Tool-Free Unit Mounting Structure With Hook Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unit mounting structures in electronic apparatuses, such as POS terminals, require screwing or tool-based attachment and detachment, which complicates the process and reduces workability.
Innovation Solution
A unit mounting structure featuring a mounting plate with a first and second flange portion and hook portions that allow the unit to be removably attached and detached without tools, utilizing a leaf spring locking mechanism for secure engagement and easy release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If screw-based mounting structure is used, then reliable fixation is achieved, but attachment and detachment require tools and complex operations
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is divided into separate functional elements: the mounting plate with hook portions and the unit with flange portions. This segmentation allows the unit to be attached and detached through simple insertion and engagement movements without requiring screws or tools, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable fixation through the distributed hook-flange engagement points.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active fastening elements like screws that require rotational motion and tools, the invention uses passive engagement elements (hooks and flanges) that automatically secure the unit through simple linear insertion. This inversion from active to passive fastening eliminates the need for tools and complex operations while maintaining secure attachment.
2Productivity
If screw-based mounting structure is used, then secure fixation is achieved, but workability is reduced due to tool requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is designed to be self-servicing through the automatic engagement mechanism between hook portions and flange portions. When the unit is inserted onto the mounting plate, the hooks automatically engage with the flanges to secure the unit in place without requiring any additional tools or complex operations from the operator, thereby improving both productivity and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the fastening function from the traditional screw-based system and implements it through integrated hook and flange structures that are built into the mounting plate and unit respectively. This extraction eliminates the need for separate fastening tools and operations, allowing attachment and detachment to be performed through simple insertion and removal movements, thereby improving workability.
3Length of stationary object
If traditional mounting structure with screws is used, then reliable fixation is achieved, but height increases due to protruding components
Solution Approach 1:
The flange portions of the unit are designed to fit within and engage with the hook portions of the mounting plate in a nested configuration. This nesting arrangement allows the fixation mechanism to be contained within the profile of the mounting plate and unit without requiring protruding screws or fasteners, thereby reducing the overall height while maintaining reliable fixation through the interlocking hook-flange geometry.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables tool-free attachment and detachment of units, improving workability and reducing the overall height of the mounting structure by eliminating the need for screws or protrusions, while maintaining secure fixation.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a leaf spring locking mechanism for secure engagement and easy release
Data Source
AI summary
A unit has a bottom surface, and first and second flange portions. A mounting plate has a first hook portion to be engaged with the first flange portion to control movement of the unit, having been mounted onto an upper plate surface, toward a front side in a depth direction and in a height direction; a second hook portion to be engaged with the second flange portion to control movement of the unit, having been mounted onto the upper plate surface, toward the front side in the depth direction and in the height direction; and a locking portion releasably engaged with the second flange portion to allow movement of the unit, being inserted or removed on the upper plate surface in the depth direction, and to control movement of the unit, having been mounted onto the upper plate surface, toward a rear side in the depth direction.