Auto-Closing Protective Case with Pre-Tensioned Elastic Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protective cases for mobile electronic devices do not adequately protect the front side, which is susceptible to damage, especially when the device is dropped with the cover open, and require manual closure, leading to cumbersome operation and increased risk of the device falling.
Innovation Solution
A protective case with a receiving part and a covering part connected via elastic members that automatically fold into a closed position when released, ensuring the device is protected regardless of the falling position and eliminating the need for manual closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the protective case uses a manual closure mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the device is vulnerable to impact when dropped with cover open
Solution Approach 1:
The protective case automatically closes itself when dropped through the action of elastic members that were pre-stretched during normal use. The elastic members store potential energy that is converted to kinetic energy during impact, causing the cover to snap shut without requiring manual intervention, thus making the system self-protecting.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic members are pre-tensioned during normal operation of the case, storing elastic potential energy in advance. This preliminary action prepares the system for automatic closure upon impact, so that when the device is dropped, the stored energy immediately activates the closing mechanism without requiring additional input from the user.
2Ease of operation
If the cover is left open for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the front side becomes susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the user to easily access the device with the cover open, but automatically responds to drop conditions by closing itself through the elastic members' stored energy. This self-service mechanism ensures protection is activated only when needed, maintaining ease of operation during normal use while preventing damage during accidental drops.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual closure is required, then the manufacturing is simple, but the productivity is reduced due to cumbersome operation
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic closure mechanism requires minimal additional manufacturing complexity compared to manual closure, while dramatically improving operational efficiency. The elastic members are integrated into the existing case structure, and the automatic closing action eliminates the need for users to manually close the cover, saving time and reducing frustration during frequent access scenarios.
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 case automatically closes when dropped, providing comprehensive protection to the device's vulnerable areas without manual intervention, ensuring the device remains secure and operational across various falling positions.
Implementation Method 1
The receiving part and the covering part are connected to one another in a pre-tensioned fashion via at least one elastic member in such a manner that the receiving part automatically moves from an opened position into the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A protective case for a mobile electronic device is disclosed, the protective case comprising a receiving part for fastening the device, and a covering part, which is arranged relative to the receiving part such that it can be folded into a closed position, for covering, in the closed state, the device which, in the fitted state, is fastened at the receiving part, wherein the receiving part and the covering part are connected to one another in a pre-tensioned fashion via at least one elastic member in such a manner that the receiving part automatically moves from an opened position into the closed position.