Foldable Electronic Device Cover with Hinged Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic device covers lack stability and adjustable angles for supporting devices in various positions, such as upright working or protective configurations, especially when folded or hung over car headrests.

Innovation Solution

A cover design featuring hingedly connected sheet portions with adjustable attachments, allowing for folding into multiple positions, including a support configuration that enables the electronic device to rest at a comfortable inclined angle, using materials like polyethylene, polyurethane, or leather, and incorporating magnetic or adhesive attachments for secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the cover is folded into multiple positions to provide support configurations, then the adaptability and versatility of the cover is improved, but the stability of the folded cover deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport configurationsVSAvoidfolded cover stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cover incorporates a hinge mechanism that enables dynamic folding between multiple positions (fully closed, partially open, fully open) while maintaining structural stability at each position. The hinge allows the cover to transition between configurations and provides stable support when positioned to prop the electronic device upright

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is divided into distinct sections (front sheet portion, back sheet portion, end section) connected by hinge regions, allowing each segment to move independently while contributing to overall stability. This segmentation enables the cover to form stable triangular support structures when folded

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the cover uses rigid sections folded to form shapes for support, then the ability to support device in upright position is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice support capabilityVSAvoidcover structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is divided into a front sheet portion and back sheet portion connected by a hinge, with each portion having specific structural features. This segmentation allows the cover to form stable geometric shapes for device support while keeping each individual section relatively simple in structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover utilizes geometric folding to create stable triangular and angular support structures. The specific arrangement of hinge regions and sheet portions creates predetermined stable angles that naturally support the device in upright positions without requiring complex mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 cover provides stable support and adjustable angles for electronic devices, enhancing usability in different scenarios, including upright working and protective configurations, while being scalable for various device sizes.

Implementation Method 1

pivoted about an attachment, for instance a magnetic attachment, to the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attachment: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3436890B1Cover for an electronic device
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3436890B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3436890B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3436890B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A cover for an electronic device comprises a back sheet portion comprising a first section and a second section and a front sheet portion comprising a first section and a second section. The second end of the front sheet portion is connected to the second section of the back sheet portion, and the first end of the front sheet portion is connected to the first section of the back sheet portion at a distance of the first end of the back sheet portion, the cover having an end section. The cover is foldable between a cover position and a support position. In the cover position, the back sheet portion and the front sheet portion are substantially planar and resting against each other. In the support position, at least a part of the end section rests against at least a part of the first section of the front sheet portion.