Portable Device Cover Segmentation for Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable device covers are difficult to insert and remove due to airtight designs that create high friction when trying to pull the device out, despite materials like silicone having a low coefficient of friction, and prior art solutions increase friction rather than decrease it.
Innovation Solution
The cover features a cap with a tight seal that can be easily put on and taken off with a snapping action, and includes internal ribs and beads that facilitate easy insertion and removal by allowing air flow and minimizing contact with the keypad, while maintaining a water, dust, and sand-resistant design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cover is made airtight to provide protection against water, dust, and sand, then protection reliability is improved, but friction during device removal increases making it difficult to insert and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into a main body and a separate cap that can be removed independently. The cap can be taken off with a snapping action to create an open pathway, allowing the device to be removed without overcoming the full airtight seal friction. This segmentation allows the airtight main body to maintain protection while the removable cap facilitates easy device access.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap acts as an intermediary element between the user and the airtight seal. By removing the cap, the user creates an intermediate open space that allows the device to be pulled out without the full force of the airtight suction acting directly on the device. The cap serves as a mediator that enables easy removal while the main body maintains the protective airtight seal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If resilient parts are made from silicone or TPE to provide flexibility and button responsiveness, then operational functionality is improved, but friction during device removal increases despite low coefficient of friction
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into resilient parts (main body with buttons) and a separate cap. The resilient parts maintain their material properties for button responsiveness, while the cap provides a separate removal pathway. This segmentation allows the silicone/TPE material to fulfill its functional role without causing excessive friction during device removal, as the cap creates an alternative escape route.
3Reliability
If internal surface features are added to retain the mobile phone within the cavity, then device retention is improved, but friction during device removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into a main body with retention features and a separate cap. The internal surface features (ribs, beads, or other retention elements) are located on the main body to ensure device retention, while the cap provides a separate removal pathway. This segmentation allows retention features to maintain device security without directly increasing removal friction, as the cap creates an alternative escape route that bypasses the retention features.
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
Enables swift and easy removal of the portable device from the cover while maintaining protection against environmental hazards, reducing friction during insertion and removal, and minimizing material deformation for increased durability.
Implementation Method 1
the sucking action causes high friction and an under-pressure inside the cover
Implementation Method 2
the sucking action causes high friction and an under-pressure inside the cover
Implementation Method 3
Sound permeable membranes may be made from air/gas permeable materials that are non-permeable to water and liquids
Data Source
AI summary
A cover for a portable device comprising; a main body (2) with resilient parts, an opening provided in a resilient part (8) for insertion and removal of the portable device in an insertion/removal direction, wherein the main body is provided with a number of elements projecting on the inside, extending in parallel with the insertion/removal direction.