Flexible Flash Drive Housing with Elastic Connector Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flash drives face challenges in protecting the connecting member from damage and smoothly moving and positioning it due to their bulk size and lack of protection against external collisions, which affects their portability and usability.
Innovation Solution
A flash drive design featuring a flexible housing with an elastic member that allows the storage module to be moved by compressing the housing, exposing or hiding the connector, and providing a pushing or pulling force to position the module using elastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the housing is made rigid to protect the storage module, then protection against external collisions is improved, but the ability to smoothly move and position the storage module deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can change its properties. The flexible housing can be temporarily deformed to allow smooth movement of the storage module during insertion/extraction, then returns to its original protective state for collision protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly applies a flexible housing instead of a rigid one. This flexible shell allows the housing to be deformed by external force, enabling smooth movement and positioning of the storage module while maintaining protection capabilities when not deformed.
2Ease of operation
If the housing is made flexible to enable smooth movement of the storage module, then ease of operation is improved, but protection against external collisions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing dynamically changes its state based on operational needs. During normal operation and movement, the flexible housing provides smooth movement capability. When not in use, it maintains its structural integrity to provide protection, thus dynamically balancing both requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the storage module is permanently exposed for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but protection and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The storage module's position is dynamic rather than fixed. It can be moved from a protected retracted position to an exposed operational position as needed, providing both protection and accessibility at different times without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage module is pre-positioned in a protected state within the housing. When needed, it is moved to the exposed position. This preliminary protective positioning ensures the connector is protected during transport and storage, then easily accessible when required.
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
The flexible housing and elastic member enable easy exposure and concealment of the connector, enhancing protection and usability by allowing smooth movement and positioning of the storage module, addressing the issues of bulkiness and protection.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member is disposed in the inner space and connected between the storage module and the housing. The housing is adapted to be deformed by a force to compress the inner space, so as to provide a pushing force to the storage module for moving towards a first direction and deform the elastic member.
Data Source
AI summary
A flash drive including a housing, a storage module, and at least one elastic member is provided. The housing is flexible and an inner space is formed by the housing. The storage module is movably disposed in the inner space. The elastic member is disposed in the inner space and connected between the storage module and the housing. The housing is adapted to be deformed by a force to compress the inner space, so as to drive a portion of the storage module to be exposed outside the housing and deform the elastic member.