Dovetail Connector for Ultra-Thin Mobile Device Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile electronic devices with large displays face challenges in providing robust and ultra-thin connectors that can withstand assembly and tough user environments, often resulting in damaged connectors and limited repairability.
Innovation Solution
The use of resilient connectors with a dovetail structure, comprising complementary male and female portions, allows for a robust and durable housing with minimal space usage, enabling easy snap-fit assembly and enhanced structural integrity, suitable for various materials like aluminum, while allowing for a thin profile and efficient electronic component placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If adhesives are used in ultra-thin environments, then the housing can be assembled, but the connectors become damaged and repairability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into separate components (front cover, rear cover, middle frame) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The connector is segmented into a resilient body with distinct engagement features that can be replaced independently, enabling repairability in ultra-thin designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient connector body is designed to be replaceable when damaged. Instead of discarding the entire device or using permanent adhesives, the connector can be recovered and replaced, maintaining repairability while preserving the ultra-thin housing structure.
2Strength
If resilient materials are used in housings, then the housing becomes more durable, but connectors become damaged upon assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates specific geometric parameters (angled surfaces, resilient body dimensions) that allow it to flex and absorb assembly forces. The parameter changes in the connector's physical structure enable it to withstand the durability benefits of resilient housing materials without damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector features a resilient body that can dynamically flex and deform during assembly to accommodate the resilient housing materials. This dynamic capability allows the connector to absorb assembly forces while maintaining integrity, resolving the conflict between housing durability and connector reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional connectors are used, then assembly is simple, but the connectors are large and compromise the thin profile
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design features nested structural elements where the resilient body contains internal reinforcement structures and the engagement features are integrated within a compact form factor. This nesting allows the connector to maintain structural integrity while minimizing overall size for thin-profile devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes three-dimensional geometric features (angled surfaces, tapered sections) that provide mechanical engagement and resilience in a compact volume. By optimizing the spatial arrangement of structural features, the connector achieves both simplicity of assembly and minimal size.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved mobile electronic device is disclosed. The mobile electronic device (10) can include: a housing (12) including a front cover (14) and a rear cover (16), the rear cover (16) configured to interconnect with the front cover (14), defining an enclosure (18) for electrical components; a plurality of connectors (20) located on walls (22) of the front cover (14) and rear cover (16); the plurality of connectors (20) including a male portion (24) and a female portion (26) being substantially complementarily configured to receive the male portion (24). Advantageously, the connectors (20): provide a resilient interconnection, forming a robust housing; take up a minimal amount of room in the enclosure (18), for maximizing the area available for electronic component placement therein; and help to allow the profile, from the front cover (14) to rear cover (16), to be designed ultra thin.