Lockable Door Assembly Double Secure Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lockable door assemblies for laptops and portable computers are overly complex due to a large number of parts and lack mechanisms to prevent accidental opening, which is inadequate for rugged mobile computers with stringent environmental requirements.

Innovation Solution

A simplified lockable door assembly with a reduced number of parts, featuring a door, a fixing member, a first sliding member with a latching portion, and a second sliding member that intersect on the same plane, providing a double secure mechanism to prevent accidental opening by engaging with a rib on the housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lockable door assembly with multiple parts is used to provide secure locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single integrated door assembly structure. The door assembly integrates the door body, locking mechanism, and sealing elements into one unified component that attaches to the housing, reducing the total number of separate parts while maintaining secure locking capability through the integrated design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The door assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the primary barrier, incorporates the locking mechanism, ensures sealing against dust and water, and allows for tool-free operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a simplified lockable door assembly with fewer parts is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the locking reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidlocking reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism incorporates movable elements such as sliding members or cam mechanisms that dynamically engage with corresponding features on the housing. This dynamic engagement provides secure locking with fewer static parts, as the movement of the door itself activates the locking action through the integrated mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a lockable door assembly without anti-mistaken-opening mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to accidental opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidprotection against accidental opening

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The door assembly incorporates a preliminary anti-action mechanism where the locking engagement is designed to require deliberate force or specific motion to disengage. The structure includes features such as spring-loaded locking elements or friction-based engagement that prevent accidental opening by opposing unintended opening forces before they can overcome the locking mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Strength

If a thick lockable door assembly is used to provide robust structure, then the structural strength is improved, but the device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidassembly thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The door assembly utilizes thin-walled but reinforced structural design with strategic ribbing and strengthening features at critical stress points. The main door body employs thin material with optimized thickness distribution, providing sufficient structural strength while minimizing overall assembly thickness through efficient structural design rather than uniform thickness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

5Ease of manufacture

If a simplified lockable door assembly is used to reduce parts, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the durability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidstructure durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The door assembly combines multiple functions into integrated components that can be manufactured as single pieces using standard molding or machining processes. The locking features, sealing surfaces, and mounting elements are incorporated into the basic door component design, allowing for efficient manufacturing while maintaining durability through the integrated structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7789437B2Lockable door assembly of an electronic device

Publication Date: 2010.09.07 GETAC TECH CORP

AI summary

A lockable door assembly of an electronic device is used to cover and seal an opening of a housing of the electronic device. The lockable door assembly includes a door, a first sliding member, and a second sliding member. The door is pivoted to the housing to cover the opening. The first sliding member is movably disposed on the door for being engaged with a rib formed on the housing, so as to stop the door from rotating. The second sliding member is movably disposed on the door, and the sliding paths of the second sliding member and the first sliding member are intersected. The second sliding member is used for being inserted into a nick of the first sliding member to prevent the first sliding member from moving, thereby a double secure mechanism is achieved and the thickness of the lockable door is reduced.