Side-Coupling Slider Lock Structure for Space-Saving Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic device units face challenges in durability and internal space restrictions due to the need for a large arm length and special shapes to secure the slider at a lock position, limiting shape flexibility and component mounting space, and the elastic deformation mechanism is not effective in preventing wear and ensuring strength.
Innovation Solution
A side-coupling-type electronic device unit with a casing featuring a coupling hook and engagement hole, and a slider with a guide groove, convex, and concave portions that restrict movement at lock and unlock positions, allowing for high durability and reduced internal space restrictions by using elastic deformation of the slider and lid body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an arm is provided on the slider and a stepped shape is formed on the case to fix the slider at the lock position, then the slider can be securely fixed, but the component mounting space on the printed board becomes narrower and the shape flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the arm component from the slider and the stepped shape from the case, extracting the elements that were consuming space. Instead, it uses the guide groove with convex and concave portions to achieve slider fixation, thereby freeing up component mounting space on the printed board while maintaining slider fixing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding an arm to the slider and a stepped shape to the case (positive approach), the patent inverts the approach by using recesses (concave portions) in the guide groove to engage with protrusions on the slider. This inverted configuration achieves the same locking function with reduced space requirements
2Strength
If the arm length is increased to ensure durability, then the slider fixing becomes more reliable, but the lock/unlock component thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a longitudinal arm structure (extending in one dimension) to a guide groove structure with convex and concave portions (utilizing multiple dimensions). The groove depth and width provide the necessary mechanical engagement without requiring increased component thickness, achieving durability through a three-dimensional groove geometry rather than a one-dimensional arm extension
3Manufacturing precision
If a stepped shape is formed on the case to fix the slider, then the slider can be positioned accurately, but the shape flexibility of the case is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the guide groove into multiple functional portions: convex portions for positioning, concave portions for engagement, and smooth transition sections. This segmentation allows the groove to provide precise slider positioning through the convex-concave interaction while maintaining overall case shape flexibility, as the groove is just one feature within the larger case structure rather than a dominant stepped shape
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 solution provides high durability and reduced internal space restrictions, enabling reliable locking and unlocking operations while maintaining component mounting flexibility and preventing wear, thus improving the overall system's assembly and operation.
Implementation Method 1
elastic deformation the extent of which the tip runs over the step is realized by the elasticity of resin
Data Source
AI summary
A guide groove has two protrusions on a side face, and a slider has three concave grooves, into which the two protrusions are capable of being fitted, on a sidewall. When the slider is located at a lock position, the two protrusions are fitted into two of the three concave grooves on one end side of the guide groove to restrict movement of the slider. When the slider is located at an unlock position, the two protrusions are fitted into two of the three concave grooves on the other end side of the guide groove to restrict movement of the slider.