Portable Device Case with Elastic Card Retention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic device cases with integrated card storage compartments are often bulkier and heavier due to added storage space, compromising the compact and stylish design, and expose credit cards when the device is used, posing a need for a compact, stylish, and secure card storage solution.

Innovation Solution

A case design featuring a card storage compartment with elastic protrusions on the walls and bottom surface that exert pressure to securely hold cards in place, allowing for easy insertion and removal while maintaining a compact form factor, and incorporating a hard protective cover for added durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a card storage compartment is integrated into the protective case, then card storage functionality is improved, but the case becomes bulkier and heavier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard storage functionalityVSAvoidcase weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The card storage compartment is nested within the protective case structure itself, utilizing the case's existing volume rather than adding external attachments. The compartment is formed by creating a recess or cavity within the case body, allowing cards to be stored inside the case rather than requiring separate storage accessories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The case is constructed using flexible or thin material that can form the card storage compartment without significantly increasing overall thickness. The flexible nature of the material allows the case to maintain its compact form while accommodating the additional storage function within the same external dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If a card storage compartment is integrated into the protective case, then card storage functionality is improved, but the case becomes bulkier and heavier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard storage functionalityVSAvoidcase volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The card storage compartment utilizes the thickness dimension of the case rather than extending the case's length or width. By creating a recess that extends partially through the case thickness, the design accommodates cards without increasing the case's external footprint, maintaining its compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If credit cards are stored inside the front cover of the case, then card storage is improved, but the cards are exposed when the device is used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard storageVSAvoidcard exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The card storage compartment is extracted from the front cover location and repositioned to the back of the case. This extraction removes the harmful effect of card exposure during device use, as cards stored on the back remain concealed when the device is held or used, while still providing accessible storage functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of storing cards in the front cover where they are visible, the design inverts the storage location to the back of the case. This inversion maintains the storage function while eliminating the privacy issue, as cards are now stored in a concealed location that is not exposed during normal device usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 effectively protects and securely stores credit cards without making the device bulkier, keeping them concealed, and is easy to manufacture with low costs due to single molding processes for both the soft and hard components.

Implementation Method 1

a card retaining means in the form of an elastic protrusion in the card storage compartment for exerting pressure on the card

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9675150B2Portable electronic device case having card storage compartment

Publication Date: 2017.06.13 SPIGEN KOREA

AI summary

A case for a portable electronic device includes a card storage compartment for storing one or more cards, a cover for covering the card storage compartment, and a first card retaining means. The card storage compartment has a bottom surface and a side wall of first, second and third walls and the first card retaining means is formed on the first wall for retaining the one or more cards in the card storage compartment by exerting pressure on the one or more cards. There may be second and third card retaining means, and the third card retaining means helps retaining the one or more cards by exerting pressure on the card(s) against the cover.