Living Hinge Deployable Case for Tablet and Keyboard

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile electronics cases do not effectively accommodate keyboard accessories with moving parts, leading to increased risk of damage to both the electronic device and the keyboard from wear and tear or traumatic incidents.

Innovation Solution

A protective case with a living hinge that allows it to switch between stowed and deployed configurations, accommodating the keyboard accessory's movement while providing protection to both the electronic device and the keyboard.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional protective case is used for electronic devices, then protection against damage is improved, but accommodation of keyboard accessories with moving parts deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against damageVSAvoidaccommodation of keyboard accessories

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The case is divided into multiple sections: a protective case body, a keyboard cover section, and a keyboard section. This segmentation allows each component to serve its specific function - the case body provides protection while the keyboard sections can move independently to accommodate the keyboard accessory's deployment and stowage requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The case incorporates movable elements including a keyboard cover that can be opened and closed, and a keyboard section that can be deployed and stowed. These dynamic components allow the case to adapt between different configurations - protecting the device when the keyboard is stowed and providing keyboard functionality when deployed, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a keyboard cover is added to provide keyboard functionality, then versatility is improved, but protection of the electronic device deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyboard functionalityVSAvoidprotection of electronic device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard section is nested within the case structure, allowing it to be stored inside the case when not in use. This nesting arrangement ensures that the keyboard functionality is available when needed while the electronic device remains protected when the keyboard section is retracted into the case body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The keyboard cover and keyboard section are designed as dynamic components that can be opened and closed. When closed, they provide protection for the electronic device; when opened, they enable keyboard functionality. This dynamic design allows the system to switch between protection mode and functionality mode without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the case structure is made rigid to provide protection, then strength is improved, but ability to accommodate moving parts deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecase structure strengthVSAvoidaccommodation of moving parts

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The case structure is segmented into rigid protective sections and flexible movable sections. The case body maintains rigid construction for protection, while the keyboard cover and keyboard section incorporate flexible elements that allow movement. This segmentation enables the case to be strong where needed and flexible where required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the case have different mechanical properties. The case body uses rigid materials for strength and protection, while the keyboard cover and keyboard section use flexible materials or designs that accommodate movement. This local differentiation of quality allows the case to simultaneously provide protection and accommodate moving parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 the electronic device and keyboard by allowing seamless deployment and stowage of the keyboard accessory, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing usability.

Implementation Method 1

The case is movable between these two configurations by way of a living hinge formed into the main body of the case

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12326759B2Deployable case for electronic device and method of deploying a deployable case

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 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.