Elastic Member Module Attachment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with modular designs face challenges in securely attaching and detaching modules, leading to potential instability and risk of modules being dropped during assembly or disassembly.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a framework featuring ribs and receiving grooves, and elastic members with protrusions that extend through holes in the modules, providing a resilient fit and click sensation during assembly, allowing for secure attachment and easy detachment of modules along a specific direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring-loaded balls are used to couple modules to the chassis, then the modules can be mechanically attached, but the connection may be unstable and modules may move or detach accidentally
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is designed to be deformable, allowing it to dynamically adapt during module insertion and removal. The member deforms to allow module insertion and then rebounds to lock the module in place, providing both ease of operation and connection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member changes its physical state between deformed and rebound states. During insertion, it is compressed or bent to allow module passage; after insertion, it rebounds to its original shape to create a secure locking connection, preventing accidental detachment
2Reliability
If latching mechanisms with extended pins are used to retain modules, then modules are held tight against contact surfaces, but modules cannot be removed without retracting the pin
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member automatically performs the locking function when the module is inserted. The module's own insertion action causes the elastic member to deform and then rebound, creating the locking connection without requiring separate latching action. For removal, the module simply needs to overcome the elastic force, which is easier than retracting a pinned mechanism
3Reliability
If detents or resistance structures are used to prevent module movement, then modules are secured when fully coupled, but the assembly process may be complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into simple functional elements: the elastic member with protrusion and the aperture in the module. This segmentation creates a straightforward insertion-locked structure that is easier to manufacture and assemble compared to complex detent systems with multiple moving parts
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member concentrates the locking function at a specific location (the protrusion fitting into the aperture). This localized quality provides precise positioning and secure attachment without requiring complex distributed mechanisms throughout the coupling structure
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 ensures secure attachment of modules to the framework, providing a click feeling during assembly and allowing for easy replacement of modules, while preventing accidental detachment in vertical directions, thus enhancing the stability and usability of the device.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the elastic members comprises a protrusion extending through the through hole toward a corresponding rib and a leg resiliently urging the protrusion to fit into a corresponding aperture
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a framework having a number of ribs to define a number of receiving grooves therebetween, a number of modules detachably received in the receiving grooves, and a pair of elastic members mounted to a respective module. Each receiving groove has a pair of apertures in the ribs. Each of the modules has a pair of through holes. Each of the elastic members includes a protrusion extending through the through hole toward a corresponding rib and a leg resiliently urging the protrusion to fit into a corresponding aperture.