Cover Retention and Detection via Elastic Protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information apparatuses with engaging devices and detection systems require precise positioning of hooks and pins, leading to increased manufacturing costs and potential misdetection issues if engagement is not proper.
Innovation Solution
An information apparatus utilizing a common structure for retaining a cover in a closed position and detecting its state through elastic engagement between a protruding portion and a penetrating hole, where at least one of these components is elastically deformed to allow passage and then returns to its original state for secure closure detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hook and pin engagement is used for both retaining cover and detection, then manufacturing cost increases due to precise positioning requirements, but cover retention reliability is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cover retention function and detection function into a single integrated structure. The protruding portion serves dual purposes: it engages with the penetrating hole to retain the cover in the closed position, and simultaneously acts as the detection element that triggers the micro switch. This eliminates the need for separate hook-pin engagement mechanisms and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portion is designed as a multi-functional element that performs both mechanical retention and detection functions. By making this single component serve multiple purposes, the patent avoids the need for precisely positioned separate engagement mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable cover retention and state detection
2Reliability
If multiple pairs of hooks and pins are provided, then cover retention reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple engagement points into a single protruding portion that can engage with the penetrating hole at one location. This single engagement structure is sufficient to retain the cover reliably, eliminating the need for multiple hook-pin pairs and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portion is designed to perform both retention and detection functions at a single location, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate engagement components. This multi-functional design reduces the number of parts while maintaining or improving retention reliability
3Measurement precision
If precise positioning of hook, pin, and micro switch is required, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection element (protruding portion) with the retention element, so that the same component that retains the cover also triggers the detection mechanism. This integration ensures that when the cover is properly retained, detection automatically occurs, eliminating the need for separate precise positioning of multiple components
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portion automatically serves as both the retention mechanism and the detection trigger. When the cover is closed and retained by the engagement between the protruding portion and penetrating hole, the protruding portion naturally contacts the micro switch to trigger detection, without requiring separate positioning adjustments
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
This solution reduces manufacturing costs and improves the reliability of cover state detection, allowing for accurate closure detection even with a rough positional relationship between the protruding portion and the penetrating hole, and retains the cover securely in the closed position.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the protruding portion and the penetrating hole is elastically deformed to allow an end part of the protruding portion to pass through the penetrating hole, and the at least one of the protruding portion and the penetrating hole that is elastically deformed is returned to an original state thereof
Data Source
AI summary
An information apparatus includes a housing, a cover mounted to the housing in an openable and closable manner, a detection device that detects an open state and a closed state of the cover, a penetrating hole provided in one of the housing or the cover and a protruding portion provided in the housing or the cover where the penetrating hole is not provided.