Electronic Device Housing With Push-Button Tool-Free Disassembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Minicomputers require tools for disassembly, causing inconvenience when users need to perform hardware upgrades or cleaning, as traditional screw-based locking mechanisms are not portable.

Innovation Solution

A housing structure with a push-button locking device and an elastic member that allows the cover to rotate upward without tools, using a push rod to disengage the hook and elastic force to lift the cover.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional screw-based locking mechanism is used, then the housing structure is secure and reliable, but users require disassembly tools which are not portable and cause inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of disassemblyVSAvoidLocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a push button for user input, a push rod for force transmission, and a hook for engagement with the limit hook. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while enabling tool-free operation through simple button pressing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to be self-operating through the elastic member (spring) that automatically engages and disengages the hook from the limit hook when the push button is pressed. The system serves itself by using the elastic potential energy stored in the spring to perform the locking and unlocking actions without requiring external tools or complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the housing is designed for secure locking, then the internal components are protected, but disassembly requires tools that users do not carry outside

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHousing securityVSAvoidPortability of disassembly tools
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional mechanical screw-based locking system is replaced with a push-button actuated elastic locking mechanism. The elastic member (spring) provides the mechanical force needed for secure locking, while the push button interface replaces the need for screwdrivers or other disassembly tools, making the system both secure and easily operable without portable tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the housing structure uses a simple locking mechanism, then it is easy to disassemble, but the security and reliability of the housing is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of disassemblyVSAvoidHousing locking strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member (spring) is pre-loaded to store potential energy before engagement. When the push button is pressed, this pre-stored energy is rapidly released to drive the push rod and disengage the hook from the limit hook. The preliminary positioning of the hook in the engaged state with the limit hook provides secure locking, while the pre-loaded spring enables quick release.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The hook and limit hook are designed with curved geometries that provide smooth engagement and disengagement. The curved surfaces allow the hook to snap into place securely during engagement while also facilitating easy release when force is applied to the push button, combining strength with ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 tool-free disassembly of the housing, enhancing convenience and ease of access for upgrades and cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic member pushes the electronic device by elasticity to make the cover to rotate upward

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4615177A1Housing structure of electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 ELITEGROUP COMPUTER SYSTEMS
  • EP4615177A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4615177A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4615177A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A housing structure of electronic device, which accommodates an electronic device. The housing structure of the electronic device includes a housing, a cover, a locking device and an elastic member. The housing includes a limit hook, and the locking device includes a push button and a push rod. By pushing the push button and driving the push rod to slide, the push rod drives the hook that contained in it to leave the limit hook and the elastic member elastically pushes the electronic device to rotate the cover upward, thereby solving the inconvenience of the conventional shell structure that requires the use of tools to disassemble.