Interlocking Assembly for Thin Notebook Cover Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The light and thin structure configuration of notebook computers makes it difficult to operate the upper cover relative to the lower cover, leading to challenges in convenience and protection against external factors.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device design featuring a support element with a first cover and first guiding element, a second cover with a second guiding element that slides relative to the first, and a pushing element that facilitates smooth rotation and alignment of the covers, preventing gaps and collisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the notebook computer adopts a light and thin structure configuration, then the weight and portability are improved, but the operation between the upper cover and the lower cover becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveweightVSAvoidoperation between covers

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces guiding elements as intermediary components between the upper and lower covers. These guiding elements include guiding grooves and guiding protrusions that facilitate smooth relative movement between the covers, directly resolving the operational difficulty caused by the light and thin structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the cover structure into multiple functional elements: upper cover, lower cover, guiding elements, pushing elements, and limiting elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving overall operability while maintaining the light and thin design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Weight of moving object

If the notebook computer adopts a light and thin structure configuration, then the portability is improved, but the protection against external factors deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveweightVSAvoidexternal pollution and component damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing limiting elements that prevent the upper cover from rotating too far or colliding with the lower cover. This preliminary constraint protects internal components from damage due to excessive movement or impact, addressing the protection issue before harm occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding elements act as intermediaries that maintain proper alignment and spacing between the upper and lower covers during operation. This prevents direct contact and potential collision between covers, protecting internal components from damage while maintaining the thin profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10303207B2Interlocking assembly and electronic device having the same

Publication Date: 2019.05.28 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC

AI summary

An electronic device includes a support element, a second cover, a second guiding element and including a pushing element. The support element includes a first cover and a first guiding element. The first guiding element is connected to the first cover. The second guiding element is slidably jointed to the first guiding element to move relative to the first guiding element in a direction and is connected to the second cover. The pushing element is connected to the second cover and configured to push against the support when the second cover rotates relative to the second guiding element to make the support element move relative to the second guiding element.