Pocket Clip Cantilever Structure for Thin Device Component Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

As electronic devices become thinner, the separation distance between components in the inner space of the housing narrows, making it difficult to arrange parts efficiently without interference.

Innovation Solution

A pocket clip structure with a cantilever is integrated into the electronic device, providing support for components and preventing interference through elasticity, allowing for secure arrangement in a narrow space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If electronic devices are made thinner, then the device thickness is reduced, but the separation distance between components in the inner space narrows making it difficult to arrange parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidseparation distance between components
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The pocket clip structure is merged with the cover structure to form an integrated component. The cantilever is integrated into the pocket clip structure, eliminating the need for separate fixing components. This merging reduces the number of discrete parts and allows for more efficient use of the limited inner space, resolving the contradiction between thin device profile and adequate component separation distance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cantilever is designed with elastic properties, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and shape based on the inserted part. This dynamic characteristic enables the cantilever to provide support and prevent interference between components while maintaining a compact form factor, thus resolving the space constraint issue in thin devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If separate fixing components are used to support components, then the components are securely fixed, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent fixing reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pocket clip structure and cantilever are merged into a single integrated component that is formed together with the cover. This eliminates the need for separate fixing components, reducing the number of assembly steps and manufacturing operations. The integrated design maintains reliable component support while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pocket clip structure with integrated cantilever serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as a fixing mechanism, and enables component retention. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated fixing components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable component fixation

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

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 pocket clip structure reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for separate fixing components and ensures effective space utilization for components like electronic pens.

Implementation Method 1

The cantilever has elasticity, wherein the shape can be deformed by the force applied by an inserted part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4365709B1Electronic apparatus including pocket clip structure for supporting component
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4365709B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4365709B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4365709B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic apparatus according to an embodiment comprises: a housing including a through-hole, which is formed on the outside, and a resting portion, which is connected to the through-hole and into which an electronic pen is inserted via the through-hole; a resting portion cover surrounding at least a portion of the resting portion; and a cantilever disposed on the resting portion and including an elastic portion that extends so as to increase in distance from the resting portion cover along the direction of insertion of the electronic pen. The cantilever includes: a connection portion for connecting the resting portion cover and the elastic portion to each other; and a support portion that protrudes from one surface of the elastic portion and extends in a direction away from the connection portion, wherein the one surface of the elastic portion faces the resting portion.