Nested Switch Locking Structure Prevents Accidental Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking structures for electronic devices are prone to unexpected detachment, exposing receiving recesses or openings for connecting ports, leading to unintended unlocking.
Innovation Solution
A locking structure comprising a rotating unit, a first switch, a sheet with a recess, and a second switch with a protrusion, where the sheet is pivotally connected to the electronic device and includes a stopper portion to prevent accidental opening by applying elastic forces to maintain engagement with the rotating unit and first switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a switch structure or locker structure is connected to the casing with exposed elements, then the receiving recess or opening can be enclosed, but the structure may detach unexpectedly exposing the receiving recess or opening
Solution Approach 1:
The second switch is nested within the recess of the sheet, with its protrusion moving inside the recess. This nested configuration allows the second switch to be integrated into the sheet structure rather than being an external component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable locking through the coordinated movement of nested elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet acts as an intermediary component between the first switch and the second switch. The sheet's recess and the second switch's protrusion create an intermediate mechanical interface that transmits and coordinates the locking action, ensuring reliable engagement while distributing the structural complexity across multiple coordinated components rather than a single complex mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If elements on the switch structure are exposed outside the electronic device, then the structure can be simple and accessible, but the structure may likely be detached from the casing unexpectedly
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves the second switch from a purely external exposed element to a component that operates within the recess dimension of the sheet. This dimensional transition allows the locking mechanism to engage in multiple spatial dimensions - the first switch provides external accessibility while the second switch's protrusion moving within the recess provides internal dimensional constraint, preventing unexpected detachment while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a locking structure uses multiple switches and elastic elements, then unexpected opening can be prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides the structural support for the recess, houses the second switch's protrusion, and works in coordination with the first switch and elastic elements. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining high locking security through the coordinated interaction of the integrated sheet structure with other elements.
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 locking structure effectively prevents unexpected opening by ensuring the first switch remains engaged with the electronic device, providing secure closure of the receiving recess or opening through coordinated elastic forces and positional interactions.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element, selectively contacted to the sheet, is provided. The elastic element drives the sheet to rotate along a predetermined rotational direction along with applying a rotational force
Implementation Method 2
The second switch includes a protrusion movably disposed within the recess
Data Source
AI summary
A locking structure and a system using the same are provided. The locking structure includes a rotating unit, a first switch, a sheet and a second switch. The sheet includes a recess and contact to the first switch or the rotating unit. The second switch includes a protrusion movably disposed within the recess.