Fliptop integrated latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fliptop units lack an effective positive lock mechanism that prevents accidental lid movement while allowing extended cables to exit, and current solutions are not compact enough to maintain a low profile.
Innovation Solution
An integrated latching mechanism with a slider button, curved elastic arms, and a locking part that distorts upon external force removal, allowing the lid to remain closed with extended cables and preventing accidental opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a positive lock mechanism is added to prevent accidental lid movement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism, elastic arms, and slider button into an integrated assembly where multiple functions are merged into a single compact unit. The locking part works in conjunction with the curved elastic arms and slider button to provide positive locking without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved elastic arms automatically engage and disengage the locking part based on the position of the slider button, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control systems. The mechanism self-regulates through the elastic deformation and recovery of the arms.
2Device complexity
If a compact lock mechanism is used to maintain low profile, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The curved elastic arms utilize arc-shaped geometry to provide mechanical advantage and reliable engagement within a compact space. The curved shape allows the arms to store elastic energy efficiently and provide strong locking force without requiring a large mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates in multiple dimensions - the slider button moves horizontally while the locking part engages vertically, and the elastic arms deform in an arc. This multi-dimensional operation allows compact packaging while maintaining reliable locking through orthogonal motion components.
3Ease of operation
If the lid is designed to remain closed during cable use, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from the lid itself and implemented through a separate integrated mechanism that includes the slider button and elastic arms. This allows the lid to remain simple while the locking capability is provided by the extracted mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider button acts as an intermediary element that the user interacts with to control the locking state. By mediating between user input and the locking mechanism, it provides intuitive operation while the complex elastic arm engagement occurs automatically in the background.
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 mechanism ensures the lid remains closed with extended cables in use and reduces the likelihood of accidental movement, maintaining a low profile and secure cable management.
Implementation Method 1
the urging of the slider button distorts the first and second curved elastic arms such that upon removal of the external force, the first and second curved elastic arms move the slider button and the locking part in the third direction
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated latching mechanism includes a slider button extending along a first direction, curved elastic arms that extend from the slider button in a second direction and then curve back in an direction opposite thereto, a locking part contiguous with the slider button and extending away from the slider button and the elastic arms in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction. In response to ends of the elastic arms being held at fixed positions and an external force urging the slider button in a direction opposite to the third direction, the locking part moves in the same direction, and the urging of the slider button distorts the elastic arms such that upon removal of the external force, the elastic arms move the slider button and the locking part in the third direction. The elastic arms, slider button, and locking part form a single piece of elastic material.