Pivoting Tray Cover for Tool-Free Ejection and Secure Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The need for a separate member (e.g., a tray ejector pin) to detach a tray from an electronic device reduces user convenience and internal space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A tray that is attachable and detachable without a separate member, featuring a cover that pivots outward for easy manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate member (e.g., tray ejector pin) is used to detach the tray, then the tray can be securely held in place, but user convenience decreases and internal space efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tray cover itself serves as the ejection mechanism. When the user lifts the cover, it directly engages with the ejector pin to automatically eject the tray, eliminating the need for separate ejection tools or complex internal mechanisms. The cover performs dual functions: protecting the card slot and serving as the actuation mechanism for tray ejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray cover is designed to perform multiple functions: it protects the card slot from dust and debris, serves as a visual indicator for user interaction, and acts as the mechanical lever to eject the tray. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated ejection components, improving both space efficiency and user convenience.
2Reliability
If a separate member (e.g., tray ejector pin) is used to detach the tray, then the tray can be securely held in place, but internal space efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection function is merged with the tray cover structure. The ejector pin is integrated into the cover assembly, and the cover's lifting motion directly actuates the ejection mechanism. This integration eliminates the need for separate ejection components and complex transmission mechanisms, maximizing internal space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection mechanism is extracted from the internal structure and relocated to the cover assembly. By placing the ejector pin on the cover rather than inside the device body, the design eliminates the need for internal space dedicated to ejection mechanisms, thereby improving space efficiency for other components.
3Ease of operation
If a cover pivotable outward is used, then user convenience increases for tray attachment and detachment, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the cover, the tray body, and the ejector pin. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining simple individual structures. The cover pivots independently to eject the tray, which remains separate until ejection, simplifying the overall mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing it to pivot between a closed position (protecting the card slot) and an open position (actuating tray ejection). This dynamic design enables user-friendly operation without requiring complex mechanisms, as the cover's natural lifting motion is sufficient to trigger the ejection sequence.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments may provide an electronic device comprising: a housing comprising an opening; a circuit board disposed inside the housing; a socket disposed on the circuit board; and a tray to be inserted into the socket. The tray comprises: a body portion comprising a containing space; a connecting member disposed adjacent to the body portion, the connecting member comprising a first fixed area and a second fixed area disposed to be spaced apart from the first fixed area; and a cover portion comprising a support part for shielding the opening and an operating part formed adjacent to the support part, the cover portion being connected to the connecting member to be able to rotate between a first position and a second position. The operating portion comprises a fixed portion on at least a part of the operating portion. The fixed portion is disposed in the first fixed area in the first position and is disposed in the second fixed area in the second position. If an external force is applied to the support part in the first position, at least a part of the operating part can slide from the first area to the second area while maintaining contact with at least a part of the connecting member.