Rotating Fastening Feature for Protective Cover Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in removing a protective layer from a portable computing device without damaging the laminated structure, particularly the display panel, due to adhesive bonds and frictional forces, which can lead to delamination and costly rework or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A rotating fastening feature with two arms extending from a central hub, where one arm receives a fastener and the other interacts with a housing component to release the laminated structure, allowing force to be applied to an interior surface without tension, reducing the risk of delamination and facilitating safe removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If adhesive bonds are used to join housing components, then space is saved and dust/moisture ingress is prevented, but damage to laminated structures occurs during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening feature is divided into two functional arms: a first arm for receiving the fastener and a second arm for engaging the housing component. This segmentation allows the removal force to be applied through the second arm while the first arm provides rotational control, preventing direct tensile stress on the laminated structure and avoiding delamination during removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening feature utilizes rotational motion dynamics to transform the removal process. By applying force to rotate the fastening feature rather than pulling directly, the adhesive bond is broken through controlled rotation rather than sudden tensile stress, preserving the integrity of the laminated display panel while enabling effective removal.
2Productivity
If force is applied directly to remove the protective layer, then removal speed increases, but delamination damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening feature converts linear pull force into rotational motion. The operator applies force to rotate the fastening feature, which progressively breaks the adhesive bond through controlled rotation rather than sudden pulling. This dynamic approach maintains removal speed while preventing delamination damage to the display panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening feature acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the adhesive bond. Instead of applying force directly to the protective layer, the operator rotates the fastening feature, which mediates the force application to progressively break the adhesive bond without creating damaging tensile stresses on the laminated structure.
3Reliability
If fasteners and fastening features are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening feature is designed to be received within a recess of the housing component. When assembled, the fastening feature nests into the housing, with the second arm engaging the housing component's recess. This nested configuration provides secure attachment while minimizing space consumption, as the fastening mechanism occupies minimal additional volume within the housing structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An internal fastening feature that also acts as a means of separating a housing body from a protective cover is disclosed. The internal fastening feature includes two arms that meet at a central hub that is pivotally coupled to a bracket. The bracket is coupled to an interior-facing surface of the protective cover. A first arm defines a threaded opening that receives a fastener that keeps the protective cover coupled with the housing body. A second arm, extending in a different direction than the first arm, is positioned above a protrusion of the housing body. When the fastener is disengaged from the first arm, a disengaging tool can apply a force to the first arm that rotates the second arm until it presses against the protrusion. The force applied to the protrusion is then transmitted to the protective cover, which is consequently pushed away from the housing body.