Rotatable Latch Mechanism for Easy Detachable Unit Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices require significant effort and time to release the closed state of detachable units due to the design of rotation levers that necessitate upward pulling and rotation.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism with a rotatable latch member and inclined surfaces on the unit surfaces facilitates easy release of the closed state by rotating the latch member between restriction and release positions without requiring upward motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotation lever is used to release the closed state by pulling upward and rotating, then the latch mechanism can securely retain the closed state, but the release operation becomes complex and requires significant effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a latch member with engagement/protrusion elements for secure retention, and a separate release member with inclined surfaces that enables easy release through simple pressing motion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism inverts the conventional approach by using inclined surfaces that convert a simple pressing motion into the rotational movement needed to disengage the latch. Instead of requiring upward pulling and rotation of a lever, the user simply presses the release member, which automatically rotates the latch member to the release position through the mechanical advantage of the inclined surfaces.
2Strength
If a rotation lever requires upward pulling motion for release, then the latch can be securely engaged, but the release process takes more time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined surfaces on the release member are pre-configured to automatically guide the latch member's rotation as soon as pressing force is applied. This preliminary arrangement of mechanical elements ensures that the release action begins immediately and completes quickly, eliminating the time loss associated with manual lever manipulation.
3Device complexity
If the protrusion directly contacts the first side surface without inclined surfaces, then the latch mechanism is simpler, but the release operation becomes difficult and may cause latch member breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined surfaces act as an intermediary mechanical element between the user's pressing force and the latch member's rotation. This intermediary structure translates the simple pressing motion into the necessary rotational movement, making the release operation easy without requiring complex mechanisms or multiple components.
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 design allows for effortless release of the closed state, preventing latch member breakage and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member that is disposed in the housing recess and urges the latch member toward an inside of the first unit
Implementation Method 2
the protrusion has a first inclined surface provided at a first end close to the second unit in a rotation direction of the latch member when the latch member is located at the restriction position, and the first inclined surface is inclined in a direction approaching the first side surface with increasing distance from the second unit in the rotation direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The electronic device includes a first unit, a second unit, and a latch mechanism part. A latch mechanism part includes a latch member, a housing recess, an urging member, and a first groove portion. The latch member includes a shaft portion extending and urged in a direction intersecting a second side surface, a connection part extending from the shaft portion, and a protrusion provided on the connection part. The latch member is rotatably attached to the second unit. The first groove portion is provided on a first side surface and houses the protrusion of the latch member located at the restriction position. The protrusion includes a first inclined surface inclined in a direction approaching the first side surface with increasing distance from the second unit in the rotation direction of the latch member.