Rotatable Tray Fixing Mechanism for Slim Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tray devices for electronic devices occupy significant space due to separate fixing and unloading structures, which contradicts the trend of making devices slimmer, and can result in a poor external appearance and erroneous detachment due to manufacturing tolerances causing misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A tray device with a rotatable fixing structure and a tray cover that can be entirely inserted into a hole within the electronic device, allowing for secure fixing and easy unloading, minimizing space usage and preventing misalignment through a rotatable mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate fixing structure and unloading structure are implemented, then the tray can be securely fixed and unloaded, but the device occupies relatively large space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fixing structure and unloading structure into a single integrated mechanism. The fixing structure includes a fixing protrusion and a fixing groove that work together to both secure the tray in place and enable its removal, eliminating the need for separate fixing and unloading components. This integration directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability while reducing the overall space occupied by the tray device.
2Ease of manufacture
If manufacturing tolerance is considered, then the tray can be easily manufactured, but the tray cover may be eccentric to the opening causing poor external appearance and erroneous detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates alignment protrusions and alignment grooves that are pre-formed during manufacturing. These alignment features guide the tray cover into proper positioning relative to the opening before final assembly, compensating for manufacturing tolerances. By performing the alignment function in advance through built-in geometric constraints, the patent prevents eccentricity issues while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Shape
If the tray is entirely inserted into the hole, then the external appearance is improved, but the tray may be erroneously detached due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric alignment features including a positioning protrusion on the tray that corresponds to a positioning groove in the housing. This asymmetric geometry ensures that the tray can only be inserted in the correct orientation and maintains proper alignment throughout insertion. The asymmetric design prevents erroneous detachment by creating a mechanical interlock that relies on precise geometric matching rather than simple symmetry.
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments, an electronic device having a housing including three surfaces at least partially surrounding a space between a first and second surface, an opening formed to one portion of a side surface of the housing, and the portion extending to define a hole connected to the opening. The device includes a tray with four side surfaces and having a length capable of being entirely inserted into the hole, and detachable from the hole. The device further including a fixing structure disposed inside the hole in parallel with one side surface of the tray, and at least partially rotatable about an axis in a first direction about the hole. When inserted entirely into the hole, at least one portion of the tray contacts the fixing structure, and if the fixing structure at least partially rotates in the first direction, the tray is released from the hole.