Retractable Positioning Column Structure for Impact-Resistant Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable electronic devices with impact-resistant structures face issues such as scratching and collision due to protruding columns, which can be damaged over time, and they do not effectively maintain impact resistance in both open and closed states.

Innovation Solution

A positioning column in the electronic device that can selectively protrude or retract from the casing using an operating member, providing impact resistance when needed and preventing damage when stored.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a protruding impact resistant structure is provided, then impact resistance is improved, but the structure is more likely to be damaged due to collisions and scratching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidstructure durability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning column is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change its protrusion state. It can protrude when impact resistance is needed and retract when not needed, transforming from a static protective structure to a dynamic one that adapts to different usage conditions, thereby reducing collision damage while maintaining protection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning column changes its spatial parameter (protrusion distance) based on operational needs. By controlling the extension and retraction of the positioning column, the device adjusts its physical configuration to balance between providing impact resistance and avoiding damage from collisions during movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If a protruding positioning column is used, then impact resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional moving parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning column is covered with a protective layer that has elastic properties. This flexible protective layer absorbs minor impacts and reduces wear on the column itself, simplifying the overall system by providing passive protection without requiring complex active control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning column incorporates an elastic member that automatically pushes the column to protrude when the operating member rotates, eliminating the need for additional motors or complex actuation systems. The system uses the rotation of the operating member itself to trigger the extension, making the mechanism self-actuating and reducing overall complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 positioning column maintains impact resistance by protruding during use and retracting to prevent collisions and scratching, thus protecting the device while minimizing damage to the protruding structure.

Implementation Method 1

the protective member includes a magnetic member, the positioning column is made of a magnetic metal material, and the magnetic member provides a magnetic attraction force to attract the protective member at the positioning column

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

an elastic member is further included. The elastic member is connected to the positioning column and the operating member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4227763B1Electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 GETAC TECH CORP
  • EP4227763B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4227763B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4227763B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device includes: a casing, including a first side surface and a second side surface parallel to each other; a positioning column, including a first end portion and a second end portion having a first plane and a first convex portion; and an operating member, assembled on the casing and corresponding to the positioning column, and including a push portion having a second plane and a second convex portion. When the operating member is at a first position, the first convex portion correspondingly presses against the second plane, the second convex portion correspondingly presses against the first plane, and the first end portion is accommodated in the casing. When the operating member is at a second position, the first convex portion correspondingly presses against the second convex portion, and the first end portion protrudes from the first side surface of the casing.