user-friendly.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device bearing seat with a casing, hooks, resilient elements, an ejector, pivot, connecting rod, and ejecting button, where the hook and ejector move perpendicular to each other, allowing for secure attachment and easy detachment without direct pressure on the casing, utilizing torsion springs for resilience and a simplified structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protrudent hook is used to fasten the tablet computer, then the device can be securely fastened to the docking, but the casing surface of the tablet computer is abraded during the placing process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidcasing surface abrasion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the hook protrude outward to engage with the device, the patent inverts the approach by having the hook remain retracted within the docking body. The hook only protrudes when actively ejected by the resilient element to engage with the fastening hole, thereby avoiding continuous contact that causes abrasion while maintaining fastening reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient element is pre-loaded in a compressed state before use, storing elastic potential energy. When the hook needs to be ejected, the resilient element automatically pushes the hook outward without requiring additional force from the user,从而实现 the fastening action in advance preparation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a protrudent hook mechanism is used, then the device can be fastened securely, but the structure becomes complicated and prone to losing effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoiddocking structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the hook component: it serves as both the fastening element and the ejection target. The same hook that engages with the fastening hole is also pushed by the resilient element for ejection, eliminating the need for separate actuating mechanisms and simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient element automatically provides the ejection force needed to retract the hook after it has served its fastening purpose. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional motors, solenoids, or manual intervention to reset the hook, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliable fastening and release functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Prevents casing surface abrasion, simplifies the docking process, enhances user experience with easy operation, and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective device connection to peripherals.

Implementation Method 1

The first resilient element is disposed between the casing and the hook and is used for providing resilience for the hook

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResilience: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The second resilient element is disposed between the casing and the ejector and is used for providing resilience for the ejector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResilience: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a torsion spring connected between the pivot and the connecting rod and used for providing resilience for the connecting rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResilience: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS7817414B2Electronic device bearing seat
Publication Date: 2010.10.19 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC
  • US7817414B2 patent drawing
  • US7817414B2 patent drawing
  • US7817414B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device bearing seat includes a casing, a hook, a first resilient element, an ejector, a second resilient element, a pivot, a connecting rod and an ejecting button. The casing has a first opening and a second opening. The hook is movably provided in the first opening and includes a first withstanding post and a recess. The first resilient element is disposed between the casing and the hook. The ejector is movably provided in the second opening and is detachably fastened in the recess. The ejector includes a second withstanding post. The second resilient element is disposed between the casing and the ejector. The shaft is disposed in the casing. The connecting rod is rotatably disposed at and passed by the pivot and pushes against the first and second withstanding post. The ejecting button is movably disposed on the casing and abuts against the connecting rod.