Socket Lock Mechanism for Stable Tablet Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional detachable electronic devices, such as tablet computers and stations, face instability and rattling issues when coupled, due to inadequate support mechanisms, leading to unstable engagement states under applied forces.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a socket with extended first and second walls to stably support the tablet computer, and a lock mechanism with rotatable engaging members and an operating member for easy attachment and detachment, ensuring stable engagement and easy operation from either main face.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a simple attachment structure is used, then ease of operation is improved, but stability under applied forces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachment and detachmentVSAvoidstability of engagement state

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment structure is divided into separate functional components: engagement protrusions on the first unit, corresponding engagement recesses in the socket, and a lock mechanism with operating members. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to overall stability without complicating the attachment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lock mechanism acts as an intermediary between the engagement protrusions/recesses and the operating members. It provides a mechanical linkage that translates simple operating member movement into secure engagement or disengagement of the units, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring stable engagement under force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a single operating member is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation from both main faces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplexity of lock mechanismVSAvoidaccessibility of operating member

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism employs asymmetric placement of the two operating members on opposite sides of the socket. This asymmetric design allows each operating member to be accessible from a different main face of the first unit, enabling users to operate the lock from either side depending on which face they are accessing, without requiring complex mechanical arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Device complexity

If inadequate support mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but stability under applied forces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplexity of support structureVSAvoidstability of engagement state

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The socket is designed with localized engagement features including engagement protrusions and recesses positioned at specific locations to provide targeted support. This local quality approach ensures stability at critical engagement points without requiring a completely complex support structure throughout the entire device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10073492B2Electronic device

Publication Date: 2018.09.11 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device of the present disclosure is configured to detachably include a first unit and a second unit. The second unit includes a socket. The socket includes a socket main body, and an operating member for performing a releasing operation of engagement through a lock mechanism that makes the first unit and the second unit detachable. The socket main body includes a first wall and a second wall. The operating member includes a first operating portion disposed on an exterior of the first wall, and a second operating portion disposed on an exterior of the second wall.