Honeycomb Mobile Shell for Impact Absorption Without Rebound
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective shells for mobile devices do not efficiently absorb impact energy, often causing damage to internal components due to rebound forces, and lack a method for quick inspection of structural integrity while also failing to provide a desirable appearance and improved handgrip.
Innovation Solution
A protective shell featuring a honeycomb cellular structure enclosed in an elastic polymer body, which absorbs impact energy through plastic deformation, with a design that includes a back and side portion to clamp the device, and a transparent outer layer for easy inspection of the honeycomb structure, along with a knurled portion for improved grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If elastomeric covers/shells are used to soften impacts by absorbing energy elastically, then the impact is softened, but elastic materials generate a rebound force during the impact that is transmitted to the inner components of the mobile device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material behavior parameter from elastic to plastic deformation. The honeycomb structure is designed to undergo permanent deformation during impact, dissipating energy without generating rebound forces. This is achieved by controlling the cell wall thickness and material properties to ensure plastic collapse rather than elastic recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the honeycomb cellular structure (made of plastic-deforming material) with an elastic polymer body. This composite design allows the honeycomb layer to absorb energy plastically while the elastic polymer provides structural support and additional energy absorption, creating a multi-layered protective system that eliminates rebound forces while maintaining strength.
2Loss of energy
If a protective cover is made with a honeycomb cellular structure to absorb impact energy, then impact energy is absorbed efficiently, but the structural condition of the protective cover cannot be quickly inspected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a visual indicator system that changes appearance based on the structural condition of the honeycomb layer. When the honeycomb cells undergo plastic deformation during impact, the indicator changes color or becomes visible through the transparent portion of the elastic polymer body, providing immediate visual feedback on whether the protective cover has been compromised and needs replacement.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the protective shell is designed with a transparent outer layer for inspection, then structural condition can be detected, but the appearance and handgrip may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different regions of the protective shell. The outer surface includes knurled portions with textured patterns that provide enhanced grip and comfort, while specific portions remain transparent to allow visual inspection of the honeycomb structure. This local differentiation ensures both functional requirements are met without compromising overall performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The honeycomb cellular structure effectively absorbs a significant portion of impact energy, reducing the risk of internal damage, while the transparent design allows for immediate detection of deformation and the knurled surface enhances grip, addressing the shortcomings of existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The honeycomb cellular structure is configured to plastically absorb the energy of an impact
Implementation Method 2
Another part of said impact energy is elastically absorbed by the body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Protective shell (10) for portable mobile device (20) comprising a honeycomb cellular structure (1) enclosed in a body (2) at least in part made of an elastic polymer, the body (2) comprising a back portion (9) configured to cover at least in part a backside (11) of the mobile device (20) and a side portion (12) configured to cover and fit with a sidewall (13) of the mobile device (20) so to anchor the body (2) to the mobile device (20).