Sliding Module Thickness Reduction via Nested Guide Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sliding modules in portable terminals hinder miniaturization due to the engagement of movable and stationary members, which prevent a reduction in thickness.
Innovation Solution
A sliding module with a sliding plate on one housing and guide rods and ribs on the other, utilizing elastic means for controlled sliding movement, allowing for reduced thickness and enhanced component mounting space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional sliding modules with movable and stationary members are used, then the sliding function is achieved, but the thickness of the terminal cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guide ribs are integrated into the housing structure itself, with first guide ribs formed on the movable housing and second guide ribs formed on the stationary housing. This nesting approach eliminates the need for separate guide components, thereby reducing overall thickness while maintaining the sliding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide function is merged with the housing structure by forming guide ribs directly on the housing surfaces. This combines the structural support function with the guidance function, reducing the number of separate components and enabling thickness reduction.
2Area of stationary object
If guide members and guide rails are provided in conventional sliding modules, then sliding stability is achieved, but component mounting space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guide ribs extend in the longitudinal direction of the movable housing, utilizing the length dimension to provide guidance stability. This allows the transverse dimension (width) to be available for component mounting, effectively trading one dimension for another to resolve the space-stability contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance function is segmented into multiple first guide ribs and second guide ribs distributed along the longitudinal direction. This segmentation provides stable guidance through multiple contact points while maintaining space efficiency in the transverse direction for component mounting.
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding module for a portable terminal which has a first housing and a second housing sliding on the first housing is disclosed, the sliding module slidably coupling the first and second housings. The sliding module includes a sliding plate mounted on a surface of the first housing; at least one guide rod mounted on a surface of the second housing and slidably coupled to the sliding plate, the guide rod being extended in the longitudinal direction of the second housing; at least one first guide rib formed on the sliding plate; and at least one second guide rib formed on the surface of the second housing, wherein the second guide rib is slidably engaged with the first guide rib, and maintains at least partial engagement with the first guide rib within a sliding range of the second housing.