Perpendicular Locking Mechanism for Tablet Fixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing apparatuses for portable electronic devices, such as tablet computers, often result in unstable attachments and damage to the device's appearance due to the use of magnets or protruding hooks, which can lead to aesthetic issues and structural holes.

Innovation Solution

A fixing apparatus comprising a base, a locking structure, an operating member, and elastic members that allow the locking structure to move perpendicular to the base's surface, using a 90-degree angle mechanism to expose and cover an opening for secure attachment without damaging the device's appearance, utilizing elastic forces to lock and unlock the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a magnet is used for fixing the portable electronic device, then the device can be attached to the fixing apparatus, but the attachment becomes unstable and other magnet devices may become demagnetized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoiddemagnetization of other magnet devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the magnetic fixing mechanism with a mechanical locking mechanism. The locking structure includes a locking protrusion that engages with a locking groove, providing stable mechanical attachment instead of relying on magnetic forces. This substitution eliminates the demagnetization problem while maintaining secure attachment of the portable electronic device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a protruding hook is used for fixing the portable electronic device, then the device can be securely attached, but holes must be formed in the additional device or tablet computer which destroys the appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing stabilityVSAvoidappearance of the apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The locking protrusion and locking groove are nested within the internal structures of the fixing apparatus and portable electronic device respectively. The locking protrusion extends from the additional device into the locking groove of the tablet computer when combined, providing secure attachment without requiring external protruding hooks that would damage the appearance. The engagement occurs internally, preserving the aesthetic appearance of both devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Device complexity

If the locking structure moves directly along the opening direction, then the structure is simple, but dust can enter through the opening during the locking process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism simplicityVSAvoiddust entry through opening

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking structure moves perpendicular to the opening direction, changing the dimension of motion from parallel to perpendicular. The locking protrusion extends laterally from the additional device and engages with the locking groove in a direction perpendicular to the opening, allowing the opening to remain covered by the base plate during the locking process. This dimensional change prevents dust entry while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution provides a stable and aesthetically pleasing attachment method that prevents dust entry and enhances the appearance of both the fixing apparatus and the portable electronic device, while allowing for easy operation and secure fixation without the need for holes or protrusions.

Implementation Method 1

The second elastic member is connected with the locking structure and the base and has a resilient force, in which the resilient force is capable of pushing the locking structure to move toward the second direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The first elastic member is connected with the operating member and the base. The second elastic member is connected with the locking structure and the base and has a resilient force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9822561B2Fixing apparatus and computer apparatus using the same

Publication Date: 2017.11.21 PEGATRON

AI summary

A fixing apparatus comprises a base, a locking structure, an operating member, a first elastic member and a second elastic member. The base has an opening. The locking structure is movably disposed at the opening along a second direction. The operating member is movably disposed at the second surface along a first direction perpendicular to the second direction. The first elastic member is connected with the operating member and the base. The second elastic member is connected with the locking structure and the base. When the operating member moves along the first direction and compresses the first elastic member, the locking structure moves along the second direction by a resilient force of the second elastic member and exposes the opening. When the operating member moves along an opposite direction of the first direction, the locking structure moves along an opposite direction of the second direction and covers the opening.