Mouse Leather Edge Enclosure via Segmented Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mouse assembly methods often result in a hairy rim or rising at the edge of the leather, leading to high rates of disqualified products, and struggle with using real leather due to complications in matching colors and forming tight junctions with synthetic leather in injection molding processes.
Innovation Solution
A mouse structure featuring a casing and assembly with a leather layer that encloses the edge, using a locking member, latch, or glue for assembly, allowing for natural or synthetic leather and a design that prevents edge rising, with the leather being easily removable and reattachable for cost-effective reworking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If leather is directly glued to the interior of the concave groove of the casing, then the assembly process is simple, but the edge of the leather forms a hairy rim or rising that ruins aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the leather attachment structure into multiple segments: the leather layer is separated from the casing interior by introducing an intermediate assembly structure. The assembly includes a base portion that attaches to the casing and a cover portion that encloses the leather edge, creating distinct functional zones that prevent the hairy rim problem while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediate assembly structure as a mediator between the leather layer and the casing. This assembly includes a base portion and a cover portion that work together to enclose the leather edge, preventing it from forming a hairy rim while still allowing for simple assembly through locking members or adhesive.
2Productivity
If IMD injection molding process is used to form plastic rim enclosing leather edge, then productivity is high and edge rising is prevented, but the process is complex and requires synthetic leather only
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the edge enclosure function into a separate assembly structure with a base portion and a cover portion, rather than integrating it into the casing through complex IMD injection molding. This allows the leather to be attached using simpler methods while still achieving edge enclosure and preventing rising.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter constraint by allowing natural leather to be used instead of requiring synthetic leather. The assembly structure with base and cover portions provides mechanical enclosure that works effectively with natural leather's properties, eliminating the need for the IMD injection molding process that was required for synthetic leather.
3Manufacturing precision
If plastic rim is used to enclose leather edge through IMD injection molding, then edge rising is prevented, but matching color between plastic rim and leather is difficult resulting in complicated look
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material composition parameter by allowing the cover portion to be made from transparent or translucent material. This enables the natural color and texture of the leather to show through, eliminating the color matching problem and achieving a more natural aesthetic appearance while still providing effective edge enclosure.
4Manufacturing precision
If leather is glued to assembly and assembly is locked to casing, then leather edge is enclosed and rising is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the enclosure function into a base portion that attaches to the casing and a cover portion that encloses the leather edge. This segmentation allows each part to have a specific, simple function while together they achieve effective edge enclosure without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly structure serves multiple functions: the base portion provides attachment to the casing and support for the leather, while the cover portion encloses the leather edge to prevent rising. This multi-functionality is achieved through a relatively simple structure that combines these functions in an integrated assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A mouse structure including a casing, an assembly and a leather layer, wherein the casing and the assembly are assembled together. The assembly has a first surface and a second surface. The leather layer has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion covers the first surface and the second portion partially covers the second surface. The second surface is located inside the casing such that the casing presses against part of the second portion.