Composite Protective Case for Computing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective cases for computing devices, such as tablets and laptops, often fail to provide adequate protection against drops and collisions, leading to device damage and case separation. Additionally, these cases can be bulky, degrade over time, and interfere with heat dissipation, compromising the performance and longevity of the computing device.
Innovation Solution
A composite case design featuring a first portion that protects and detachably connects to the display portion of the computing device, and a second portion that protects and detachably connects to the input device portion. The case includes perimetral fasteners, a multi-pivot hinge unit, and a hinge cover portion to securely attach and protect the device, while allowing for easy opening and closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If softer cushion materials (silicon or thermoplastic polyurethane rubber) are used for basic protection, then protection against drops and scratches is improved, but the case becomes bulky and induces too much friction that interferes with easy attachment and grip
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into multiple portions (first portion for display, second portion for input device) that can be separately attached and detached. Each portion provides localized protection without requiring the entire case to be bulky, allowing protection where needed while minimizing overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The case uses composite construction with different materials for different portions - softer materials for impact absorption and harder materials for structural integrity. This allows protection against drops and scratches while maintaining a sleek, non-bulky profile through optimized material distribution.
2Volume of moving object
If stiffer injected plastics (polycarbonate) are used for case construction, then case bulkiness is reduced, but the case passes on relatively high material stresses to the computing device during drops or collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The case is segmented into multiple portions with different material properties. The first and second portions use stiffer materials for structural integrity and low bulkiness, while intermediate cushioning elements absorb impact stresses, preventing stress transmission to the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The case employs composite material construction combining stiffer plastics for structural portions with softer cushioning materials for impact-absorbing portions. This allows the case to maintain a sleek profile while protecting the device from high stresses during drops or collisions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cases are designed with complete envelope coverage for maximum protection, then protection against drops and collisions is improved, but the case decreases the ability of the device to expel heat
Solution Approach 1:
The case is designed as separate attachable portions rather than a complete envelope, allowing strategic placement of protective elements away from heat-generating areas. This segmentation enables protection where needed while preserving thermal pathways for heat dissipation.
4Ease of operation
If cases use detachable connections for easy attachment and removal, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of connection is reduced leading to case separation during normal use
Solution Approach 1:
The case portions are designed with pre-positioned fasteners and alignment features that guide proper attachment. This preliminary design ensures that when users attach the case, the connections are automatically optimized for both ease of attachment and reliable connection, preventing separation during normal use.
Data Source
AI summary
A composite case for a computing device comprising a first portion to protect and detachably connect to a display portion. The first portion may have perimetral fasteners disposed on its edges. A second portion is for protecting and detachably connecting to an input device portion of the computing device. The second portion may have perimetral fasteners disposed on its edges. The display and input device portions can be detachably connected to each other through a multi-pivot hinge unit operable to rotate about one or more computing device axes defined between the display and input device portions to move the computing device between open and closed states. A hinge cover portion can be connected to the first portion operable to detachably receive and surround the multi-pivot hinge of the computing device. A protective shell can be formed between first and second portions.