Sliding Module Rail Structure for Thinner Electronic Housings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional moving modules for electronic devices with two slide bodies are limited by the space occupied by springs, making it difficult to reduce device thickness and increasing fabrication complexity due to the need for structural modifications when driving elements are changed.

Innovation Solution

A moving module with a rail and elastic element, where the rail has a curved portion that increases force on the elastic element as the moving element slides, allowing the elastic restoration force to drive movement and enable relative sliding between two bodies, reducing the need for complex spring systems and allowing for a thinner profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If springs are used as driving elements in the moving module, then the moving module can achieve relative movement between two bodies, but the springs occupy space in both bodies making it impossible to reduce the thickness of the electronic device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethickness of electronic deviceVSAvoidstructural relationship between bodies and springs

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The moving module is separated into an independent component that couples between the first body and second body, rather than integrating springs directly into either body. This segmentation allows the moving module to be a standalone unit with reduced thickness requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic element and moving element are extracted from the body structures and consolidated into a separate moving module. This extraction eliminates the need for springs to occupy space within the bodies, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the electronic device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If springs are used as driving elements, then the moving module can provide elastic force for movement, but modifying the type or number of springs requires modifying the springs and relevant structures on the two bodies, increasing fabrication complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefabrication complexityVSAvoidflexibility to modify driving elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The moving module is designed as a universal component that can be applied to different electronic device configurations. By consolidating the elastic element and moving element into a single module, the design allows for easy modification of driving elements without requiring changes to the body structures, enhancing both manufacturability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The moving module acts as an intermediary component between the first body and second body. This intermediary structure simplifies fabrication by providing a standardized interface that decouples the driving mechanism from the body structures, allowing independent optimization and modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the moving module uses springs connected between two bodies, then relative movement can be achieved, but the commonality in use of the moving module is reduced due to body-specific modifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommonality of moving moduleVSAvoidbody-specific structures

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution enhances commonality and flexibility in fabrication and use, reduces the electronic device's thickness, and lowers manufacturing costs by simplifying the structure and enabling easier modification of the moving module.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic element is connected between the moving element and the first body. When the moving element moves from the first end toward the curved portion, a force exerted on the elastic element by the moving element is gradually increased. When the moving element passes the curved portion, an elastic restoration force of the elastic element drives the moving element to move toward the second end.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20110063781A1Moving module and electronic device

Publication Date: 2011.03.17 HTC CORP

AI summary

A moving module and an electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a first body, a second body, and the moving module disposed between the first and second bodies. The moving module includes a rail, a moving element, and an elastic element. The moving element is in contact with the rail. The elastic element is connected between the moving element and the first body. When the moving element moves from a first end of the rail to a curved portion of the rail, a force exerted on the elastic element by the moving element is gradually increased. When the moving element passes the curved portion, an elastic restoration force of the elastic element drives the moving element to move toward a second end of the rail. When the moving element reaches the first end or the second end, the first body and the second body interfere with each other.