Folding Protective Case With Articulating Hinges For Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective cases for electronic devices fail to accommodate various shapes and sizes effectively and do not allow for flexible positioning for optimal viewing angles, limiting their functionality in both storage and use.
Innovation Solution
A folding case with multiple hinges and slots that allows conversion between closed, open, and propped-open configurations, featuring a second cover portion with a peripheral edge to securely hold the device in multiple positions, including screen-up and screen-down orientations, using a molded EVA panel with integrated kickstand for stable viewing angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a protective case is designed to accommodate various shapes and sizes of electronic devices, then the adaptability of the case is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into multiple cover portions (first cover portion, second cover portion) that can independently move and position. Each cover portion can be separately adjusted to accommodate different device sizes and shapes, allowing the case to adapt to various electronic devices without requiring a completely different structure for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The case incorporates hinges that enable dynamic movement between closed, open, and propped-open configurations. This dynamic structure allows the case to transform its shape and accommodate different device dimensions, providing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple base structure that can adapt through movement rather than through complex fixed components.
2Ease of operation
If the case is designed with multiple positioning configurations for optimal viewing angles, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism enables the case to dynamically transition between multiple configurations (closed, open, propped-open), providing optimal viewing angles for different usage scenarios. This dynamic capability achieves ease of operation for positioning without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms, as the hinge naturally provides smooth movement between positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The case structure itself, through its hinge design and cover portions, automatically provides the positioning functionality needed for optimal viewing. The case serves its own positioning needs through its inherent mechanical design rather than requiring external supports or complex adjustment mechanisms, achieving ease of operation with minimal added complexity.
3Reliability
If the case provides comprehensive protection through multiple cover portions, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective case is segmented into multiple cover portions (first cover portion and second cover portion) that can independently protect different aspects of the electronic device. This segmentation allows comprehensive protection to be achieved through multiple simple protective elements rather than one complex protective structure, improving reliability while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cover portions are merged into a single integrated case structure through the hinge connection. This merging provides comprehensive protection equivalent to multiple separate cases while maintaining a unified, manageable structure. The combined structure achieves reliable multi-faceted protection without the complexity of managing entirely separate protective components.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective case for accommodating at least one electronic device is provided. The case comprises internal features including an articulating support member to allow the selective orientation and positioning of the electrical device in one of at least three user-selected positions and also allows for the nesting of the electronic device in either the closed or open position.