Folded Tray Ejection Lever Reduces Device Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prior art tray removal systems in electronic devices result in a thicker form factor due to the need for additional mechanical features and thicker levers to accommodate variable tolerances, which increases the device's overall thickness.

Innovation Solution

A tray and housing apparatus where a metal extension member from the module housing is folded back to create a load-bearing surface, allowing a thinner lever to eject the tray by applying force directly to this surface, eliminating the need for additional mechanical features within the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a prior art tray removal mechanism is used, then the tray can be ejected from the housing, but the device thickness increases due to additional mechanical features and thicker levers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetray ejection functionVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The extension member is integrated directly into the housing structure, merging the load-bearing surface with the housing wall. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical features and reduces the space required for the ejection mechanism, thereby reducing device thickness while maintaining ejection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The extension member is folded back at an angle (e.g., 90 degrees) relative to the housing wall, creating a load-bearing surface in a different dimensional orientation. This allows the lever to apply force more efficiently and reduces the thickness required in the original wall direction, achieving a thinner form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If variable tolerances are accommodated in the design, then the ejection mechanism remains reliable, but the lever thickness must be increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveejection mechanism reliabilityVSAvoidlever thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The extension member provides a localized, precisely-defined load-bearing surface with controlled geometry and material properties. This local quality enhancement at the contact point ensures reliable force transmission and consistent performance across production tolerances, eliminating the need for increased lever thickness as a compensation strategy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10051754B2Tray operating system and corresponding methods

Publication Date: 2018.08.14 MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC

AI summary

An assembly includes a housing having a major face, a first minor face extending distally from a first side of the major face, and a second minor face extending distally from a second side of the major face. The major face, the first minor face, and the second minor face define an opening of the housing. An extension member extends distally from the major face between the first minor face and the second minor face, and is folded back over an edge of the major face to define a load-bearing surface. A lever coupled to a tray can contact and roll along the load bearing surface in response to an applied force to eject the tray from the housing.