Electronic Housing Locking Structure for Screwless Bottom Cover Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional notebook computer housing designs require screws for assembly and disassembly, which are inconvenient and time-consuming due to the need for multiple screws and complex screw hole alignments.
Innovation Solution
A screwless locking structure featuring a sliding or rotating locking member with a control button and locking plate that engages and disengages a positioning element, allowing easy assembly and disassembly of the bottom cover to the housing body without screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws are used to fasten the bottom cover to the housing body, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the screw fastening mechanism from the housing assembly and replaces it with a dedicated locking member. The locking member integrates the fastening function into a single component that can be operated without tools, while still providing sufficient connection strength through its engagement with positioning elements on the housing body and bottom cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary element between the housing body and bottom cover. Instead of directly fastening with screws, the locking member mediates the connection by engaging with positioning elements on both components, providing a balanced solution that ensures both strength and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If multiple screws are used to secure the bottom cover, then the connection reliability is improved, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple screw fastening operations into a single locking member that performs all necessary fastening functions simultaneously. The locking member engages with multiple positioning elements in one operation, providing reliable connection without requiring sequential screw tightening, thereby significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining connection reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a screwless locking structure is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to be self-operating through a simple control portion that the user manipulates. The locking and unlocking actions are achieved through the inherent mechanical interaction between the locking member and positioning elements, without requiring external tools or complex mechanisms. This self-service design maintains ease of operation while controlling device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A housing for an electronic device includes a housing body, a bottom cover, and a locking member. The housing body includes an engaging slot and a through hole. The bottom cover includes an engaging hook for engaging the engaging slot. An inner surface of the housing body or the bottom cover is provided with a positioning element. The locking member extends through the through hole, and includes an engaging portion disposed on the inner surface of the housing body, and a control portion exposed from the through hole. The control portion is operable to move the engaging portion between a locking position where the engaging portion engages the positioning element and an unlocking position where the engaging portion is separated from the positioning element to thereby facilitate assembly and disassembly of the bottom cover to and from the housing body.