Shared Aperture for Sensor and Storage Tray in Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with integrated functions and storage media often have multiple holes that allow foreign substances to enter, compromising their functionality and aesthetic appearance.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device design featuring a housing with a sensor and a detachable tray, where a single hole serves both for tray operation and sensor connection, reducing the number of holes and enhancing dustproof/waterproofing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple holes are formed in the housing for sensor connection and tray operation, then the device functionality is improved, but foreign substances can be introduced into the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidforeign substance introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sensor connection hole and tray operation hole into a single integrated hole structure. The sensor is positioned to connect through the same opening used for tray insertion and removal, eliminating the need for separate holes. This merging reduces the number of openings in the housing, thereby preventing foreign substance introduction while maintaining both sensor functionality and tray operability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single hole serves multiple functions: it provides a pathway for sensor connection, allows tray insertion and removal, and maintains aesthetic appearance by minimizing visible openings. This multi-functional design eliminates the trade-off between functionality and protection against foreign substances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple holes are formed in the housing, then the device functionality is improved, but the aesthetic appearance is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the sensor connection hole and tray operation hole into a single opening, the patent reduces the number of visible holes in the housing. This maintains a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing appearance while preserving all necessary device functionalities through the integrated hole design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple holes are formed in the housing, then the device functionality is improved, but dustproof/waterproof structures are required for each hole

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddustproof/waterproof structures

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces the number of holes requiring dustproof/waterproof structures by combining sensor connection and tray operation functions into a single hole. This significantly reduces the complexity of sealing structures needed, as fewer openings require protection mechanisms while maintaining full device functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If a tray is detachably coupled to the housing, then the storage medium can be easily inserted and removed, but additional holes or openings are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage medium insertion and removalVSAvoidforeign substance introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the tray operation pathway with the sensor connection pathway through a single hole. The tray is designed to be inserted and removed through this shared opening, which also provides access to the sensor. This eliminates the need for separate openings, maintaining ease of operation while preventing foreign substance introduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9859936B2Electronic device

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing, a sensor disposed inside the housing, a tray for receiving a storage medium, the tray being detachably coupled to the inside of the housing, and a shared hole for providing a path for operating the tray to be discharged to the outside of the housing and for connecting the sensor to the outside of the housing.