Hybrid Protective Case for Computing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective cases for computing devices often fail to provide adequate protection against drops and collisions, can be bulky and difficult to stow, and may degrade over time, leading to reduced effectiveness and aesthetic issues, while also potentially causing stress to the device due to differing material elasticity.
Innovation Solution
A protective case design featuring first and second portions with internal and external device receiving surfaces, perimetral fastening members that flex to securely envelop the device, and a linking member allowing the case to pivot between open and closed states, constructed from a combination of materials for enhanced impact resistance and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protective cases are constructed from softer materials like silicon or thermoplastic polyurethane rubber to provide cushioning and protection against drops, then protection capability is improved, but the cases become bulkier and more difficult to stow
Solution Approach 1:
The case applies different material properties to different regions: softer materials (silicon or thermoplastic polyurethane rubber) are used specifically at impact-prone areas such as corners and edges to provide cushioning, while the main body uses a stiffer injected plastic material for structural integrity and compactness. This localized differentiation allows the case to provide protection where needed without increasing overall bulk.
2Volume of moving object
If cases are constructed from stiffer injected plastics like polycarbonate to reduce bulk and improve stowability, then case compactness is improved, but protection against drops and collisions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The case uses a hybrid construction where the main body is made from stiffer injected plastic (such as polycarbonate) for compactness and structural support, while softer cushioning materials are strategically placed at corners and edges to absorb impact forces during drops and collisions, thus maintaining both compactness and protection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The case combines two different materials with complementary properties: a stiffer injected plastic for the main structure and softer elastomeric materials for impact absorption. This composite approach allows the case to achieve both compactness and effective protection against drops and collisions.
3Reliability
If protective cases use softer cushioning materials to absorb impact, then protection against drops is improved, but material stresses are passed to the computing device due to differing elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The softer cushioning materials are applied only at specific high-impact zones (corners and edges) rather than covering the entire case surface. This localized application allows impact absorption where most needed while minimizing the area where elastic mismatch could transmit stress to the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The case is divided into distinct material zones: a rigid injected plastic shell for overall structural support and stress distribution, with separate softer cushioning elements at corners and edges for impact absorption. This segmentation allows each material to perform its optimal function while limiting stress transmission to the device.
4Reliability
If protective cases are designed to completely envelop the computing device for full protection, then protection capability is improved, but the device becomes bulkier and more difficult to stow
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly increasing case dimensions for complete envelopment, the design applies protective cushioning materials only at critical impact zones (corners and edges) where protection is most needed. This allows the case to maintain a compact overall size while providing effective protection at vulnerable points.
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 case effectively secures and shields computing devices from impacts and scratches, maintains structural integrity, and is designed to minimize material weight and size, while ensuring easy access to device features, thus providing comprehensive protection and usability.
Implementation Method 1
Perimetral edges of the first and second portions may be operable to flex outwardly when detachably fastening to and securely enveloping the computing device
Data Source
AI summary
A method of protecting a computing device is provided including detachably connecting a leading edge of a base portion of the computing device to one or more device receiving members of a first portion of a case. The trailing edge of the base portion is secured to the first portion of the case. The first portion of the case may substantially envelope the base portion of the computing device and a plurality of perimetral fastening members may be detachably connected to a second portion of the case. The perimetral fastening members may detachably connect to perimetral edges of a screen portion of the computing device. A protective shell may be formed around the computing device by pivoting adjoining edges of the first and second portions of the case about a linking pliable member in communication with the trailing edge of the computing device.