Pivotable Cover Connector Mechanism for Thin Device Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connector mechanisms for thin electronic devices, such as notebook computers, face challenges in accommodating varying external plug sizes without increasing thickness, which affects aesthetic appeal and mechanical design.
Innovation Solution
A connector mechanism featuring a foundation with a U-shaped structure, a pivotable cover, and a resilient component that adjusts the inserting slot's dimension by rotating and buckling to accommodate external plugs of different sizes, minimizing volume when not in use and expanding when in use, utilizing a guide bar and track structure for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the notebook computer thickness is reduced, then the aesthetic feeling and portability are improved, but the connector mechanism cannot accommodate external plugs of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The connector mechanism employs a movable cover that can pivot between a first position (covering the opening) and a second position (exposing the opening to receive external plugs). This dynamic structure allows the connector to adapt to different plug sizes while maintaining a thin profile when the cover is closed, resolving the contradiction between reduced thickness and connector adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the notebook computer thickness is increased to match connector port sizes, then the connector mechanism can accommodate external plugs, but the aesthetic feeling and portability are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing thickness in the vertical dimension to accommodate connectors, the invention uses a pivotable cover that moves in a rotational dimension. This allows the connector opening to be exposed only when needed, maintaining a thin profile in the vertical dimension while providing adaptability for different plug sizes.
3Ease of operation
If external plugs are exposed out of the notebook computer, then the connector mechanism can receive plugs, but the aesthetic feeling of appearance is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The cover can pivot between covering and exposing the opening, allowing the device to switch between a clean aesthetic appearance (when cover is closed) and functional accessibility (when cover is open for plug insertion). This dynamic coverage resolves the contradiction between appearance and ease of operation.
4Device complexity
If a fixed-size opening is used for connectors, then the connector structure is simplified, but it cannot accommodate external plugs of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable cover provides a simple mechanical solution that enables the opening to accommodate plugs of varying sizes by exposing the opening when needed. The cover's rotation between two positions provides adaptability without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
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 allows for adjustable inserting slot dimensions, maintaining a thin profile while ensuring secure plug connection and dust protection, with a simple structure and low manufacturing costs, enhancing aesthetic appeal and market competitiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient recovering force of the resilient component puts the cover over the opening on the foundation
Data Source
AI summary
A connector mechanism includes a base, a cover and a resilient component. An opening is formed on the base, and an external plug can inset into the opening. The cover is pivotably disposed on the base. The cover includes a first portion, a second portion and an axle. The first portion rotates to a first position for covering the opening, and further rotates to a second position to hold a body of the external plug. The second portion includes a buckling structure for buckling a pin of the external plug when the first portion rotates to the second position, so as to constrain a movement of the external plug relative to the base. Two ends of the resilient component respectively contact against the base and the cover, and the cover can cover the opening via a resilient recovering force of the resilient component.