Rotating Connector Cover Assembly for Multi-Model Chassis Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic apparatuses with side-mounted connectors face compatibility issues due to the shape-dependent protection cover mechanisms, leading to poor adaptability across different models.
Innovation Solution
The electronic apparatus features a flat chassis with a cover assembly that includes a block detachably fixed to the substrate and a cover that rotates to expose or protect the receptacle connector, allowing for high compatibility among models without relying on the shape of each model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protection cover mechanism heavily depending on chassis shape is used, then connector protection is achieved, but compatibility among different models deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protection cover mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a cover body that protects the connector and a hinge mechanism that enables rotation. This segmentation allows the cover to be designed as a standardized module that can be applied to different chassis shapes without requiring custom design for each model, thereby improving compatibility while maintaining protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover assembly is designed with universal applicability across different laptop models. By standardizing the cover structure, hinge connection method, and mounting interface, the same cover design can protect connectors on various chassis shapes and sizes, achieving multi-model compatibility while maintaining reliable connector protection.
2Ease of operation
If a rotation mechanism with hinge is used, then cover functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is extracted as a separate, standardized component that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This extraction simplifies the overall design by allowing the hinge to be a off-the-shelf part rather than a custom-machined component, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the rotational cover functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the cover fixed and requiring the chassis to adapt, the design inverts the approach by making the cover rotatable through a simple hinge mechanism. This inversion allows the cover to adapt to different positions (open/closed) rather than requiring the chassis structure to be customized for each connector location, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes: a flat chassis composed of an upper plate, a lower plate, and a side plate having four peripheral sides; a substrate provided in the chassis; a receptacle connector which is attached to the substrate and has a plug insertion opening directed to a side of the chassis; a cover fitting cutout formed in the side plate of the chassis so as to extend from a point, where the plug insertion opening is exposed, to the lower plate; and a cover assembly attached to the substrate. The cover assembly includes: a block detachably fixed to the substrate, and a cover which is journaled to the block and rotates to close the cover fitting cutout in a closed state and expose the plug insertion opening in an open state.