Portable Computing Enclosure Snap System and Support Beam
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of portable computing device enclosures faces challenges in balancing weight, rigidity, and aesthetics, as lighter enclosures are prone to flexibility and damage, while stronger enclosures are heavier and thicker, and must integrate internal components effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part housing design with a top case and bottom case that includes a snap plug and integrated support beams, along with a pivotally connected lid portion, uses durable yet lightweight materials like aluminum for structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, incorporating features like deep undercut regions and fiducial marks for precise component placement and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If lighter materials are used for the enclosure, then weight is reduced, but structural rigidity decreases causing the enclosure to buckle and bow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs aluminum alloy materials that combine lightweight properties with high structural strength. The aluminum enclosure is engineered to provide sufficient rigidity while maintaining reduced weight, resolving the contradiction between lightweight design and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure design incorporates varying thickness and reinforcement at specific locations. The bottom case includes a recessed portion and the top case features an integrated support beam structure, providing localized structural reinforcement where needed while keeping overall weight low.
2Length of stationary object
If the enclosure is made thinner, then the device profile is reduced, but the volume for internal components is reduced and the enclosure becomes prone to bowing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements varying thickness profiles throughout the enclosure structure. The bottom case features a recessed portion that provides internal volume for components while maintaining a thin external profile. The top case includes an integrated support beam that reinforces the thin structure against bowing forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses three-dimensional structural features such as the recessed portion in the bottom case and the integrated support beam in the top case to provide structural integrity and component volume without increasing the overall external thickness of the enclosure.
3Strength
If stronger and more rigid materials are used, then the enclosure strength is increased, but the enclosure becomes thicker and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes aluminum alloy materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, achieving strong and rigid enclosure structure without the excessive weight and thickness associated with traditional materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The design optimizes material properties and structural parameters such as thickness distribution and reinforcement placement to achieve the minimum required strength while minimizing weight, rather than uniformly increasing thickness throughout the enclosure.
4Length of stationary object
If the enclosure is made thinner, then the device is lighter and more compact, but internal components have reduced space for placement
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom case includes a recessed portion that creates internal volume for component placement without increasing the overall external dimensions of the enclosure. This localized volume expansion allows adequate space for components while maintaining a thin profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The design utilizes three-dimensional structural features including the recessed portion and integrated support beam to create internal volume for components without increasing the external thickness, effectively using vertical and lateral space optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application describes various embodiments regarding systems and methods for providing a lightweight and durable portable computing device having a thin profile. The portable computing device can take the form of a laptop computer. The portable computing device can include a case snap system configured to movably attach two portions of a base of the computing device together. The portable computing device can include a lid portion with a support structure having a shaped profile configured to support a display. The portable computing device can include locating features disposed within the base portion configured to locate internal components.