Sliding Unit Guide Device Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing guide devices for sliding units in sliding-type mobile terminals suffer from uneven and rough sliding operations due to friction issues, leading to a shortened lifespan and potential scratches, especially when the latch and injection portions made of PolyOxyMethylene (POM) are formed through insert-injection methods.
Innovation Solution
A guide device for a sliding unit is designed with independently manufactured guide rails made of a polymer material, such as POM, featuring a ' '-shaped cross-section with vertical, horizontal extending portions, and recessed areas, coupled with a guide plate and latch portions, which reduces friction and enhances sliding smoothness by using materials with superior mechanical processibility and lubricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If insert-injection method using POM material is used for latch member and rack member, then sliding sensitivity is improved, but friction increases and sliding uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device is divided into separate components: the guide plate with rack portions and the guide rails with engagement portions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the guide plate provides structural support while the guide rails provide smooth sliding surfaces, resolving the contradiction between sliding sensitivity and uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rails act as intermediary elements between the rack portions and the sliding body. These guide rails with ' '-shaped cross-sections provide a mediating sliding surface that reduces direct friction between POM components, enabling both high sliding sensitivity and uniform motion
2Productivity
If insert-injection method is used for manufacturing latch member and rack member, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but scratch generation increases and lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic insert-injection process is extracted and replaced for the guide rails. Instead of using insert-injection for all components, the guide rails are manufactured separately using processes that avoid scratch generation, while other components can still use efficient injection methods
Solution Approach 2:
The material parameters and manufacturing parameters are changed for the guide rails. By using ' '-shaped cross-sections and alternative manufacturing methods, the physical parameters of the sliding surface are optimized to minimize friction and scratch generation while extending component lifespan
3Ease of operation
If guide rails with ' '-shaped cross-section are used, then sliding smoothness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rails with ' '-shaped cross-sections serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, guide the sliding motion, reduce friction through their geometry, and interface with both the rack portions and the sliding body. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity by eliminating the need for separate friction-reduction components
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 a smooth sliding operation, minimizes scratch generation, and extends the lifespan of the sliding unit while offering improved design flexibility and structural stiffness, thus enhancing the overall performance and durability of the mobile terminal.
Implementation Method 1
guide rails manufactured independently to be assembled with the latch portions... wherein the guide rails are disposed to extend in a longitudinal direction of the lower slide... made of a polymer material, such as POM... which reduces friction and enhances sliding smoothness by using materials with superior mechanical processibility and lubricity
Data Source
AI summary
A guide device for a sliding unit in a mobile terminal is provided. The guide device includes a lower slide including latch portions formed to open outwards, guide rails manufactured independently to be assembled with the latch portions, wherein the guide rails are disposed to extend in a longitudinal direction of the lower slide, and a guide plate comprising rack portions coupled with the guide rails, wherein the guide plate is disposed to face the lower slide.