Hinged Tablet Case Panels for Folding Cover Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cases for tablet-shaped devices interfere with folding covers, requiring the device to be removed for reconfiguration, and do not provide adequate protection against accidental drops, especially in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A case design featuring a first and second panel with a hinge that allows a folding cover to be attached without removing the case, providing protection and enabling seamless reconfiguration between typing and protection configurations, with a membrane hinge and dovetail groove for enhanced durability and manufacturability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a prior art rugged case is used to protect the tablet shaped device from accidental drops, then protection against drops is improved, but the folding cover cannot be reconfigured between typing and protection configurations without removing the device from the case
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into two separate panels: a first panel that provides protection when closed, and a second panel that can be folded back to allow access to the tablet for folding cover reconfiguration. This segmentation allows the case to provide both protection and ease of operation without requiring complete removal of the tablet.
Solution Approach 2:
The second panel is made movable through a hinge mechanism, allowing it to be folded backward. This dynamic design enables the case to transition between a closed protective state and an open accessible state, facilitating folding cover reconfiguration while maintaining protection when needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a prior art rugged case with a rear wall and peripheral wall is used, then protection is improved, but the case interferes with the folding cover during reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The case is segmented into a first panel providing rear protection and a second panel that can be folded back. This segmentation removes the interference problem of a solid rear wall while maintaining protective capabilities, allowing the folding cover to be reconfigured within the case.
Solution Approach 2:
The second panel is folded back along an axis perpendicular to the tablet surface, creating space in the vertical dimension for the folding cover to be reconfigured. This dimensional change allows both protection and folding cover functionality to coexist.
3Ease of operation
If the tablet shaped device is removed from the case for folding cover reconfiguration, then folding cover reconfiguration is enabled, but protection is lost during the removal and reconfiguration process
Solution Approach 1:
The second panel is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be folded back to expose the tablet while the first panel remains in place providing continuous protection. This dynamic design enables reconfiguration without complete removal, maintaining protection throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The second panel is folded back in advance to create access space before the folding cover reconfiguration begins, while the first panel is already positioned to provide protection. This preliminary arrangement of the case panels enables safe and convenient reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A case for a tablet shaped device, comprising a first panel comprising a portion of a case perimeter wall; a second panel comprising another portion of the case perimeter wall, wherein the first panel and the second panel define a front face adjacent the case perimeter wall and having a tablet shaped device receiving area, the second panel comprising substantially one third of the tablet shaped device receiving area; and a hinge coupling the first panel and the second panel.