Expansion Locking Attachment System for Consumer Products

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumer products such as watches, cameras, and glasses often lack user-friendly and secure attachment mechanisms for accessories, requiring specialized tools or visits to stores for removal or replacement, and existing mechanisms can be bulky and aesthetically unpleasing.

Innovation Solution

An attachment system that allows for interchangeable and secure coupling of accessories to consumer products using a common interface, enabling various objects and devices to be easily swapped, with locking mechanisms that provide adequate retention force while maintaining a sleek design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a pin or screw mechanism is used to attach accessories, then adequate retention force is provided, but the mechanism becomes robust and large thereby adversely affecting the elegance of the consumer product

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention forceVSAvoidelegance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is nested within the consumer product housing. The receptacle contains the attachment mechanism internally, with only a small opening exposed on the exterior. This allows the mechanism to provide adequate retention force while maintaining a sleek, elegant appearance without visible bulky components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A receptacle serves as an intermediary structure that houses the attachment mechanism. The receptacle provides a clean external interface while containing the functional components internally, mediating between the need for strong attachment and the desire for elegant design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If a pin or screw mechanism is used to attach accessories, then adequate retention force is provided, but specialized tools or visits to specialty stores are required for removal or replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention forceVSAvoidease of accessory removal

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is designed to be self-servicing for the user. Accessories can be attached and detached by the user without requiring specialized tools or professional service. The mechanism automatically provides retention force during attachment and allows for easy release when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a common interface is used for interchangeable accessories, then ease of swapping is improved, but the locking mechanism must provide adequate retention force while maintaining a sleek design

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of accessory swappingVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receptacle design serves multiple functions: it provides a common interface for interchangeable accessories, contains the locking mechanism, and maintains an elegant external appearance. This universal receptacle design can accommodate different accessories while providing consistent attachment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11723443B2Consumer product attachment systems having locking or expansion characteristics

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 APPLE INC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a locking assembly for an attachment system of a consumer product. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an attachment unit that is configured to be inserted and removed from a housing of a consumer product. The attachment unit and/or the housing include an expansion component or other such locking assembly configured to releasably secure the attachment unit within the housing.