Linear Sliding Latch Module for Secure Device Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electronic device assembly methods using screws are time-consuming and laborious, and rotating handles for latch mechanisms can lead to structural miniaturization issues and increased risk of damage, hindering efficient detachment and reattachment.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece latch module with a fixing member and sliding member that uses linear sliding displacement for installation, positioning, latching, and disassembly, featuring a resilient arm and guiding unit to facilitate easy operation and prevent accidental detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If screws are used to fix electronic devices in the housing, then the stability of the system is improved, but the assembling and disassembling process becomes time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into a latch member with multiple latches and a sliding member that can independently engage or disengage each latch. This allows the electronic device to be securely fixed in multiple positions while enabling quick release by simply sliding the sliding member, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of assembly/disassembly
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism transitions from a static screwed connection to a dynamic sliding latch system. The latches can be quickly engaged or disengaged by sliding the sliding member along the sliding direction, providing both secure fixation when engaged and rapid release when disengaged, thus solving the time-consuming assembly issue while maintaining stability
2Ease of operation
If a rotating handle is used to drive the locking mechanism, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases and the risk of collision and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a rotating handle that moves outward and risks collision, the invention inverts the operation direction by using a linear sliding motion that moves inward toward the housing. The sliding member slides along the sliding direction to engage or disengage the latches, eliminating the risk of collision with external parts while simplifying the overall mechanism structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the rotating handle from the system entirely, replacing it with a sliding member that directly actuates the latches through linear motion. This removal of the rotating handle reduces device complexity and eliminates the collision risk while maintaining ease of operation through the simple sliding action
3Ease of operation
If a rotating handle is used for the locking mechanism, then the ease of operation is improved, but the miniaturization of the overall structure is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the operational direction from outward rotation to inward sliding motion. The sliding member moves linearly along the sliding direction within the housing, requiring minimal space and enabling miniaturization of the overall structure while maintaining ease of operation through the simple sliding action
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational dimension from rotational motion in the external space to linear sliding motion within the internal housing space. This dimensional change allows the mechanism to be compact and integrated within the housing, facilitating miniaturization while preserving ease of operation
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
The latch module simplifies the assembly process, enables miniaturization of the overall structure, and ensures a secure connection between detachable electronic devices and the main structure, preventing accidental breakage during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient arm includes a convex portion and at least one switching column. The convex portion is disposed on the second end of the resilient arm, located at a first side of the opening and protrudes along a direction from the second surface to the first surface. While the mounting surface is attached to the first surface, the convex portion tends to push against the mounting surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A latch module includes a fixing member and a sliding member. A first surface of the fixing member is configured to align and engage with a mounting surface of a detachable device. A sliding unit of the sliding member is relative to a guiding unit of the fixing member and allows the sliding member to slide linearly with respect to the fixing member. The sliding member includes a pushing portion corresponding to a switching column on a resilient arm of the fixing member. While the sliding member is slid to a first position, the switching column is away from the pushing portion and a convex portion of the resilient arm tends to push against the mounting surface. While the sliding member is slid to a second position, the pushing portion pushes the switching column to drive the convex portion away from the mounting surface.