Hook Member Enclosure Fixation for Shock Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic component enclosures face issues with reliable fixation and attractive design, as the engagement protrusion can come off during shocks or intentional disengagement, and the exposed structure lacks aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
The electronic component enclosure design features upper and lower enclosures with hook members and reception members, respectively, where the inclined surfaces of the hook members engage with the inclined surfaces of the reception members, providing secure fixation and hiding the hook members inside the casing for an improved appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an engagement protrusion is provided on the lower enclosure to engage with an engagement hole in the upper enclosure, then the two enclosures can be fixed to each other, but the engagement protrusion may come off due to shocks or intentional disengagement, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structure is divided into multiple independent hook members (typically three or more) distributed around the perimeter of the upper enclosure. Each hook member independently engages with the lower enclosure, so that if one engagement fails, the others maintain fixation. This segmentation transforms a single-point engagement into a distributed multi-point engagement system, significantly improving reliability against shocks and intentional disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook members are designed with elastic deformation capability, allowing them to dynamically adapt to engagement forces. When shock occurs, the elastic hooks can deform to absorb impact energy rather than breaking. When intentional disengagement is attempted, the elastic resistance provides feedback force making disengagement controlled and deliberate. This dynamic behavior enhances fixation reliability under various loading conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the engagement protrusion is exposed from the side surface of the casing, then the engagement mechanism is accessible, but the appearance becomes unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The hook members are nested within the enclosure structure itself rather than protruding outward. The hooks are formed as integral parts of the upper enclosure, with their engagement portions positioned inside or flush with the enclosure walls. This nesting approach allows the engagement mechanism to be fully functional while remaining hidden from external view, thus maintaining attractive appearance without compromising ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement function is extracted from traditional external protrusions and repositioned to internal locations. Instead of having engagement elements extend outward from the casing side surfaces, the hook members are positioned to engage from the interior space, with their engagement surfaces facing inward or parallel to the enclosure walls. This extraction of the engagement function from the external surface resolves the conflict between accessibility and appearance.
3Device complexity
If a simple engagement hole and protrusion structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the fixation is unreliable under shock or intentional disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement system is segmented into multiple hook members distributed around the upper enclosure perimeter. This segmentation transforms a simple single-point engagement into a distributed multi-point engagement system. The complexity increases only moderately (adding a few more hooks) while reliability improves significantly because multiple independent engagement points must all fail simultaneously for the enclosures to separate.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism transitions from rigid fixed geometry to elastic deformable geometry. The hook members are designed with specific elastic properties, allowing them to deform under load and return to original position. This parameter change from rigid to elastic behavior enables the structure to absorb shock energy and resist intentional disengagement, dramatically improving reliability with only moderate complexity increase.
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
This design ensures the enclosures are reliably and firmly fixed, preventing accidental disengagement and enhancing the appearance by concealing the hook members, thus improving both functionality and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
the upper sidewall portion comprises a first surface contacting the first surface of the upper plate portion and a second surface opposite to the first surface; and a plurality of hook members extending from the upper sidewall portion
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an electronic component enclosure. The electronic component enclosure includes: an upper enclosure and a lower enclosure. The upper enclosure includes: an upper plate portion; an upper sidewall portion extending from a periphery of the upper plate portion; and a hook member extending from the upper sidewall portion. The lower enclosure is engaged with the upper enclosure, and includes: a lower plate portion; a lower sidewall portion extending from a periphery of the lower plate portion; and a reception member extending from the lower sidewall portion and engaging with the hook member.