Smart Tablet Plug Module Single-Hand Unplugging Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing smart board plug-in module design requires simultaneous pressing of elastic strips and a pull tab for unplugging, leading to complicated operation and poor user experience due to limited size and hardware layout constraints.

Innovation Solution

A plug-in module with an elongated elastic strip and a pull tab on the same end, featuring a retraction head and limiting lugs, allowing for single-handed operation by hooking the retraction head with the handle, simplifying the plugging and unplugging process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two elastic strips are affixed onto the plug-in module and a pull tab is used for unplugging, then the plug-in module can be securely connected to the slot, but the operation becomes complicated and user experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidunplugging operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate elastic strips into a single integrated elastic strip structure. The first elastic strip has a first limiting lug and the second elastic strip has a second limiting lug, both integrated into one elastic component that engages with corresponding limiting holes in the slot. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the secure connection function, and allows the pull tab to operate both limiting lugs simultaneously, simplifying the unplugging operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pull tab is designed to serve multiple functions: it simultaneously engages with both the first limiting lug and the second limiting lug of the elastic strip. By pulling the single pull tab, the user can disengage both limiting lugs from their respective limiting holes in the slot, achieving unplugging of the entire module with one action rather than requiring separate operations for each elastic strip.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If the elastic strips are positioned according to hardware layout constraints, then the structural design is feasible, but the pull tab size is limited and operation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural feasibilityVSAvoidpull tab accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic strip is designed with an extended structure that protrudes from the plug-in module in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. The first and second limiting lugs are positioned at different locations along this extended elastic strip, allowing them to engage with limiting holes in the slot while the pull tab remains accessible. This dimensional arrangement allows the pull tab to be sufficiently large and accessible for easy operation while maintaining proper engagement of both limiting lugs with the slot structure.

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

Enables convenient plugging and unplugging of the plug-in module with a single hand, enhancing user experience and simplifying the operation process.

Implementation Method 1

The first elastic strip has an elongated shape, and is provided with at least one first limiting lug on a first surface of the first elastic strip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3477788B1Plug module and smart tablet
Publication Date: 2022.02.16 GUANGZHOU SHIRUI ELECTRONICS
  • EP3477788B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3477788B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3477788B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A plug module (100), having a first side face (110), the first side face (110) being provided with a first flexible strip (10) and a first pull tab (20) on the same end. The first flexible strip has an elongated shape, and is provided, on a first surface thereof, opposite to the first side face, with at least one first limiting lug (11). The end of the first flexible strip, where the first flexible strip and the first pull tab are located in close proximity, is considered to be the reference end, the other end being the distal end. The distal end and the first side face are fixed together. The reference end is provided with a flexible strip retraction head (12), the flexible strip retraction head being provided in correspondence with the first pull tab. Further provided is a smart tablet. The plug module can be conveniently plugged in and unplugged, simplifying user operations, improving user experience.