Co-molded Electronic Device Case with Flexible Stand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable electronic device cases either have low friction surfaces for easy insertion and removal, which lack impact protection, or high friction surfaces for protection but are difficult to insert and remove, failing to balance both requirements effectively.
Innovation Solution
A case design combining a hard exterior material with a flexible interior material, where the flexible material has a higher coefficient of friction for grip and is positioned both internally and externally to provide shock absorption and protection, and includes a movable stand for elevated positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a hard exterior material is used for the case, then impact protection is improved, but the coefficient of friction is low making insertion and removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The case combines a hard exterior material (first material) for impact protection with a softer cushioning material (second material) that has a higher coefficient of friction. This composite material approach allows the case to simultaneously achieve both impact protection and ease of insertion/removal by leveraging the complementary properties of different materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The softer material with higher friction is strategically positioned at specific locations where contact with the user's pocket or hand occurs during insertion and removal. This local quality approach ensures that the friction-enhancing material is present where needed for ease of operation, while the hard material provides overall structural protection.
2Ease of operation
If a softer cushioning material with high coefficient of friction is used, then ease of insertion and removal is improved, but impact protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The case uses a composite material structure where a hard exterior material provides the primary impact protection barrier, while a softer cushioning material is integrated to provide both friction enhancement for ease of operation and secondary impact absorption. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by having each material perform its primary function.
Solution Approach 2:
The softer material is positioned strategically to provide friction enhancement at contact surfaces while the hard material forms the main structural body for impact protection. This spatial differentiation allows the softer material to improve ease of operation without compromising the overall impact protection provided by the hard exterior.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable stand is added to the case, then positioning versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable stand is integrated into the case structure by coupling it to the hard exterior material through the softer cushioning material. This merging approach combines the stand functionality with the existing case materials, allowing the stand to be positioned and supported without requiring separate complex mounting mechanisms. The softer material serves as both the coupling medium and the friction-enhancing surface.
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 offers enhanced grip and impact protection while allowing easy insertion and removal, with the flexible material absorbing shocks and distributing impact forces, and the movable stand providing versatile positioning options.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible material having greater flexibility than the first material... the flexible material absorbing shocks and distributing impact forces
Implementation Method 2
The case also includes a second material secured to the first material, the second material having greater flexibility than the first material
Data Source
AI summary
A case for use with a portable electronic device includes a first material configured to surround a back portion and side portions of the portable electronic device, the first material generally being positioned at an exterior of the case. The case also includes a second material secured to the first material, the second material having greater flexibility than the first material. The case additionally includes a movable stand configured to selectively extend from the first material to support the case in an elevated position. The movable stand is coupled to the first material by the second material.