Slide Phone Lock Operator Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable telephone sets with a slide type structure face challenges in user operability, particularly in dark environments, as the position of the lock release operator cannot be easily recognized, hindering smooth operation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an illuminating means within the portable telephone set to illuminate the lock release operator from the inner side, utilizing a light-transmitting material in the vicinity of the operator and controlling LED light emission based on call arrival or operational states to enhance visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the portable telephone set uses a slide type structure with main and movable casings, then size reduction and compactness are achieved, but the lock release operator cannot be recognized in dark environments

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesizeVSAvoidrecognizability of lock release operator
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies light emission (optical property change) to the lock release operator area to make it visible in dark environments. The illuminating means changes the optical state of the operator area by emitting light, allowing users to easily locate and operate the button regardless of ambient lighting conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an illuminating means as an intermediary element between the lock release operator and the user's visual system. This intermediary component (light source) mediates the visibility issue by providing active illumination to the operator area, bridging the gap between the invisible button and the user's perception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If an illuminating means is added to illuminate the lock release operator, then recognizability in dark environments is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognizability of lock release operatorVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the illuminating means with the existing housing structure or operator area. By integrating the light source into the existing design framework rather than adding it as a completely separate component, the patent reduces the incremental complexity while achieving the visibility improvement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The illuminating means is configured to automatically illuminate the lock release operator when needed (e.g., when the device is in a dark environment or when the operator is being used). This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional control mechanisms, reducing operational complexity while maintaining the visibility enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Improves user operability by ensuring the lock release operator can be instantly recognized in dark environments, facilitating smooth operations and enhancing convenience through controlled light emission patterns.

Implementation Method 1

the neighborhood of a part with the lock releasing means is disposed of is made of a light-transmitting material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS8014835B2Portable telephone set
Publication Date: 2011.09.06 LENOVO INNOVATIONS LTD (HONG KONG)
  • US8014835B2 patent drawing
  • US8014835B2 patent drawing
  • US8014835B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A portable telephone set of slide type comprises a main casing, a movable casing, the two casing being slidably coupled and capable of being locked to each other, and a lock releasing element for releasing the lock. The portable telephone set further comprises an illuminating element for illuminating the lock releasing element from the inner side.