Slide Switch Multi-Step Locking Mechanism for Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional notebook computer designs with multiple slide switches and screws are costly, voluminous, and detract from the aesthetic appearance due to the need for tools to assemble and disassemble components, wasting structural space and increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A slide switch with a multi-step lock/unlock function incorporating a buckling component, constraining component, and latch, which includes hook and contact portions to constrain and separate units relative to the casing, allowing for sequential locking and unlocking without tools, thus simplifying the design and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple slide switches and screws are used to fix battery and protection cover, then the units can be securely locked and unlocked, but the manufacturing cost increases and the device volume enlarges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions (locking battery, locking protection cover, unlocking) into a single integrated slide switch assembly. The switch body simultaneously engages with both the battery and protection cover through its hook portion and contact portion, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate switches and screws.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide switch is designed as a multi-functional component that can lock and unlock different units (battery and protection cover) through a single operation. The switch body with its hook portion and contact portion serves multiple purposes: securing the battery, securing the protection cover, and enabling tool-free assembly and disassembly.
2Reliability
If multiple holes are formed on protection cover for screw insertion, then the protection cover can be securely fastened, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visible screw holes and screw fasteners from the protection cover design. Instead of using traditional screw-fastened holes that compromise appearance, the invention uses a concealed latch mechanism where the switch body engages with the protection cover from the interior, eliminating the need for visible external fastening elements.
3Reliability
If conventional mechanical design with multiple slide switches and screws is used, then each unit can be independently secured, but the structural space is wasted and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate fastening mechanisms into a single compact slide switch assembly. The switch body with its hook portion and contact portion replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate switches and screws, thereby reducing the overall space required for fastening components and simplifying the structural arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
A slide switch for constraining a movement of a unit relative to a casing is disclosed in the present invention. The slide switch includes a buckling component, a constraining component and a latch. The buckling component includes a connection portion and an inclined structure. The constraining component includes a block portion and a guide portion. The latch includes a body, a hook portion disposed on the body, a first guide structure disposed on a top of the hook portion, and a contact portion disposed on the body. The hook portion is engaged with the connection portion to constrain the movement of a first unit. The first guide structure pushes the inclined structure to separate the first unit from the casing. The contact portion contacts the block portion to constrain the movement of a second unit, and slides relative to the guide portion to separate the second unit from the casing.