Mobile Device Accessory Case with Foldable Input Board

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile devices lack efficient and fast data input methods, often omitting software classes like word processing programs due to limited input space and accuracy issues with existing input mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A foldable input board for mobile devices that transitions between a compact storage position and an unfolded position, providing a full keyboard for efficient data entry, compatible with various software applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a full keyboard is provided for efficient data entry, then data input speed and accuracy improve, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata input speedVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard is divided into multiple segments that can be folded and collapsed into each other, allowing the full keyboard to be broken down into compact sections when not in use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The keyboard transitions from a static full-size layout to a dynamic, reconfigurable structure that can expand when needed and collapse into a compact form for portability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If a full keyboard is provided for efficient data entry, then data input accuracy improves, but device portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata input accuracyVSAvoiddevice portability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard segments are designed to nest within each other like nested dolls, with smaller sections fitting into larger ones, creating a compact portable form while maintaining the full keyboard layout when deployed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If software classes like word processing programs are added to mobile devices, then functionality improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoftware functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device is designed to serve multiple functions by combining mobile device capabilities with a physical keyboard interface, enabling it to function as both a mobile device and a computer for word processing and other productivity applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12418609B2Mobile device accessory
Publication Date: 2025.09.16 DUPLICENT LLC
  • US12418609B2 patent drawing
  • US12418609B2 patent drawing
  • US12418609B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An accessory case for a mobile device includes a housing, a channel, and an input board. The housing has a base wall and a perimeter wall extending away from the base wall, which together define a cavity to receive a mobile device. The channel is formed within the base wall, and extends inward from but not through the base wall to define a pocket that is separate from the cavity. The input board is received within the pocket. The input board is formed by folded segments that have one or more inputs. The input board is configured to transition between a folded position and an unfolded position. In the folded position, a width of the input board is less than a width of the channel. In the unfolded position, the width of the input board is greater than the width of the channel.