Elastic Fixation Module for Portable Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices, such as tablet PCs and smartphones, lack a design that allows for easy attachment to other objects, making them inconvenient to carry or hang, especially when portability is required.

Innovation Solution

A fixation module with a buckle and elastic fixation elements that can be embedded into a groove on the device's casing, utilizing elastic restoring forces to secure the device to a sidewall, and additional elements like connecting and buffer components to enhance stability and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If no fixation design is added to the casing, then the device maintains simple structure and light weight, but the device cannot be conveniently hung or attached to other objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of hanging or carryingVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation module is designed as a detachable segment that can be separately installed into the groove of the casing. The fixation element is divided into first and second elastic fixation portions that can independently engage with the groove walls, allowing the fixation function to be added without redesigning the entire device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation element is nested within the groove of the casing when installed. The first and second elastic fixation portions are positioned within the groove space, engaging with the groove walls while maintaining a compact profile that does not significantly increase the overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If elastic fixation portions are used to enable easy attachment, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability of the fixation may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidfixation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation module combines two different fixation mechanisms: elastic fixation portions for easy installation and removal, and a screw fixing mechanism for reliable securement. The screw can be passed through the connecting portion and tightening hole to firmly fix the fixation element to the casing, while the elastic portions provide initial engagement and ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic fixation portions perform preliminary fixation by engaging with the groove walls before the screw is tightened. This preliminary action holds the fixation element in position and ensures proper alignment, making the subsequent screw tightening more effective and reliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the fixation element is designed to fit tightly in the groove, then the fixation reliability improves, but the ease of installation decreases due to higher insertion force required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement reliabilityVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation element incorporates elastic portions that can dynamically deform during installation. When installation force is applied, the elastic fixation portions deform to reduce their distance, allowing the element to be inserted into the groove. Once installed, the elastic portions restore to their original shape, creating strong engagement with the groove walls without requiring excessive insertion force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Object-affected harmful factors

If protective elements are added to prevent damage from falls and foreign substances, then the protection capability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from damageVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation module serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical fixation for hanging the device, includes protective elements to prevent damage from falls and foreign substances, and offers adjustable fixation strength through the screw mechanism. By integrating these diverse functions into a single modular component, the overall device complexity is minimized while achieving comprehensive protection and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables convenient hanging or carrying of electronic devices by attaching them to objects like belts or bags, while preventing damage from falls and foreign substances, thus improving portability and usability.

Implementation Method 1

the fixation element is engaged onto a sidewall of the groove by an elastic restoring force of the first elastic fixation portion and the second elastic fixation portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic restoring force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9339101B2Fixation module
Publication Date: 2016.05.17 TWINHEAD INT
  • US9339101B2 patent drawing
  • US9339101B2 patent drawing
  • US9339101B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A fixation module is disclosed, which is disposed in a groove at a corner of an electronic device casing. The fixation module includes a buckle and a fixation element with both ends serving as a first elastic fixation portion and a second elastic fixation portion respectively. A junction is disposed between the first elastic fixation portion and the second elastic fixation portion and connected to the buckle. The first elastic fixation portion and the second elastic fixation portion are clamped at a position corresponding to the junction, so as to keep a relative distance between the first elastic fixation portion and the second elastic fixation portion smaller than an interval between two opposite ends of the groove. By utilizing an elastic restoring force between the first elastic fixation portion and the second elastic fixation portion, the fixation element can be engaged onto a sidewall of the groove.