Electronic Device Case With Soft Material Part

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic device cases that protect only the side or rear surfaces are vulnerable to damage, and flip-type cases can scratch the front surface due to foreign matter between the cover and the device.

Innovation Solution

A case design featuring a fastening part, a cover with a base plate and a soft material part that contacts the device's surface, where the base plate has a curved surface and the soft material part has a flat surface, increasing friction to prevent movement and scratches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a flip type case is used to protect the front surface, then protection coverage is improved, but foreign matter between the cover and device can scratch the display screen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection coverageVSAvoidscratch damage from foreign matter

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A soft material part is introduced as an intermediary layer between the cover and the electronic device. This soft material part contacts the front surface and prevents foreign matter from directly touching and scratching the display screen, while still allowing the cover to provide protective coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a soft material part that functions as a flexible protective layer. This thin, compliant material conforms to the front surface of the device and effectively blocks harmful foreign matter without compromising the protective function of the cover.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If the cover is made smooth for easy cleaning, then ease of operation is improved, but friction with foreign matter decreases allowing easier scratching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cleaningVSAvoidscratch susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is designed with different surface qualities in different regions. The portion contacting the electronic device has a soft, high-friction material to prevent scratching, while other portions can be made smooth for easy cleaning. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between ease of cleaning and scratch resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 design effectively suppresses movement of the cover, preventing scratches from foreign matter and providing protection for the front surface of portable electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

at least a portion of the soft material part makes contact with the first surface of the electronic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10651882B2Case for electronic device

Publication Date: 2020.05.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A case for an electronic device includes a fastening part attachable and detachable to and from at least part of the electronic device, a cover that covers a first surface of the electronic device that faces a first direction, with the cover in a closed state, and a connecting part that connects the fastening part and the cover. The cover includes a base plate and a soft material part disposed in a second direction from the base plate, with the cover in the closed state, the second direction being opposite to the first direction, wherein at least a portion of the soft material part makes contact with the first surface of the electronic device.