Switch Mechanism for Secure Detachable Electronic Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices with detachable modules, such as batteries and solid-state drives, are prone to unintentional detachment due to external forces and can be easily stolen by malicious individuals, posing a risk to confidential data.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a housing with an accommodating chamber and a switch mechanism that includes a pushing member and a limiting member. The pushing member is movable between a locked and unlocked position, and when assembled, the limiting member secures the pushing member in the locked position, preventing the detachable module from being easily disassembled.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If detachable electronic modules are made easily removable, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintentional detachment and security risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of module removalVSAvoidmodule retention security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The switch mechanism transforms the static connection state into a dynamic one, allowing the connection between the detachable electronic module and housing to change between locked and unlocked states based on user input through the pushing member

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The switch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user and the detachable electronic module, controlling the connection state through the pushing member and limiting member interaction, thereby mediating between ease of removal and security requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unauthorized removal, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule retention securityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is segmented into a separate switch mechanism that can be independently controlled, rather than integrating the locking function directly into the module connection structure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switch mechanism utilizes the pushing member's movement to automatically engage or disengage the limiting member, creating a self-service locking system that reduces the need for additional control components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4553611A1Electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 GETAC TECH CORP
  • EP4553611A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4553611A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4553611A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device (100) includes a housing (1), a detachable module (2), and a switch mechanism (3). The detachable module (2) is detachably disposed in an accommodating chamber (101) of the housing (1). The switch mechanism (3) includes a pushing member (31) and a limiting member (32). The pushing member (31) is movable relative to the housing (1) between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the detachable module (2) is disposed in the accommodating chamber (101) and the pushing member (31) is located at the unlocked position, the detachable module (2) is able to be disassembled from the accommodating chamber (101). When the detachable module (2) is disposed in the accommodating chamber (101), the pushing member (31) is located at the locked position, and the limiting member (32) is located at a limited position, the detachable module (2) is fixed to the housing (1), and the pushing member (31) is restricted by the limiting member (32) and is not movable to the unlocked position.