Display case for mobile devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile device cases that allow devices to stand on their own are often bulky, difficult to attach, and limited to flat surfaces, making it hard for users with restricted mobility or those without table space to view their devices hands-free.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device case apparatus featuring a frame, pivot joint, stand, magnets, and a suction cup, allowing for adjustable viewing angles and secure attachment to various surfaces, including metal objects and vehicles, with a coating to enhance magnet friction and a card holder for additional functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional phone cases are designed to allow devices to stand on their own, then viewing capability is improved, but the case becomes bulky and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into separate functional components: a frame that secures the device, a stand component for viewing, and a magnet component for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall bulk while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The viewing and attachment functions are extracted from the traditional case structure. The stand and magnet components can be attached to or removed from the frame, allowing the case to be compact when these features are not needed, thus reducing bulkiness while preserving viewing capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cases are designed for standing viewing, then display visibility is improved, but the case cannot be used in locations without flat surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The case is designed with multiple attachment options: magnet components for metal surfaces and suction cup components for non-metal surfaces. This multi-functionality allows the case to be used in diverse locations (kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, workplace) without requiring flat table or counter space, enabling hands-free viewing anywhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand component is designed to be adjustable and adaptable to different mounting positions and angles. This dynamic design allows the viewing angle and position to be optimized for different locations and user needs, enhancing versatility while maintaining ease of hands-free operation.
3Strength
If magnets are used to attach the case to metal surfaces, then attachment strength is improved, but the case may slide downwards due to insufficient friction
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet component incorporates a rubber coating over the magnet material. This composite structure combines the strong magnetic attraction force with the high friction properties of rubber, ensuring that the case attaches strongly to metal surfaces and does not slide downwards, thus maintaining both attachment strength and stability.
4Device complexity
If the case is designed to be compact, then portability is improved, but it becomes difficult to snap onto the device
Solution Approach 1:
The case is segmented into modular components (frame, stand, magnet, suction cup) that can be independently manufactured and then easily assembled. This segmentation allows for compact individual parts that are simple to manufacture, while the modular assembly process makes snapping the components together straightforward despite the compact overall size.
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 secure, adjustable, and versatile device viewing in multiple locations, including those without flat surfaces, facilitating hands-free use for users with mobility issues and providing additional functionality like item retrieval using magnetic force.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one magnet can adhere the case apparatus to a metal object
Implementation Method 2
The coating over the bottom of the stand covers the at least one magnet and is configured to increase the friction between the magnet and a metal. The increase in friction prevents the case from sliding downwards
Implementation Method 3
a suction cup attached to the frame and configured to bear the weight of the case and the mobile device
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device case apparatus and method are provided that include a frame, a stand, at least one magnet, and rubber coating over the at least one magnet. The frame and stand can be 3D-printed. The frame is configured to secure a mobile device into the frame. The frame includes at least one magnet. The bottom of the stand can have a rubber coating to prevent the case from slipping when the case adheres to a metal. The stand is configured to support the weight of the apparatus and prop the mobile device up for viewing. The stand can also be configured to be a receive a mechanical element of a vehicle such as a wheelchair.