Spring-Biased Attachment Module for Secure Tool-Less Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer products such as watches, cameras, and glasses often lack user-friendly attachment systems, requiring special tools for accessory removal or replacement, and may not provide adequate retention force, affecting their elegance and usability.
Innovation Solution
An attachment system with a removable module that uses a spring-biased locking mechanism to securely attach and detach accessories from consumer products without the need for special tools, allowing for easy interchangeability of accessories and products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional attachment mechanisms (pins, screws) are used to secure accessories to consumer products, then adequate retention force is provided, but special tools are required for attachment and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system enables users to attach and detach accessories themselves without requiring special tools or technician assistance. The spring-biased locking mechanism with actuator allows the user to easily engage and disengage the attachment system through simple manual operations.
2Strength
If robust attachment mechanisms are used to provide adequate retention force, then secure attachment is achieved, but the mechanism becomes large and adversely affects the elegance of the consumer product
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: a locking mechanism providing retention force, a spring-biasing element, and a minimal external actuator. This segmentation allows the robust locking function to be contained within a compact structure that does not compromise the aesthetic appearance of the consumer product.
3Reliability
If accessories are securely attached to consumer products, then adequate retention is provided, but the attachment process requires special tools and technician assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user's simple manual action and the secure attachment state. The spring stores energy to automatically engage the locking mechanism, while the actuator provides a simple user interface, eliminating the need for special tools while maintaining reliable attachment.
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
Enhances user convenience by enabling tool-less attachment and detachment, providing a secure and aesthetically pleasing solution for various consumer products, allowing for multiple use cases and increased interoperability among different devices and accessories.
Implementation Method 1
A spring-biased locking mechanism is disclosed that secures a removable module of an attachment system within a housing of a consumer product
Data Source
AI summary
A removable module and a housing for an attachment system of a consumer product is described. The removable module includes a locking mechanism comprising a first portion having a substantially planar top surface and second portion that comprises a substantially non-planar bottom surface. The first portion and the second portion are coupled together. The locking mechanism also includes a first spring mechanism coupled between the first portion and the second portion. The first spring mechanism causes the first portion to be biased away from the second portion. The locking mechanism also includes a second spring mechanism. The second spring mechanism causes the substantially planar top surface of the first portion to be biased substantially flush with respect to the removable module and also causes the substantially non-planar bottom surface of the second portion to be biased proud with respect to the removable module.