Retractable Elastic Handle Structure for Flush Electronic Housings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic apparatus handles, such as those disclosed in PTL 1, compromise design aesthetics when folded, as they protrude and spoil the appearance of the device.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with an elastic member that can pivot and slide between a flush-fitted and protruding position, supported by a housing-mounted mechanism, utilizing magnetic attraction for secure fitting and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a foldable handle is adopted to improve handleability and enable vending machine sales, then ease of operation is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates when the handle is folded
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to be nested within the housing when not in use. The elastic member is received inside the housing with its ends engaging with supporting portions, creating a compact integrated appearance. When needed, the handle can be pulled out from the housing like a nested structure, providing both aesthetic cleanliness and functional accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle employs dynamic movement between two states: a retracted state where the elastic member is received within the housing for aesthetic purposes, and an extended state where it protrudes for handling. The supporting portions enable this dynamic transition through controlled movement, allowing the handle to adapt between aesthetic and functional requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the elastic member is made to protrude for handling, then ease of operation is improved, but the flush appearance is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The handle system is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to transition between a flush retracted position for aesthetic purposes and a protruding extended position for functional handling. The elastic member's flexibility and the supporting portions' movement capability enable this dynamic state change.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle system is segmented into the elastic member and the housing with supporting portions. This segmentation allows the elastic member to move independently between retracted and extended states, enabling the flush appearance when retracted while maintaining handle functionality when extended.
3Reliability
If magnetic substances are added to secure the elastic member, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a simpler magnetic field-based retention system. Magnetic substances are incorporated into the supporting portions and/or elastic member to provide secure holding through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for complex mechanical latches or fasteners while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the elastic member by incorporating magnetic substances, which fundamentally alters how the handle is retained. This parameter change from purely mechanical retention to magnetic field-based retention simplifies the overall structure while enhancing the secure fitting capability.
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
Enhances designability by maintaining a flush appearance when not in use and providing a functional handle when needed, while ensuring structural integrity and ease of handling.
Implementation Method 1
The supporting portion has a second magnetic substance that attracts the first magnetic substance to the housing side by magnetic force
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an electronic apparatus that includes an elastic member that assumes a first shape with which the elastic member is fitted in a housing, and a supporting portion that is provided on the housing and supports opposite end portions of the elastic member. The supporting portion supports one end portion of the opposite end portions for pivotal motion in a direction in which a portion between the opposite end portions moves toward and away from the housing, and supports another end portion of the opposite end portions for sliding movement between a first position in which the elastic member assumes the first shape and a second position that is positioned on the one end portion side with respect to the first position and in which the elastic member is elastically deformed to a second shape with which the portion between the opposite end portions protrudes from the housing.