Folio Cover with Mechanical Male-Female Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile device covers are often either insecure or bulky, interfering with the usability of the device by not providing a secure and compact fit, which affects the device's functionality and usability.

Innovation Solution

A folio-type cover with rigid sections hinged together and a male/female coupling mechanism that securely attaches to the mobile device, allowing for different viewing angles without the need for additional fasteners or magnets, ensuring a compact and secure fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing mobile device covers are made bulky to provide protection, then protection capability is improved, but device portability and usability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoidusability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is divided into multiple rigid sections (first section, second section, third section) connected by flexible webs, allowing each section to provide targeted protection while the overall structure remains foldable and compact when not in use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover transitions from a static bulky structure to a dynamic foldable structure that can assume multiple configurations (wrapped around device, propped at various angles, completely open), adapting to different usage scenarios and reducing portability issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If existing mobile device covers are made loose-fitting to be comfortable, then ease of use is improved, but security and stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces magnetic attachment mechanisms with a mechanical male/female coupling system, providing secure mechanical interlocking that reliably attaches the cover to the device without relying on magnetic forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism features a male portion extending from the cover that inserts into a corresponding female portion on the device, with the male portion having a diameter smaller than the female portion to ensure secure nested engagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If additional fasteners or magnets are added to secure the cover, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is integrated directly into the cover structure itself, with the male portion formed as part of the first rigid section and the female portion formed on the device, eliminating the need for separate fasteners or magnets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid sections serve multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling folding configurations for various viewing angles, and incorporating the coupling mechanism for secure attachment, reducing the need for additional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8724300B2Mechanically attached folding cover

Publication Date: 2014.05.13 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

A mobile electronic device has a first part of a male/female coupling. A cover sized to cover at least one face of the mobile electronic device has a second part of the male/female coupling. The second part of the male/female coupling mates with the first part of the male/female coupling of the mobile electronic device and cooperates with the first part to attach the cover to the mobile electronic device.