Sliding Cover Layout for Exposed Electronic Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices restrict the placement of electronic components due to the need for space to accommodate sliding covers, limiting the pitch between components and reducing the available space for other components.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device design with a cover that moves between open and closed positions intersecting the display surface, utilizing positioning protrusions and recesses, guide protrusions and grooves, and cutouts to facilitate smooth movement and increased space for component placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sliding cover is used to open and close the opening, then the electronic component can be protected when not in use, but the space required for the cover to move limits the placement freedom of electronic components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of electronic componentVSAvoidplacement freedom of electronic components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cover moves in the first direction (parallel to display surface) rather than the conventional second direction (perpendicular to display surface), utilizing the thickness dimension of the housing to achieve opening/closing functionality while preserving lateral space for component placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If space is allocated for the cover to slide, then the cover can perform its opening and closing function, but the pitch between electronic components cannot be narrowed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover operationVSAvoidcomponent placement density

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover's movement path is redirected from the lateral dimension to the thickness dimension of the housing, allowing the cover to slide along the outer periphery of the display without occupying lateral space that would otherwise be available for placing electronic components closer together

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of stationary object

If multiple electronic components are disposed inside one opening, then space is saved, but the pitch between components cannot be narrowed and operational independence is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailable space in housingVSAvoidindependent operation of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into multiple independent openings, each capable of being independently opened or closed by the cover, allowing each electronic component to be accessed separately while maintaining compact overall design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250362711A1Electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device includes a housing, an electronic component, and a cover. The housing includes a first surface including a display, a second surface intersecting the first surface, and an opening provided at a position in the first surface, the position being between the display and the second surface in a first direction intersecting the second surface. The electronic component is disposed inside the housing and exposed to an outside of the housing through the opening. The cover is disposed between the opening and the electronic component in a second direction intersecting the first surface, and moves along the first direction between a closed position and an open position.