Sliding Port Cover Layout for Compact Waterproof Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in miniaturization due to dead spaces around terminal connection openings, which restrict component placement and hinder size reduction.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a housing with a curved surface and a movable cover that exposes a connection port through an opening, allowing for increased component placement flexibility and miniaturization, while also featuring a sealing member for enhanced waterproof performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a terminal connection opening is provided at the corner of the housing, then the connection terminal can be exposed for external connection, but the dead space around the opening restricts component placement and prevents miniaturization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection terminal exposureVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection part is segmented into a fixed portion (connection terminal) and a movable portion (cover), allowing the terminal to be exposed when needed while the cover can be repositioned to minimize space occupation, thus resolving the conflict between connection accessibility and miniaturization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is designed to be movable along the curved surface between different positions, enabling dynamic adjustment of the opening state. This allows the device to transition between connected and protected states, optimizing both connection functionality and compact form factor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the connection part is disposed inside the housing, then component placement flexibility is improved, but the connection port needs to be exposed through the opening requiring a cover mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent placement flexibilityVSAvoidcover mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover serves multiple functions: it protects the connection port when not in use, guides the insertion of connection terminals, and can be integrated with sealing members for waterproofing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective structures, simplifying the overall device design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240006797A1Electronic device

Publication Date: 2024.01.04 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device includes a housing, a cover, and a connection part. The housing includes a first surface, a second surface intersecting the first surface, a corner including a curved surface and an opening, the curved surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, the opening extending along the curved surface and along a placement direction of the first surface, the second surface, and the corner. The cover is disposed inside the housing while being movable along the placement direction between a closed position where the opening is closed and an open position where the opening is opened. The connection part is disposed at a position inside the housing where the cover is positioned between the connection part and the opening, the connection part including a connection port exposed to an outside through the opening when the cover is positioned at the open position.