Worm Shaft Locking Structure for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastening structures for electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, are prone to detachment due to poor fastening and accidental release, leading to potential device damage when connected to extension apparatuses like monitors.
Innovation Solution
A locking structure comprising a body, a worm shaft, a guide rod, a fixing base, and a linkage set, where the worm shaft rotates to secure or release the electronic device, allowing for secure attachment and detachment by rotating the locking member from a releasing to a securing direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pressable buckle is used for fastening, then the connection can be easily operated, but the buckle may be pressed unintentionally causing detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional pressable buckle mechanism with a worm shaft and worm wheel system. The worm shaft rotates to drive the worm wheel, which in turn actuates the locking member. This mechanical substitution eliminates the accidental pressing issue while maintaining ease of operation through rotational input, transforming the operation mode from linear pressing to rotational engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking structure employs dynamic elements including a rotatable worm shaft, a worm wheel that converts rotational motion to linear motion, and a movable locking member that transitions between locked and unlocked states. The guide rod and linkage set provide dynamic positioning control, allowing the system to adapt between different operational states while maintaining stability in the locked state.
2Device complexity
If a simple pressable buckle is used, then the structure is simple, but the fastening is poor leading to detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure is divided into distinct functional segments: the body housing, the worm shaft mechanism, the worm wheel, the locking member, the guide rod, and the linkage set. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve reliable fastening through coordinated action of multiple components while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The worm wheel serves as an intermediary mechanism between the worm shaft and the locking member. It converts the rotational motion of the worm shaft into linear motion that actuates the locking member, providing a mechanical advantage that enhances fastening strength while distributing the complexity across multiple intermediary components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic device is connected to extension apparatuses, then the usage is extended, but the device may fall and break due to poor fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure applies preliminary anti-action by creating a positive mechanical lock that prevents detachment before any harmful event can occur. The locking member engages with the body to create a secure connection that resists accidental detachment, thereby preventing the harmful effect of device fall and damage before it can happen.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking structure provides beforehand cushioning by establishing a secure mechanical connection prior to any potential impact or detachment event. The worm shaft and worm wheel system creates a pre-tensioned locked state that cushions against the harmful effects of accidental detachment, protecting the electronic device from damage before any fall can occur.
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
The locking structure enables secure and convenient connection and disconnection of electronic devices to extension apparatuses, preventing accidental detachment and device damage, while maintaining stability during use.
Implementation Method 1
a worm shaft (12), a guide rod (13), a fixing base (14) and a linkage set (15). The worm shaft (12) is pivotally assembled to the body (11), and the worm shaft includes a rotating shaft (121), a guide rail (122) and a locking member (123)
Implementation Method 2
one of two ends of the guide rod (13) slidably assembled to the guide rail (122) of the worm shaft (12)
Implementation Method 3
One end of the linkage set (15) is abutted against the fixing base (14), and another end of the linkage set (15) is connected to the guide rod (13)
Data Source
AI summary
A locking structure for securing an electronic device includes a body, a worm shaft, a guide rod, a fixing base and a linkage set. When a user wants to connect the electronic device to another device, the user could insert the electronic device into the locking structure which is set on the device. Then, the user pushes down the electronic device to drive the locking structure and the worm shaft of the locking structure would be rotated from a releasing direction to a securing direction. When the user wants to release the electronic device, the user could push it back to the original position. Then, the worm shaft would be rotated from the securing direction to the releasing direction so the user could release the electronic device from the locking structure. Consequently, it is easy to secure or release the electronic device to another device through the locking structure.