Slide Structure for Electronic Device Thickness Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slide structures for electronic devices increase the thickness when applied to mainboard areas, contradicting the lightweight design principle by having a total thickness of 2.7 mm, which is not applicable and results in an unwanted thickness increase when used in electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A new slide structure with a total thickness of 1.92 mm, comprising a first cover and a second cover with a fixed member and a fitting member, allowing for relative sliding movement without increasing the device's thickness, achieved by optimizing the dimensions and design of the slide structure components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional slide structure is applied to the mainboard area, then the sliding function is achieved, but the device thickness increases to 2.7 mm

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesliding functionVSAvoiddevice thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the sliding mechanism from a vertical arrangement (which would increase thickness) to a horizontal arrangement within the mainboard area. The guide rail and sliding block are configured to move along the width direction of the mainboard, allowing the camera module to slide between the mainboard and back cover without increasing the device's thickness dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic sliding mechanism where the camera module can move between a retracted position (flush with the back cover) and an exposed position (protruding from the back cover). This is achieved through the guide rail and sliding block configuration that allows controlled movement while maintaining a compact form factor when retracted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of moving object

If the screen size is increased, then the user experience is improved, but the device dimensions must be increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen sizeVSAvoiddevice dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the width dimension of the device by sliding the camera module horizontally across the mainboard area. This allows the camera to be exposed when needed without increasing the device's thickness, effectively using the available width space to accommodate both a larger screen and functional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera module is nested within the mainboard area when retracted, allowing it to be housed within the existing device footprint. The sliding mechanism enables the camera to be temporarily exposed for use while returning to its nested position when not in use, maintaining a compact overall device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3644584B1Slide structure of electronic device
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3644584B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3644584B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3644584B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A slide structure and an electronic device can affect a relative sliding movement between a first structure and a second structure of the electronic device. The slide structure includes a first cover and a second cover; a fixed member fixed to the second cover on a surface facing the first cover, where first receiving spaces are formed between the fixed member and the surface of the second cover and extend along a relative sliding direction of the electronic device; a fitting member including cover portions extending along the relative sliding direction, one part of the cover portions extending into the first receiving spaces and the other part fixed to the first cover on a surface facing the second cover, so that the fixed member is slidable along the second receiving spaces formed between the cover portions and the surface of the first cover.