Snap Retention Feature for Portable Device Enclosure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable computing devices with multiple fasteners face issues such as increased rework time, exposure of internal components to contaminants, and additional machining time, due to the need to remove and reattach multiple fasteners for repair or assembly.
Innovation Solution
The use of a snap member and retention feature system, where protrusions with tapered regions engage snap members within grooved retention features, allowing for secure assembly and disassembly without the need for traditional fasteners, reducing the number of openings and fasteners required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple traditional fasteners are used to secure the top case to the bottom case, then the enclosure is securely assembled, but the rework time increases and internal components are exposed to contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from traditional multiple fasteners and consolidates it into a single retention feature with snap members. This eliminates the need to remove multiple fasteners during rework, reducing rework time while maintaining secure enclosure assembly through the retained snap members in the retention feature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple fastening functions into a single integrated retention feature that houses multiple snap members. This consolidation allows the enclosure to be securely assembled with fewer components and enables quicker rework by removing only one retention feature instead of multiple fasteners
2Reliability
If multiple traditional fasteners are used to secure the top case to the bottom case, then the enclosure is securely assembled, but the number of openings increases exposing internal components to contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from multiple distributed fasteners and consolidates it into a single retention feature. This reduces the number of openings in the enclosure, minimizing exposure of internal components to contaminants while maintaining secure assembly through the snap members engaged in the retention feature
Solution Approach 2:
The snap members function as flexible retaining elements that can deform to engage with the retention feature and provide secure fastening with minimal openings, protecting internal components from contaminants
3Reliability
If multiple traditional fasteners are used to secure the top case to the bottom case, then the enclosure is securely assembled, but the machining time and parts quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastening functions into a single integrated retention feature that can be machined as one piece or pre-formed component. This reduces total machining time compared to creating multiple separate fastener locations and simplifies the parts inventory by consolidating multiple fasteners into one retention feature assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure for a portable computing device is disclosed. The enclosure includes a top case and a bottom case. The bottom case includes a retention feature that receives a snap member. The top case includes a tapered protrusion that is received by the snap member in order to secure the top case to the bottom case. Other features may be included. For example, the retention feature may also receive a tab member that secures the snap member to the retention feature. The retention feature and the tapered protrusion allow for alternate securing means between the top case and the bottom case. As a result, fewer fasteners are required to secure the top case with the bottom case.