Flat Object Ejector Assembly for Curved Mobile Device Casings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device casings with curved or angled edges present a challenge in ejecting flat objects, such as memory cards, as the ejection tool must be inserted perpendicular to the edge, but the object needs to be ejected parallel to a flat surface, requiring a mechanism to convert the insertion force into a perpendicular ejection force.
Innovation Solution
A flat object ejector assembly with a force receiving mechanism, a tray, and an arm pivotally attached, which converts the input force into an ejection force applied to the tray, allowing the flat object to be ejected parallel to a surface different from the insertion direction, utilizing a lever action to achieve this conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the ejection opening is oriented perpendicular to the curved edge surface to minimize its size, then the aesthetic appearance and compactness are improved, but the ejection direction becomes misaligned with the flat object orientation requiring complex conversion mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A lever arm acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the ejection opening and the flat object. The lever arm receives force perpendicular to the curved edge surface at one end and transmits it as ejection force parallel to the flat surface at the other end, enabling the opening to be minimized while maintaining proper ejection alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection mechanism transitions force application from a single-dimensional perpendicular insertion to a two-dimensional ejection path. The lever arm rotates about a pivot point, converting linear perpendicular force into linear parallel ejection force through rotational motion in a different dimensional plane
2Area of stationary object
If the ejection tool is inserted perpendicular to the curved edge surface, then the opening size is minimized for aesthetic purposes, but the force direction does not align with the desired ejection direction parallel to the flat surface
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm serves as a mechanical intermediary that receives force in one direction (perpendicular to curved edge) and delivers force in another direction (parallel to flat surface). This intermediary component resolves the misalignment between insertion direction and desired ejection direction
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arm is designed to rotate dynamically about a pivot point during the ejection process. This dynamic rotation allows the mechanism to adapt the force vector from perpendicular insertion to parallel ejection, making the system flexible rather than rigid in its force transmission
3Device complexity
If a direct ejection mechanism is used without force conversion, then the device structure is simplified, but the ejection opening cannot be minimized and aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm acts as a space-efficient intermediary that enables force direction conversion within a compact area. Rather than requiring a complex multi-component mechanism, the single lever arm with pivot point achieves the same function with minimal structural complexity while allowing the opening to be minimized
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
Enables efficient and aesthetically pleasing ejection of flat objects from mobile devices with curved or angled casings by minimizing the size of the ejection opening and ensuring smooth operation, allowing for easy removal of objects like memory cards or SIM trays.
Implementation Method 1
an arm mechanically attached to a pivot point. The arm receives a force (Farm) at an arm input position from the force receiving mechanism, and the force (Farm) acting at the arm input position causes a lever action to drive an ejection end of the arm with the ejection force (Feject) against the tray contact area
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for ejecting a flat object from a casing of a mobile device is disclosed. The apparatus is arranged to receive an ejection tool along a first axis and to eject the flat object along a second axis, wherein the first and second axes are not parallel. In one embodiment, the first axis is parallel to a top surface of the mobile device and the second axis is perpendicular to a curved edge surface of the mobile device.