Hinged Protective Enclosure Balancing Device Access and Waterproofing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices are prone to damage from inclement weather and mishandling, leading to the need for a protective enclosure that provides protection from fluids, dust, and mechanical shock.

Innovation Solution

A protective enclosure comprising two pivotable members that form a waterproof and shockproof structure, enclosing the device and allowing access to controls and displays while providing protection from environmental conditions and mishandling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a protective enclosure is provided for electronic devices, then protection from fluids and dust is improved, but access to controls and displays may be restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from fluids and dustVSAvoidaccess to controls and displays

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective enclosure is divided into a first portion and a second portion that can pivot relative to each other. The first portion protects the display while the second portion protects the controls, allowing selective access to each component while maintaining overall protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure employs pivotable members that allow dynamic movement between protected and accessible states. The pivotable connection enables the enclosure to transition from a fully closed protective state to an open accessible state, providing both protection and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a waterproof and shockproof structure is created, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof and shockproof protectionVSAvoidenclosure structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure utilizes pivotable members with sealing mechanisms that maintain waterproof integrity while enabling movement. The design employs flexible sealing solutions that accommodate the pivotable connection without compromising the waterproof barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The protective enclosure features a nested structure where the pivotable members are integrated within the overall enclosure framework. The sealing components are nested within the pivotable connection mechanism, creating a compact and integrated design that reduces overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3539279B1Protective enclosure for encasing an electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.08.13 OTTER PRODUCTS LLC

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AI summary

A protective enclosure for an electronic device includes a first case portion that may be adapted to surround at least a portion of a top device portion and a second case portion that may be adapted to surround at least a portion of a bottom device portion. The protective enclosure may also include a first hinge member coupled to a portion of the first case portion and a portion of the second case portion, and the first hinge member may pivot about a first hinge axis that is coaxially aligned with or parallel to a device hinge axis.