Locking Mechanism for Rapid Electronic Device Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspending apparatuses for electronic devices, such as LCD monitors, are complicated and inconvenient to assemble or disassemble due to the need for multiple screws or securing structures, making them difficult to install and remove.
Innovation Solution
A suspending apparatus with a base, a detachable suspending assembly, and a locking assembly that includes a locking unit, a moving unit, and an elastic unit, allowing for easy locking and unlocking by relative motion between the limiting unit, locking unit, and moving unit, facilitating quick assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple screws or securing structures are used to fix the electronic device to the wall, then the reliability of the suspension is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated assembly and disassembly procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking unit with locking and unlocking ends, a moving unit, and an elastic unit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling reliable locking while simplifying the overall operation for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic unit automatically returns the locking unit to the locked position after unlocking, and the guiding surfaces automatically guide the locking unit through the correct motion path. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual manipulation while maintaining secure locking, improving both reliability and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If a simple suspending structure is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to insufficient securing strength
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding surfaces are designed with specific curvature characteristics that guide the locking unit through a controlled rotational and translational motion path. This curved surface design ensures the locking unit engages properly with the suspending assembly while maintaining a simple overall structure, achieving both simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly combines multiple materials with different properties: the elastic unit provides flexible restoring force, the locking unit provides rigid locking engagement, and the guiding surfaces provide precise geometric control. This composite approach achieves reliable securing strength while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to ensure secure locking, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and unlocking functions are merged into a single integrated locking unit that performs both functions through different positions and orientations. The moving unit and elastic unit are combined to automatically manage the locking cycle, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit serves multiple functions: it provides the locking engagement through its locking end, enables unlocking through its unlocking end, and works with the elastic unit to automatically return to the locked position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliability.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple securing structures are used, then the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding surfaces are designed with specific geometric curvature that provides self-alignment and tolerance compensation during the locking and unlocking processes. This curved surface design reduces the need for high manufacturing precision while maintaining reliable operation, and the integrated design reduces overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding surfaces are designed with specific geometric parameters (angles, curvatures, and dimensions) that optimize the locking unit's motion path. By carefully selecting these parameters, the design achieves reliable locking with moderate manufacturing tolerances while keeping the structure simple and integrated.
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
Enables convenient and rapid suspension and removal of electronic devices from surfaces, enhancing user experience by simplifying the installation and removal process through a user-friendly locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic unit is situated inside the accommodating space and is pressed between the suspending assembly and the locking unit. The elastic unit constantly drives the locking surface to be pressed against the base.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspending apparatus is used for suspending an electronic device on a surface. The suspending apparatus includes a base fixed on the surface, a suspending assembly assembled to the electronic device and detachably suspended on the base and having a limiting unit, and a locking assembly configured on the suspending assembly and including a locking unit and a moving unit connected to an end of the locking unit. The locking unit leans upon the limiting unit. In an unlocking process, the moving unit is forced to move along a first path and drives the locking unit. The locking unit unlocks the base with rotating along a second path and moving along a third path while being restricted by the limiting unit, wherein the first and the third paths have an included angle. In a locking process, the locking unit rotates along the second path to lock the base.