Lock Attachment Mechanism for Electronic Device Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in efficiently integrating anti-theft lock mechanisms without compromising the structural integrity or aesthetics, often requiring cut-outs that occupy valuable space and may weaken the housing material.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a lock attachment mechanism with a pull-out portion and a hook portion, where the lock attachment portion is held by a back cabinet with a plate spring, allowing it to be pulled out through an opening without needing a cut-away portion, and is assembled by attaching the back cabinet to a front cabinet with a metal frame, enhancing structural strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock hole is created in the housing, then the anti-theft lock can be attached, but the housing material strength is reduced and appearance is spoiled
Solution Approach 1:
The lock attachment function is extracted from the main housing structure and placed on a separate attachment portion that can be pulled out through an opening. This allows the lock hole to be created only in the thin attachment portion rather than in the main housing, preserving the housing's structural integrity while still enabling anti-theft lock attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock attachment mechanism is divided into separate components: the attachment portion with the lock hole, the pull-out mechanism, and the holder. This segmentation allows the lock hole to be isolated in a small, non-critical component rather than compromising the overall housing structure.
2Ease of operation
If a cut-away portion is created for the opening, then the lock can be accessed, but the housing structure is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is created in the back cabinet rather than cutting through the front housing. The lock attachment portion is then pulled out through this opening, extracting the access function from the main housing structure and avoiding structural weakening of the primary housing components.
3Ease of operation
If the lock attachment portion is made movable, then it can be pulled out for lock access, but the attachment reliability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment portion is designed with movable capability through the pull-out mechanism, allowing it to be extracted through the opening for lock access. The dynamic design enables the attachment to transition between retracted and extended positions while maintaining secure attachment when retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull-out mechanism acts as an intermediary between the stationary holder and the movable attachment portion. This intermediary mechanism enables controlled movement of the attachment portion while maintaining reliable connection to the holder, ensuring both accessibility and attachment reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing, frame, and a lock attachment mechanism. The housing includes a front cabinet, and back cabinet which has opening and is attached to the front cabinet. The frame is disposed in the inside of the housing. The lock attachment mechanism includes lock attachment portion and hook portion. The lock attachment portion includes a pull-out portion with a hole disposed therein, and a leg portion protruding from the pull-out portion. The hook portion includes fixing portions attached to frame, and grappling portions that hook the leg portion with the pull-out portion being pulled out, and that form a gap through which the pull-out portion can be pulled out. The device further includes back cabinet having a holder. The holder restricts a movable range of lock attachment portion and holds the leg portion such that lock attachment portion is disposed at a location which allows the pull-out portion to be pulled out through opening.