Living Hinge Deployable Case for Tablet and Keyboard Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile electronics cases fail to accommodate keyboard accessories with moving parts, leading to increased risk of damage to both the electronic device and the keyboard due to lack of protection and compatibility.

Innovation Solution

A protective case for mobile electronics, such as an Apple iPad, featuring a living hinge that allows the case to transition between stowed and deployed configurations, providing protection and facilitating the deployment of a keyboard accessory while maintaining coverage of the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional protective case is used for mobile electronics, then the device is protected from damage, but the case cannot accommodate keyboard accessories with moving parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of keyboard accessoryVSAvoidprotection of electronic device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The case is divided into multiple segments: a first portion that engages with the electronic device and a second portion that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the case to accommodate the keyboard accessory while maintaining protection for the device, as each portion can function independently without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The case incorporates a hinge mechanism that enables the second portion to be movable between different positions. This dynamic structure allows the case to adapt between a closed protective state and an open state that accommodates the keyboard accessory, resolving the contradiction between protection and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a keyboard cover with moving parts is added to the electronic device, then the device gains keyboard functionality, but the risk of damage to both the device and keyboard increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyboard functionalityVSAvoidrisk of damage from wear and tear

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The case integrates both protective functions and keyboard accommodation functions into a single unified structure. By merging the protective case with the keyboard cover mechanism, the invention provides coordinated protection for both the electronic device and the keyboard accessory, reducing the risk of damage from wear and tear or traumatic incidents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the case is designed to fully protect the electronic device, then protection coverage is maximized, but the deployment of the keyboard accessory is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection coverageVSAvoiddeployment of keyboard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism enables the second portion of the case to dynamically transition between a closed position that maximizes protection and an open position that facilitates keyboard deployment. This dynamic design allows the user to easily deploy the keyboard while maintaining protection coverage when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the case into a first portion and a second portion connected by a hinge, the invention allows independent movement of each portion. The first portion can remain engaged with the device for protection while the second portion is opened for keyboard access, resolving the contradiction between protection coverage and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 protects both the electronic device and the keyboard accessory by allowing easy deployment and retraction of the keyboard, ensuring continuous protection and ergonomic support, thus reducing the risk of damage from wear and tear or traumatic incidents.

Implementation Method 1

a living hinge formed into a main body of the case. In the stowed configuration, the living hinge is not being utilized, and the case operates to protect the iPad and the keyboard cover similar to a traditional electronics case. When moved to a deployed configuration, the living hinge is utilized to move a lower portion of the case back and out of the way

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11907021B2Deployable case for electronic device and method of deploying a deployable case

Publication Date: 2024.02.20 URBAN ARMOR GEAR LLC

AI summary

A deployable protective case and a method of deploying said case is provided. The case includes a main body which is divided into an upper portion and lower portion that are separated by a living hinge. The case is configured with guide surfaces that allow for the case to engage with more than one electronic device, such as a tablet and a keyboard. The protective case is movable to a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. In the stowed configuration, the devices are protected during storage and transportation. In the deployed configuration, the devices are made accessible for use, such as by positioning a tablet relative to a keyboard. While deployed, the case maintains engagement with at least a part of the electronic device.