Monitor Latch Mechanism for Convertible Computer Two-Way Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional latch mechanisms for convertible computers are complex and inefficient in terms of mechanical space usage, as they require movable components on the host, and lack a two-way latching capability for both notebook and tablet computer modes.

Innovation Solution

A latch mechanism with a first and second latch component on the monitor, driven by a pushing component and a resilient torsion spring, allowing for two-way latching by rotating and sliding into or out of slots on the monitor, enabling engagement with the host in both modes without occupying additional space on the host.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional latch mechanism uses a movable component on the host and a fixing component on the monitor, then the latching function is achieved, but the mechanism becomes more complicated and occupies more mechanical space on the host

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching functionVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional latch mechanism design by placing the movable latch component on the monitor instead of the host. The monitor's latch component moves relative to a fixing component on the host, reversing the traditional arrangement. This inversion simplifies the overall mechanism and reduces the mechanical space required on the host, as the monitor's larger space resources are utilized for the movable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a conventional latch mechanism uses a movable component on the host, then the latching function is achieved, but more mechanical space on the host is occupied by other mechanical components such as a speaker

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching functionVSAvoidmechanical space on host

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the movable latch component from the host and relocates it to the monitor. By taking out the space-consuming movable component from the host's limited mechanical space, the design preserves valuable space on the host for other components like speakers, while the monitor's larger space accommodates the latch mechanism's movable parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the monitor is rotated by 180 degrees for convertible computer mode, then two-way communication and tablet mode are achieved, but a latch mechanism capable of two-way latching in both modes has not been developed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvertible computer modeVSAvoidtwo-way latching capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a latch mechanism with universal functionality that works in both notebook computer mode and tablet computer mode. The mechanism incorporates a movable latch component on the monitor and a fixing component on the host that can engage regardless of the monitor's orientation. This multi-functional design enables reliable two-way latching whether the monitor is in its original position or rotated by 180 degrees for convertible mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively saves mechanical space on the host and allows for seamless switching between notebook and tablet computer modes by using the monitor's space for the latch components, ensuring reliable latching in both orientations.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient component installed on the pushing component and connected to the first latch component for driving the first latch component to rotate in a second rotating direction opposite to the first rotating direction when the pushing component is pushed in a second moving direction opposite to the first moving direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8659885B2Latch mechanism for latching a monitor and a host of a portable computer and related portable computer

Publication Date: 2014.02.25 WISTRON CORP

AI summary

A latch mechanism includes a first latch component installed on a side of a monitor in a protrusible manner from the monitor, a pushing component connected to the first latch component for driving the first latch component to rotate in a first rotating direction when being pushed in a first moving direction so that the first latch component slides into a first slot of the monitor, and a resilient component installed on the pushing component and connected to the first latch component for driving the first latch component to rotate in a second rotating direction opposite to the first rotating direction when the pushing component is pushed in a second moving direction opposite to the first moving direction so that the first latch component protrudes out of the first slot of the monitor for latching a host.