Roller Latch Mechanism for Easy Mobile Cover Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic mobile devices with removable covers often require significant effort to unlock and remove, frequently necessitating the use of additional tools due to the difficulty in prying the cover away from the phone base.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism comprising a roller and a catch with a torsion spring, which pivots to engage and disengage the latch, allowing easy transition between locked and unlocked positions, facilitating the removal of the compartment cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple tab mechanism is used for unlocking the cover, then the device structure remains simple, but the cover becomes difficult to remove requiring additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
A roller element is introduced as an intermediary component between the tab and the catch mechanism. When the user rotates the tab, it pivots the roller, which then engages with the catch to automatically move the cover away from the base. This intermediary roller converts simple rotational motion into effective cover removal motion, solving the problem of difficult cover removal without significantly increasing structural complexity.
2Reliability
If the cover is securely locked to protect internal components, then component security is improved, but the cover becomes difficult to open even after depressing the tab
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocking state through roller pivoting. The roller can rotate between engaged and disengaged positions with the catch, enabling the cover to move dynamically between locked and open states. This dynamic mechanism ensures secure locking when closed while enabling easy opening through simple tab rotation followed by automatic cover movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism performs preliminary action by automatically moving the cover away from the base once the roller is pivoted to the disengaged position. This preliminary movement creates separation between the cover and base before the user needs to fully remove the cover, eliminating the need for prying or additional tools and making the opening process effortless.
3Device complexity
If no cover movement mechanism is provided, then the latch structure remains simple, but the cover must be pried between the cover and phone base for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism provides self-service by automatically moving the cover away from the base through the roller-catch interaction. When the user rotates the tab, the roller pivots and engages the catch, which automatically propels the cover away from the base without requiring user intervention for prying or additional tools. This self-service mechanism simplifies the overall removal process while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.
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 latch mechanism simplifies the process of opening the compartment cover, reducing the need for additional tools and making it easier for users to access internal components.
Implementation Method 1
A latch mechanism comprising a roller and a catch with a torsion spring, which pivots to engage and disengage the latch
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic mobile device comprises a base defining a compartment opening and a cover movably supported by the base to restrict access to the compartment opening. The device further comprises a latch supported by one of the base and the cover and a catch pivotably supported by the other of the base and the cover. The catch pivots in a first direction to engage and move the latch relative to the catch and thereby move at least a portion of the cover away from the compartment opening.