One-Touch Lock Mechanism for Rapid Electronic Component Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional latch mechanisms for notebook computers are complex and inconvenient to use, making it difficult to rapidly and easily assemble or disassemble electronic components like batteries or portable hard disks.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism with a base, constraining components, recovering components, bridging components, and an actuating component that allows for simultaneous release of lock constraint and ejection of electronic components by one touch, utilizing a combination of inclined structures and resilient components to facilitate easy operation and minimize volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional latch mechanism is used to assemble and disassemble electronic components, then the component can be secured, but the operating procedure becomes complicated and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is divided into independent functional modules: a constraining component with wedge structure for locking, a recovering component with resilient element for automatic reset, and an actuating component with inclined structure for ejection. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function simply, avoiding the need for a complex multi-step conventional latch mechanism while maintaining secure component attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The recovering component includes a resilient element that automatically resets the constraining component to its initial constraining position after the electronic component is ejected. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual reset operations or complex control systems, simplifying the overall mechanism while ensuring reliable repeated use without increasing operational complexity.
2Productivity
If a conventional latch mechanism is used, then the component can be locked, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The constraining component is pre-positioned in the initial state where the wedge structure is engaged with the electronic component's fixing portion, providing immediate locking upon assembly. The resilient element is pre-loaded to automatically reset the mechanism after ejection, eliminating the need for manual reset steps and reducing the time required for repeated assembly and disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating component combines two functions into a single action: it simultaneously ejects the electronic component from the constraining component and triggers the recovering component to reset. This merging of ejection and reset functions into one operational step significantly reduces assembly and disassembly time compared to conventional mechanisms that require separate steps for each function.
3Ease of operation
If a simple one-touch mechanism is implemented, then operation becomes convenient, but the mechanism may lack reliability in constraining the component
Solution Approach 1:
The constraining component features a wedge structure with specific geometric properties that concentrate force locally at the contact point with the electronic component's fixing portion. This localized force concentration provides strong constraining action in a compact design, ensuring reliable locking while maintaining simple one-touch operation. The inclined structure of the wedge allows small actuating forces to generate large constraining forces, enhancing reliability without complicating the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element is designed with curved or inclined surfaces that provide progressive engagement with the constraining component. This curved geometry ensures smooth, reliable resetting action while maintaining consistent contact and force distribution, enhancing the reliability of the one-touch operation. The inclined surfaces of the recovering component work together with the actuating component's inclined structure to ensure reliable ejection and reset sequences.
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 mechanism provides a simple, convenient, and cost-effective solution for assembling and disassembling electronic components, suitable for thin-type electronic devices, enhancing user experience and market competitiveness by allowing for rapid and parallel movement with perpendicular pressing force.
Implementation Method 1
the lock mechanism further includes a resilient component disposed on the bar of the recovering component. The resilient component drives the recovering component to push the actuating component
Implementation Method 2
The actuating component moves relative to the hole to drive the bridging component to separate the constraining component from the fix portion. The actuating component further pushes the second inclined structure to move the fix portion via the first inclined structure
Data Source
AI summary
A lock mechanism includes a base, a constraining component, a recovering component, a bridging component and an actuating component. The constraining component contacts against a fix portion of an electronic component to constrain its movement. The recovering component includes a bar, a first inclined structure and a second inclined structure. The bar includes a first end and a second end. The first inclined structure is disposed on the first end to push the fix portion, and the second inclined structure is disposed on the second end. Two ends of the bridging component respectively connect to the constraining component and the actuating component. The actuating component movably pierces through a hole on the base to separate the constraining component from the fix portion via the bridging component, and the actuating component further pushes the second inclined structure, so as to drive the first inclined structure to outwardly move the fix portion.