PCB Rotation Hook Fastening for Thin Housing Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The reduction in thickness and weight of electronic device housings leads to decreased rigidity, causing them to easily pop out or be pressed, compromising their structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a fastening structure within the electronic device comprising a fixing member, rotation hook, and elastic member that generates torque to secure the housing components, preventing popping out and maintaining rigidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the thickness of the housing is decreased to improve portability, then the weight and thickness are reduced, but the rigidness of the housing decreases causing it to be easily transformed or pop out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of housingVSAvoidrigidness of housing
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into multiple components (front cover, rear cover, intermediate housing) that are connected through fastening structures. The first and second fastening structures segment the fastening function, with the first providing initial connection and the second providing enhanced rigidness support, allowing the thin housing to maintain structural integrity without increasing overall thickness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second fastening structure is arranged inside the intermediate housing, nesting the fastening mechanism within the existing housing structure. This allows the fastening components to be integrated without increasing the external dimensions of the housing, maintaining portability while providing structural support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Weight of moving object

If lightweight materials are used to decrease housing weight, then portability is improved, but the housing becomes easily transformed with small force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of housingVSAvoidresistance to transformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening structure combines multiple materials with different properties: the elastic member provides flexible resilient force, the rotation hook provides mechanical engagement, and the support member provides rigid structural support. This composite approach allows lightweight housing materials to be used while the fastening structure compensates for the reduced material strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member is pre-loaded to generate resilient force that acts in advance to counteract external forces before they can cause the housing to pop out or transform. This preliminary anti-action prevents the lightweight housing from being easily transformed by applying counter-force through the fastening mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Strength

If fastening structures are added to maintain housing rigidness, then structural integrity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing rigidnessVSAvoidcomplexity of fastening structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second fastening structures are merged in function, where the first fastening structure provides initial connection and the second provides enhanced support. Both structures work together as an integrated system to maintain housing rigidness, distributing the fastening function across two complementary mechanisms rather than one complex structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member automatically generates resilient force to maintain fastening between the housing components without requiring external intervention. The rotation hook automatically engages with the support member to provide mechanical fastening, allowing the structure to self-maintain its integrity without additional control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 fastening structure effectively maintains the structural integrity of thin and lightweight housings without compromising aesthetics or material type, ensuring secure fastening and reducing popping out.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member having a first end connected to the fixing member and a second end connected to the rotation hook, and wherein the elastic member generates a torque that rotates the rotation hook relative to the fixing member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4459419B1Electronic device comprising fastening member
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4459419B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4459419B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4459419B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing rotatably connected to the first housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) arranged inside the first housing, a first fastening structure arranged in the PCB, and a second fastening structure arranged inside the rear cover to be fastened to the first fastening structure, wherein the first fastening structure includes a fixing member fixedly connected to the PCB, a rotation hook rotatably connected to the fixing member and configured to fasten to the second fastening structure, and an elastic member having a first end connected to the fixing member and a second end connected to the rotation hook, wherein the elastic member generates a torque that rotates the rotation hook relative to the fixing member in first direction or a second direction based on a fastening state of the second fastening structure to the rotation hook.