Rotatable Chassis Gap Covers with Magnetic Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic apparatuses with rotatable chassis members face issues of foreign matter entering gaps between the chassis due to enlarging gaps during rotational movement, which can lead to potential internal contamination.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates gap covers and magnets to prevent foreign matter entry, with gap covers made of flexible plastic sheets and magnets fixed to the chassis members to secure the gaps, ensuring they remain closed during rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If cover components are attached to side end portions of hinge device to fill gap, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but foreign matter entry risk increases due to gap enlargement during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The gap cover is divided into multiple sections: a first gap cover portion attached to the first chassis member, a second gap cover portion attached to the second chassis member, and a third gap cover portion connecting them. This segmentation allows each portion to move independently with its respective chassis member during rotation, preventing gap formation while maintaining continuous coverage to block foreign matter entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap cover is designed as a dynamic structure that adapts to rotational movement between chassis members. The flexible third gap cover portion can deform and extend during rotation, maintaining contact with both chassis members throughout the motion range. This dynamic adaptation ensures the gap remains closed during rotation while allowing the cover to return to its original position when the chassis are aligned.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If small gap is secured between cover component and chassis members, then foreign matter entry is prevented during alignment, but gap enlarges during rotational movement
Solution Approach 1:
The gap cover is constructed from flexible material that can deform and extend during rotational movement. This flexibility allows the cover to maintain a tight seal with the chassis members during alignment while accommodating the increased gap distance during rotation through elastic deformation, preventing foreign matter entry in both states.
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 prevents foreign matter from entering the chassis, maintaining internal cleanliness and preventing potential electrical issues, while maintaining aesthetic appeal by filling visible gaps.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnet that is fixed to the first chassis member and faces a first gap formed between the cover component and the first chassis member; and a second magnet that is fixed to the second chassis member and faces a second gap formed between the cover component and the second chassis member
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes: a first chassis member that has a first edge portion; a second chassis member that has a second edge portion adjacent to the first edge portion, and is adjacent to the first chassis member; a hinge device that connects the first chassis member and the second chassis member so as to be relatively rotatable between a first posture in which the first chassis member and the second chassis member are laminated so as to overlap each other in a surface normal direction and a second posture in which the first chassis member and the second chassis member are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the surface normal direction; and a cover component that is disposed so as to straddle the first edge portion and the second edge portion.