External Storage Tray Lever Assembly for Simpler Socket Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices require a lever mechanism for removing external storage media, which complicates the socket structure and may lead to user inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

A tray assembly with a lever assembly fixed to the tray body and a movable tray head, eliminating the need for a separate lever mechanism in the socket.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a lever mechanism is arranged in the socket for removing external storage media, then the tray can be removed from the electronic device, but the socket structure becomes complex and user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsocket structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lever assembly is merged with the tray body to form an integrated unit. The rotation axis is fixed to the tray body, and the tray head is coupled to the lever assembly, creating a unified structure that eliminates the need for a separate lever mechanism in the socket. This merging reduces the socket structure to a simple receiving component while maintaining the ejection function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lever mechanism is extracted from the socket and relocated to the tray. By placing the lever assembly on the tray body rather than in the socket, the socket structure is simplified to only perform the receiving function, while the ejection function is handled by the separately removable tray assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a lever mechanism is integrated into the socket for tray removal, then the tray can be ejected, but the overall device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetray removal functionVSAvoidoverall device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into functionally independent components: the socket provides the receiving function, while the tray assembly (including tray body, lever assembly, and tray head) provides the ejection function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without unnecessary complexity in other parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lever assembly is merged with the tray body to form an integrated unit that can be manufactured and assembled as a single component, reducing the overall number of parts and simplifying the device structure while maintaining the ejection function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12493764B2Tray for accommodating external storage medium and electronic device including the same

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device an embodiment of the disclosure comprises a housing including an opening in a side thereof; a tray including a tray body, a lever assembly arranged to have a rotation axis fixed to the tray body, and a tray head arranged to be coupled to the lever assembly to be movable with respect to the rotation axis; and a socket arranged in the housing to receive at least a portion of the tray drawn-in into the opening in the housing.