Hinged Mobile Case Storage Concealment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective cases for mobile devices are often bulky, accentuate the storage compartment, lack durability, and are costly to manufacture, failing to provide a high level of protection while concealing storage compartments effectively.

Innovation Solution

A molded integrated protective case with a dual-layer construction, featuring a rigid first layer and a softer second layer, where the second layer forms the interior surfaces, including a storage compartment that can be concealed by the exterior shape, and includes a hinged design for easy access to the storage compartment without accentuating its presence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If storage compartment is added to protective case, then functionality is improved, but bulkiness and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage functionalityVSAvoidcase weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage compartment is nested within the protective case structure itself, utilizing the case's internal volume rather than adding external attachments. The compartment is formed by creating a recess or cavity within the case body, allowing storage functionality to be integrated without proportionally increasing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The case is divided into functional zones including a main device compartment and a separate storage compartment. This segmentation allows the storage portion to be optimized independently, using lighter materials or thinner walls in the storage section while maintaining overall case integrity and protection levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If storage compartment is added to protective case, then functionality is improved, but case becomes bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage functionalityVSAvoidcase volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage compartment utilizes the thickness dimension of the case rather than extending external dimensions. By creating a recess or cavity that extends into the case body from one or more surfaces, the design accommodates storage volume without proportionally increasing the case's external footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage compartment is nested within the existing case volume, utilizing internal space that would otherwise be empty or wasted. This nesting approach allows the storage function to be accommodated within the original case envelope rather than requiring additional external volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Shape

If storage compartment is concealed, then aesthetics and security are improved, but access becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconcealmentVSAvoidcompartment access

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The case incorporates a hinge mechanism that enables dynamic opening and closing of the storage compartment. This hinge system allows the compartment to be concealed when closed for aesthetics and security, while providing easy access when opened through a simple rotational motion rather than requiring complex manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge acts as an intermediary mechanism between the concealed storage compartment and the user's access needs. It provides a smooth transition between the closed concealed state and the open accessible state, making the concealment feature not compromise usability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If hinged design is added for access, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompartment accessVSAvoidhinge mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism is merged with the case structure itself rather than being a separate attached component. The hinge is formed as an integral part of the case molding or constructed from the same material layers, eliminating the need for separate hinge assemblies and reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite adding hinged functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The case utilizes composite material construction where the hinge mechanism is formed from the same layered materials as the case body. This composite approach allows the hinge to be created during the same manufacturing process as the case itself, reducing assembly steps and overall complexity despite the added functional complexity of the hinged access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS10236928B2Molded mobile device case with storage compartment having hinged access

Publication Date: 2019.03.19 VEVEY LLC

AI summary

A protective case for a mobile device having a molded multi-layered construction is disclosed. The case includes a mobile device cavity that is configured to receive and retain the mobile device and a storage cavity that extends internally from an upper portion of the case to a lower portion of the case. The lower and upper portions of the case are hinged to one another to facilitate access to the storage compartment. The exterior back surface of the case is configured to conceal the existence of the storage compartment. Other and various unique aspects relating to the construction, configuration and manufacture of the case are disclosed.