Portable Device Case with Flexible Hinge and Modular Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing case designs for portable electronic devices lack flexible and adjustable configurations that allow for optimal positioning and secure coupling of door panels and shelf panels, limiting user convenience and device compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A case assembly with a frame featuring interlocking walls, a hinge assembly with a flexible portion, and adjustable coupling areas that enable the door panel to be positioned in multiple configurations, ensuring secure coupling and compatibility with various devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed rigid structure is used for the case, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different device sizes and positioning flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into modular components including a frame, door panel, shelf panel, and hinge assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes while enabling flexible reconfiguration to accommodate different device sizes and types.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly incorporates a flexible portion that enables the door panel to transition between multiple positions (open, closed, angled). This dynamic capability allows the case to adapt to different device configurations while maintaining a simple rigid frame structure for ease of manufacture.
2Ease of operation
If a simple coupling mechanism is used, then ease of assembly is improved, but secure coupling and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into discrete coupling areas on the frame and corresponding coupling elements on the door panel and shelf panel. This allows for easy alignment and attachment while providing secure coupling through distributed contact points across multiple coupling areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling areas are designed with universal characteristics that accommodate different device configurations. The same coupling mechanism secures both the door panel and shelf panel, and can adapt to various device sizes and weights, maintaining both ease of assembly and secure coupling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple positioning options are provided for the door panel, then user convenience and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly with its flexible portion provides multiple door panel positions (open, closed, and intermediate angles) through a single continuous flexible connection rather than requiring multiple discrete hinges or complex positioning mechanisms. This maintains structural simplicity while achieving flexible positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible portion of the hinge assembly acts as a thin flexible connection that allows the door panel to assume multiple positions. This flexible element provides positioning versatility without adding significant structural complexity to the overall case design.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are involved with a frame including first wall and third wall, door panel portion, and shelf panel portion, wherein door panel positionable to be removably couplable to at least one coupling area of first wall and at least one coupling area of the third wall wherein as door panel being in at least one coupled position, the door panel being coupled to the at least one coupling area of the first wall being and coupled to the at least one coupling area of the third wall, wherein as the door panel being in at least one uncoupled position, the door panel being uncoupled from the at least one coupling area of the first wall and from the at least one coupling area of the third wall. In addition, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.