Self-Locking USB Cover with Collapsible Brackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB devices with slidable protective caps often lose their covers, leading to user frustration and increased manufacturing and consumer costs due to the need for multiple mechanical components and snap fasteners in existing designs.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device storage apparatus with a self-locking mechanism featuring collapsible brackets and a protective sheath that securely adjusts between storage and operational positions, reducing the number of components required and enhancing locking security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate mechanical components and snap fasteners are used to secure the cover to the USB device, then the locking security is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate mechanical components and snap fasteners into a single integrated self-locking mechanism. The collapsible bracket structure incorporates the locking function directly into the enclosure, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing component count while maintaining secure attachment of the protective cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locking mechanism automatically secures the protective cover without requiring additional fastening components. The collapsible brackets engage with the enclosure and cover through a self-actuating design that locks the cover in place when the enclosure is retracted, providing secure attachment through the structure's own geometry rather than external fasteners.
2Reliability
If multiple separate mechanical components and snap fasteners are used to secure the cover to the USB device, then the locking security is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate mechanical components and snap fasteners into a single integrated self-locking mechanism. The collapsible bracket structure incorporates the locking function directly into the enclosure, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing component count while maintaining secure attachment of the protective cover.
3Ease of operation
If the protective cover is designed to slide on and off the connector, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the cover connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The self-locking mechanism automatically secures the protective cover without requiring additional fastening components. The collapsible brackets engage with the enclosure and cover through a self-actuating design that locks the cover in place when the enclosure is retracted, providing secure attachment through the structure's own geometry rather than external fasteners.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device storage apparatus with an enhanced self-locking mechanism in communication with a slidable cover is provided. The apparatus includes an electronic assembly having a connector coupled to a circuit board, an enclosure disposed around the circuit board such that the connector protrudes outside the enclosure, the enclosure having a pair of collapsible brackets mounted to the enclosure and designed to pivotably adjust to an open position away from the circuit board or a closed position against the circuit board, and a protective sheath slidably mounted to a portion of the enclosure and having an end opening. The collapsible brackets in the closed position slidably adjust relative to the protective sheath to a first locking position to extend the electronic assembly's connector through the end opening of the protective sheath for an exposure or a second locking position to retract the electronic assembly's connector within the protective sheath.