Electronic Locking Mechanism for Portable Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanical components in portable electronic systems face accuracy and connection issues due to friction, leading to detachment and reduced service life, as conventional mechanical components require high dimensional accuracy and precision for effective locking.

Innovation Solution

An electronically controlled locking mechanism using a first electronic device with a fastening element and electronic locking element, where power supply determines the locking or releasing state, reducing reliance on mechanical precision and friction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical components are used for locking, then the connection between parts can be achieved, but the dimensional accuracy and connection precision requirements become critical and service life is reduced due to friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoiddimensional accuracy requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical locking system with an electronic locking mechanism. The electronic locking element uses electromagnetic fields instead of mechanical contact to achieve the locking function, thereby eliminating the need for high dimensional accuracy in mechanical components and reducing friction-related wear and detachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from mechanical force and contact to electromagnetic field interaction. By using electronic signals and electromagnetic attraction/repulsion, the system achieves reliable locking without requiring precise mechanical tolerances, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If mechanical components are used for locking, then the connection can be maintained, but the service life is shortened due to high frequency moving friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection durabilityVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic locking mechanism eliminates moving mechanical contact surfaces by using electromagnetic fields for locking and unlocking. This substitution removes the source of friction-induced wear, thereby significantly extending the service life of the locking system while maintaining reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the friction-generating mechanical contact elements from the locking system. By eliminating the mechanical moving parts that cause wear through friction, the system achieves extended service life while maintaining the essential locking function through electronic means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If mechanical components are used for locking, then the locking function can be achieved, but the connection is easily detached accidentally due to lower connection effect over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking effectivenessVSAvoidconnection consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic locking system replaces mechanical interlocking with electromagnetic field-based locking. The electromagnetic attraction provides consistent and reliable holding force that does not degrade over time due to wear, preventing accidental detachment while maintaining effective locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic locking mechanism incorporates self-adjusting features where the electronic control system can detect and compensate for any variations in the locking state, maintaining consistent connection effectiveness without requiring manual adjustment or being susceptible to the degradation that plagues mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10301845B2Electronic system with locking function by electronically controlled

Publication Date: 2019.05.28 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC

AI summary

An electronic system with an electronically controlled electronic locking mechanism is provided. The system includes a first electronic device having a first part, a first fastening element, a second part, and an electronic locking element. The first fastening element is pivotally connected to the first part and rotates relatively to the first part. The second part includes a fastening portion. The electronic locking element is disposed at the first part, electronically connected to the first electronic device, and connected to the first fastening element. When the fastening portion of the second part contacts and fastens to the first fastening element of the first part, the first electronic device supplies power to the electronic locking element, and thus the electronic locking element fixes the first fastening element to lock the first part and the second part together.