Power Supply Handle Positioning via Elastic Spring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply handle designs result in a significant protrusion and are prone to malpositioning when subjected to external forces, making them aesthetically unappealing and functionally unreliable.

Innovation Solution

A fastening positioning device utilizing limited angular rotation and an elastic deformable spring piece to securely attach and detach the handle from the power supply's outer case, minimizing protrusion and ensuring firm positioning through a clasp groove mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the handle is affixed to the side panel of the power supply using conventional fixed or movable means, then the handle can be attached to the outer case, but the handle forms a considerable protuberance and is prone to malpositioning when subjected to external forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidhandle protrusion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a spring piece that can elastically deform to enable the handle to rotate between a stored position (where the handle lies flat against the outer case) and a pulled-out position (where the handle protrudes for carrying). The spring piece dynamically adapts its shape and position based on the handle's rotational state, allowing the handle to transition between minimal protrusion and functional protrusion as needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring piece changes its physical state between deformed and restored configurations. When the handle rotates from the stored position to the pulled-out position, the spring piece deforms to accommodate the movement, then restores to provide positioning force. This parameter change enables the handle to achieve both minimal protrusion during storage and sufficient protrusion during use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the handle is designed to protrude significantly from the outer case for easy gripping, then the handle is more accessible, but the aesthetic appeal deteriorates and the handle becomes vulnerable to impact and dragging forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle accessibilityVSAvoidexternal force vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spring piece provides dynamic positioning that allows the handle to be pulled out to an accessible position for easy gripping, then automatically returns to a retracted position when not in use. This dynamic behavior reduces the handle's exposure to harmful external forces like impact and dragging, while maintaining accessibility when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring piece acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and mitigates the impact of external forces before they can cause damage to the handle or power supply. When external forces such as impact or dragging occur, the spring piece's elastic deformation absorbs the shock, protecting the overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If the handle is made to rotate freely on the outer case, then the handle can be easily positioned, but the handle becomes prone to malpositioning when subjected to dragging or impact forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle positioning easeVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring piece provides continuous positioning feedback to the handle through its elastic restoring force. As the handle rotates to different positions, the spring piece deforms accordingly and exerts a restoring force that guides the handle back to the correct stored position. This feedback mechanism ensures the handle maintains accurate positioning while remaining easy to operate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The spring piece applies a preliminary positioning force that prevents the handle from malpositioning before external forces can cause damage. The elastic deformation of the spring piece creates a pre-positioning effect that counteracts potential malpositioning from dragging or impact forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 solution provides secure, aesthetically pleasing, and easy-to-use handle positioning that resists malpositioning under external forces, with the majority of the handle's bulk lying flat on the case, allowing for convenient assembly and disassembly.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic deformable spring piece to enable easy clasping of a protruding portion into a clasp groove or removing of the protruding portion from the clasp groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7354293B2Fastening positioning device for a handle of a power supply
Publication Date: 2008.04.08 SUPER MICRO COMPUTER INC(US)
  • US7354293B2 patent drawing
  • US7354293B2 patent drawing
  • US7354293B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A fastening positioning device for a handle of a power supply, including:a power supply having a rectangular outer case;a handle structured from upper and lower arms and a grip;a spring piece;a clasp groove defined on a side surface of the outer case, which enables the protruding portion to clasp therein;shaft pins that respectively penetrate the shaft holes and into the respective pivot joint holes defined in the surfaces of the outer case;whereby the handle is firmly positioned on the outer case without the worry that application of an inappropriate external force will cause malposition of the handle on the outer case, and protruding bulk of the handle positioned to the outer case is considerably reduced.