Hinge Protection Cover for Folding Electronic Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding portable electronic devices with continuous displays require enhanced protection for the hinge area in both open and closed positions, as existing cases fail to provide adequate protection and allow the device to lie flat when fully open.
Innovation Solution
A three-part case design with a hinge cover that maintains close proximity to the phone body, featuring reduced thickness areas and specific protrusions and slots for secure alignment, allowing the device to lie flat and providing protection across all hinge positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional case design is used, then the device housing is protected from impact, but the hinge area is not adequately protected and the device cannot lie flat when fully open
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into three distinct parts: a first portion covering the first section, a second portion covering the second section, and a hinge cover portion protecting the hinge area. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, particularly enabling the hinge cover to protect the hinge while allowing the device to lie flat when open.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge cover portion extends into the hinge area in a way that changes the spatial dimension of protection. By positioning the hinge cover to overlap with both the first and second portion covers when the device is open, it provides three-dimensional protection that accommodates the hinge's movement and allows the device to lie flat on a surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastic panels are used to protect the hinge area, then the case can adapt to the shorter dimension when the phone is open, but protection is insufficient compared to TPU or PVC areas
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the case are made from different materials with different properties. The hinge cover portion and other areas use materials like TPU or PVC with appropriate thickness to provide superior protection, while the overall case structure maintains adaptability to the device's dimensions in both open and closed positions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the hinge cover portion is positioned too far from the phone body, then it provides protection, but it does not maintain close proximity and proper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge cover portion is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities through features like protrusions and slots that allow it to maintain close proximity to the phone body while accommodating the hinge's movement. This dynamic design ensures proper alignment and protection throughout the range of motion from closed to fully open positions.
4Ease of operation
If the device is designed to lie flat when fully open, then usability is improved, but the hinge area requires additional protection structures
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge cover portion is integrated with both the first and second portion covers, merging multiple protective functions into a single unified structure. This integration allows the device to lie flat when fully open while providing comprehensive hinge protection through the coordinated design of the three case portions.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a case or cover for protecting the housing of a folding portable electronic device such as a smart phone with a folding display. The case or cover includes a first and second portion hingedly joined to a hinge protecting portion. The case or cover allows the encased phone to lie flat when in the fully opened position and included thinner first and second case portions proximate to the hinge cover to minimize the gaps between the case portions during the transition from a fully open to a fully closed position.