Latch Structure with Retractable Hook for Notebook Computers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional notebook computer latch assemblies expose hooks, leading to visual impairment and risk of deformation or breakage when opening or closing the device.
Innovation Solution
A latch structure with a hook member that can be hidden inside a casing, featuring a pressing member, elastic member, and guiding member with a multi-route circle groove, allowing the hook portion to be exposed or hidden, preventing collisions and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the hook member is exposed outside the casing for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the visual appearance deteriorates and the reliability decreases due to risk of deformation or breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The hook member is nested within the casing when not in use, and can be extended outward when needed. The guiding member with multi-route circle groove enables the hook member to move between the nested state (inside casing) and extended state (outside casing), resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook member transitions from a static exposed position to a dynamic position that can be retracted into the casing. The elastic member provides dynamic movement capability, allowing the hook member to be pushed out when needed and automatically retract when the pressing force is released, thus protecting it when not in use.
2Ease of operation
If the hook member is exposed outside the casing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the visual appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hook member is nested within the casing when not in use, creating a clean and smooth external surface. The guiding member with multi-route circle groove enables the hook member to move between the nested state (inside casing) and extended state (outside casing), resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
3Reliability
If the hook member is hidden inside the casing, then the visual appearance is improved and reliability is enhanced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member is pre-positioned to push the hook member outward through the guiding member's multi-route circle groove. This preliminary action ensures that when the user needs to operate the latch, the hook member is already in the correct extended position, eliminating the need for the user to manually manipulate the hidden hook member.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing member acts as an intermediary that automatically extends the hook member from its hidden position. When the user presses the pressing member, it pushes the hook member through the guiding member's groove to the exposed position, making the hidden hook member easily accessible without direct manipulation.
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 effectively hides the hook member when the device is open, enhancing the visual appeal and protecting it from damage, thereby achieving a better industrial utility by preventing deformation and breakage.
Implementation Method 1
One side of the elastic member is connected with the casing and another side is connected with the pressing member
Data Source
AI summary
A latch structure disposed in a casing having a first opening and a second opening includes a pressing member, an elastic member, a hook member and a guiding member. The pressing member is disposed in the first opening. The elastic member has one side connected with the casing and the other side connected with the pressing member. The hook member pivoted with the pressing member has a hook portion and a protrusion. The guiding member has a multi-route circle groove, which has a first route, a second route, a third route, and a fourth route in turn. A step exists between two adjacent routes. The moved pressing member moves the protrusion along the first route, the second route, the third route and the fourth route such that the hook portion passes through the second opening to be exposed from the casing or be hidden inside the casing.