Pivotable Panel Lock Mechanism for Portable Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile electronic devices with pivotable panels, such as flip phones, often require users to insert their thumb or fingertip between panels to open them, making it difficult in certain situations and limiting design freedom.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device with panels connected via a pivotable hinge that automatically locks in a folded position and unlocks with sideward displacement, allowing easy one-handed operation without the need for thumb grooves, motors, or buttons, using a resilient bias to pivot towards the unfolded position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If panels are designed to allow easy fingertip insertion to open, then ease of operation is improved, but design freedom is restricted and the device may still be difficult to open in all circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism automatically disengages when the panels are displaced sidewardly, eliminating the need for user intervention to insert a fingertip into a groove. The system serves itself by using the natural opening motion to trigger lock release, improving ease of operation without restricting design freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the need for thumb grooves and manual insertion features from the panel design. By extracting these elements and replacing them with an automatic sideward displacement mechanism, design freedom is restored while maintaining ease of operation
2Ease of operation
If automatic opening mechanisms (spring/motor) are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism automatically disengages through sideward displacement of the panels, eliminating the need for motors or complex spring mechanisms. The system uses the natural opening motion itself to trigger release, achieving automatic operation without additional active components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex motorized or spring-based automatic opening mechanisms with a simpler mechanical displacement-based lock release system. The lock responds passively to sideward motion, substituting complex active mechanisms with a simpler passive mechanical response
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
Enables easy and intuitive panel opening with one hand, independent design of the unlocking mechanism, and eliminates the need for motors or buttons, ensuring the device is user-friendly and compact.
Implementation Method 1
The panels can be resiliently biased in the direction opposite to the direction in which the relative displacement disengages said lock
Implementation Method 2
a first panel (2) and a second panel (3) connected to the first panel (2) with a pivotable connection (4) that allows the panels (2, 3) to pivot relative to one another
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device with a first panel and a second panel connected to the first panel. The connection allows the panels to pivot relative to one another between a folded position and an un-folded position. A lock automatically engages and locks the panels when the panels are brought in the folded position and disengages when the panels are displaced relative to one another sidewardly.