Mobile Device Case Kickstand Mechanism for Orientation Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile device cases either fail to prop up devices at a comfortable angle, are overly complicated, or do not maintain the angle when the device is rotated from portrait to landscape orientation.

Innovation Solution

A protective case with a pull-out stand portion that includes a sliding plate and pivoting plate hinged together, allowing the device to be propped up at a predetermined angle (approximately 60 degrees) and maintaining this angle when the device is rotated, using a stopper mechanism to lock the stand in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a kickstand is added to allow hands-free viewing, then viewing comfort is improved, but device stability deteriorates when the kickstand is retracted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing comfortVSAvoiddevice stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The case is divided into two functional parts: a stationary outer case that provides structural stability, and a movable inner case with kickstand that provides viewing comfort. The inner case can slide between retracted and extended positions, allowing the stable outer case to remain stationary while the inner case with kickstand provides hands-free viewing when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple angles are provided for propping up the device, then viewing angle flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing angle flexibilityVSAvoidcase structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing multiple discrete angle positions with complex mechanisms, the kickstand is designed to be dynamically adjustable within a continuous range of angles. The user can prop the device at any angle between approximately 15 and 45 degrees by simply adjusting the inner case position, eliminating the need for complex multi-position locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a pre-defined angle kickstand is used, then ease of use is improved, but adaptability to different orientations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidorientation adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The kickstand mechanism is designed with universal functionality to work with the device in both portrait and landscape orientations. The sliding inner case can be positioned at appropriate angles for either orientation, allowing the same structure to serve multiple viewing scenarios without requiring separate mechanisms for different orientations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9185954B2Shell with kickstand

Publication Date: 2015.11.17 SUPERIOR COMMUNICATIONS INC

AI summary

An apparatus and/or systems related to a case for a mobile device. A protective case may include a stand portion which slides out to an open position for propping up the mobile device at a predetermined angle for viewing by a user. As the user switches the viewing orientation of the mobile device (e.g., by physically rotating the mobile device 90 degrees), the stand portion continues to prop up the mobile device at the predetermined angle.