Foot Assembly System Mechanical Interlock for Wear Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for attaching foot members to the base of electronic devices, such as laptops, are prone to peeling due to adhesive wear and tear from environmental factors, and lack control and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A foot assembly system where a foot member is attached to the base through a cutout using an attachment member that inserts from the bottom surface and is captured within a cutout channel, with a cap engaging from the top surface to affix the foot member in place, providing a secure and wear-resistant attachment without adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If adhesive attachment is used to join foot members to the base, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but attachment reliability deteriorates due to peeling from wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesive attachment system with a mechanical attachment system. The foot member includes an attachment member with a protrusion that engages with a corresponding recess in the base, creating a mechanical interlock that eliminates peeling issues while maintaining cost-effectiveness through simple moldable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot member is segmented into distinct functional portions: a foot portion for contact with surfaces and an attachment member with a protrusion for mechanical engagement. This segmentation allows the attachment function to be separated from the foot function, enabling reliable mechanical connection while keeping the foot portion simple and cost-effective to manufacture.
2Reliability
If heat stacking is used to join foot members to the base, then attachment reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal heat stacking process with a mechanical interlock system. The protrusion-recess geometry provides inherent mechanical retention without requiring heat or specialized equipment, achieving reliable attachment through simple geometric engagement that can be manufactured using standard molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment member with its simple protrusion geometry can be manufactured as a cost-effective, integrated component using standard plastic molding. This eliminates the need for expensive heat stacking equipment and processes while providing sufficient durability for the application, effectively replacing a costly process with a cheaper geometric solution.
3Ease of operation
If adhesive elements are exposed on the outer surface, then ease of operation is improved, but durability deteriorates due to exposure to moisture and mechanical pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the adhesive attachment system with a mechanical interlock where the protrusion engages with the recess. This mechanical system eliminates the need for exposed adhesive elements entirely, providing durability through geometric engagement that is immune to moisture and mechanical pressure while maintaining operational simplicity through snap-fit assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a foot assembly system comprising a foot member configured to attach to a base of a device through a cutout in the base. The system may further comprise a cap configured to affix the foot member to the base, wherein the foot member and cap are configured to engage from opposite sides of the base, through the cutout in the base.