Elastic Plastic Case with Integrated Hinge Anchoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plastic cases are heavy, prone to damage from external forces, and costly due to the use of rigid materials and separate hinges, which do not effectively protect contents from slipping and damage.
Innovation Solution
The lower housing part and insert are made in one piece from elastic material with a force introduction device in the hinge area, and the upper part also uses elastic material with a hinge leg profile that includes anchoring means to prevent tearing, allowing for cost-effective production and enhanced protection against external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid plastic materials are used for the lower housing part and upper case part, then the case housing achieves sufficient rigidity and dimensional stability, but the case has considerable intrinsic weight and can be easily damaged by external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid plastic to elastic material (such as foam, preferably expanded polypropylene EPP) for the lower housing part. This parameter change reduces the weight and improves resistance to external forces while maintaining sufficient rigidity through the elastic properties of the material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction by making the lower housing part and insert from elastic material in one piece, combining the benefits of lightweight elastic material with structural integrity. The force introduction device made from rigid plastic or metal provides localized strength where needed while the overall structure remains lightweight.
2Ease of operation
If separately manufactured hinges are used and subsequently connected to the lower housing part and upper case, then the case achieves functional hinge connection, but sufficient rigidity of the housing is required which increases manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lower housing part and insert into a single component made from elastic material. The force introduction device integrates the hinge connection functionality directly into the housing structure, eliminating the need for separately manufactured hinges and reducing assembly steps and manufacturing complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid plastic materials are used for the lower housing part and upper case part, then the case achieves dimensional stability, but the case can be easily damaged by external forces such as falling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid plastic to elastic material for the lower housing part. This parameter change provides damping properties that absorb external forces such as impacts from falling, reducing damage to both the case and its contents while maintaining sufficient dimensional stability for the application.
4Ease of manufacture
If the lower housing part and insert are made in one piece from elastic material, then production cost is reduced and additional edge and corner protection can be dispensed with, but force transmission from hinges to the elastic material requires special force introduction devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lower housing part and insert into a single component made from elastic material, simplifying production and reducing costs. The force introduction device is designed as an integrated solution that connects hinges to the elastic material through a standardized interface, managing the complexity of force transmission while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
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
This design results in a lightweight, cost-effective plastic case with improved protection against external forces, reducing damage to both internal and external objects, and enabling efficient force transmission between the case parts.
Implementation Method 1
the bottom part of the case has improved protection against the effects of external forces due to the use of elastic material for the bottom part of the housing
Implementation Method 2
the surface of the area of the force introduction device that rests against the bottom part of the case forms a sufficiently large contact surface with the elastic material in order to be able to transmit the necessary forces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a plastic case (1) comprising an upper case part (2) and a lower case part (3). The lower case part (3) consists of a lower housing part (4) and an insert (5) arranged in the lower housing part (4). The insert (5) consists of an elastic material and comprises at least one recess (6). The recess (6) is adapted to an object to be received. The lower housing part (4) and the insert (5) are formed as a single piece from the elastic material. At least one force introducing device is arranged at least in certain parts in a hinge area of the lower case part (3). The invention also relates to a hinge arm profile (12) for use as a force introducing device in a hinge area of a plastic case (1) made of an elastic material. The hinge arm profile (12) has anchoring means for a form-fit mounting of the hinge arm profile (12) in the elastic material.