Composite Mobile Device Case With Flexible Liner And Rigid Shell

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional protective cases for mobile devices are either too rigid and prone to shattering or too soft and prone to tearing, often requiring removal for use or connection to auxiliary devices, and are bulky, failing to provide adequate protection while maintaining easy access.

Innovation Solution

A flexible inner sleeve with a screen aperture and indents, combined with a rigid shell that engages the sleeve, forming an integrated protective case that allows unobstructed access to the device's features and ports, while providing protection against accidental damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a hard protective shell case is used, then protection strength is improved, but the case becomes brittle and prone to shattering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection strengthVSAvoidresistance to shattering

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protective case combines a rigid shell made of hard material (polycarbonate or acrylic) with a flexible liner made of soft material (silicone rubber or thermoplastic elastomer). This composite structure provides both impact resistance from the rigid shell and shock absorption from the flexible liner, preventing shattering while maintaining protection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If a soft protective shell case is used, then ease of operation is improved, but protection strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftness to touchVSAvoidprotection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If a conventional protective case is used, then protection is provided, but access to device features requires removal of the case

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprotectionVSAvoidaccess to features

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective case is segmented into distinct functional zones: a rigid shell for impact protection, a flexible liner for shock absorption and button access, and strategically positioned apertures for screen and port access. This segmentation allows different parts of the case to serve different purposes, enabling feature access without complete removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The case employs local quality variations with the rigid shell providing structural protection, the flexible liner providing tactile feedback and button access, and localized apertures providing targeted access to screen and ports. Each region of the case has optimized properties for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Strength

If a conventional protective case is used, then protection is provided, but the case becomes bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprotectionVSAvoidcase size

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible liner is nested inside the rigid shell, with the liner fitting snugly within the shell's cavity. This nesting arrangement maximizes protection while minimizing overall case volume, as the two protective layers occupy overlapping space rather than additive space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 solution offers robust protection against scratches and drops while maintaining ease of access to the mobile device's features and ports, without adding significant size or weight, and allows for easy connection to auxiliary devices without cumbersome removal.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible inner sleeve for conformingly surrounding the mobile device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a rigid shell for engaging the flexible inner sleeve, the rigid shell having a plurality of fingers where each finger engages a corresponding indent on the flexible inner sleeve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS10848194B2Protective cases for mobile devices

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 VEVEY LLC

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for protecting a mobile device. In one embodiment, a protection device for a mobile device is disclosed which induces a combination of a flexible inner sleeve and a rigid shell. The flexible inner sleeve conforms to, and encapsulates, the mobile device. The rigid shell receives and engages the inner sleeve. The flexible inner sleeve and the rigid shell can be used separately with the mobile device or can encase the mobile device as an integrated protective unit.