Locking mechanisms in electronic devices
AssigneeMicrosoft Technology Licensing, LLC
InventorsEric Steven Volk, David John Huston, Scott Douglas Bowers
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Locking mechanisms and electronic devices having locking mechanisms are described herein. In one example, a locking mechanism includes a latch configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein a component of the electronic device is secured in the locked position and removable in the unlocked position. The locking mechanism further includes a memory wire in communication with the latch, wherein the memory wire is configured to contract in length to move the latch between the locked position and the unlocked position to release the component of the electronic device.
Claims20
A locking mechanism positionable within an electronic device, the locking mechanism comprising:
- a latch configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein a component of the electronic device is secured in the locked position and removable in the unlocked position;
- and
- a memory wire in communication with the latch, wherein the memory wire is configured to contract in length to move the latch between the locked position and the unlocked position to release the component of the electronic device, the memory wire including a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end and the second end are connected to a substrate of the electronic device.
A locking mechanism positionable within an electronic device, the locking mechanism comprising:
- a latch having a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment connecting the first and second segments;
- a retention bracket configured to be attached to a substrate of the electronic device,
- wherein a segment of the retention bracket is positioned between the first and second segments of the latch, and wherein the first segment of the latch is positioned between the segment of the retention bracket and the substrate;
- a memory wire in communication with the latch, wherein the memory wire is configured to contract to move the latch along a first axis in a first direction of the contraction of the memory wire to release a component of the electronic device having a segment of the component positioned between the retention bracket and the second segment of the latch;
- and
- a compressible material extending from a surface of the retention bracket, wherein the compressible material is configured to abut the component and restrict movement of the component along a second axis in a second direction transverse to the first axis and the first direction when the latch is in a locked position.
An electronic device comprising:
- a display module;
- a chassis configured to retain the display module within the chassis in a locked position;
- a retention bracket positioned between the display module and the chassis, wherein the retention bracket is attached to the chassis;
- a latch configured to move along a groove provided by the retention bracket between the locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the display module is secured in the locked position and removable in the unlocked position;
- and
- a memory wire in communication with the latch, wherein the memory wire is configured to contract to move the latch along the groove in a direction of the contraction of the memory wire.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.