L-Shaped Mobile Device Frame for Impact and Moisture Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile device cases do not adequately protect smartphones from mechanical damage, moisture, and dirt while maintaining functionality and design appeal, and lack versatility in customization options.

Innovation Solution

A case for a mobile device featuring a frame with two L-shaped frame parts made of rigid materials like metal, which can be connected securely yet detachably, incorporating features such as screw connections, locking mechanisms, and a hybrid design with a soft inner case and interchangeable covers to enhance protection and design possibilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a hard case made of rigid material like plastic is used, then protection against mechanical damage is improved, but the case may not provide adequate protection against moisture and dirt

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against mechanical damageVSAvoidmoisture and dirt protection
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a hybrid cover combining a rigid outer cover made of plastic or metal with a flexible inner case made of silicone or similar elastomeric material. This composite structure provides both mechanical strength from the rigid outer cover and sealing protection against moisture and dirt from the flexible inner case that can conform to device contours and provide better sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible inner case made of elastomeric material acts as a flexible shell that can adapt to the device shape and provide sealing. This flexible layer complements the rigid outer cover by filling gaps and providing a barrier against moisture and dirt penetration while maintaining the structural protection of the rigid material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a soft case made of flexible material like silicone is used, then protection against moisture and dirt is improved, but protection against mechanical damage is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture and dirt protectionVSAvoidprotection against mechanical damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid cover combines the flexible silicone inner case with a rigid outer cover made of plastic or metal. This composite structure leverages the moisture and dirt sealing capabilities of the flexible material while adding the mechanical strength and impact resistance of the rigid outer cover.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the advantages of soft flexible cases (sealing, moisture protection) with hard rigid cases (mechanical strength, impact protection) into a single hybrid structure where the inner case and outer cover work together to provide comprehensive protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If a bumper frame is used, then protection against mechanical damage is improved, but protection against environmental factors like moisture and dirt is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against mechanical damageVSAvoidmoisture and dirt protection
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the bumper frame structure with a flexible inner case and rigid outer cover to create a hybrid cover that integrates the mechanical protection of the bumper with the sealing and environmental protection of the flexible and rigid cover layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid cover uses composite materials including the rigid bumper frame, flexible elastomeric inner case, and rigid outer cover to achieve both mechanical strength and environmental sealing that neither component could provide alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Adaptability or versatility

If a wallet case with multiple compartments is used, then versatility and functionality are improved, but device complexity and size are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality and customizationVSAvoidcase structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid cover can serve multiple functions as a standalone protective case or as part of a larger wallet case system. The inner case and outer cover provide protection, while the modular design allows integration with card holders, cash compartments, and other wallet features without requiring a completely different structure.

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

5Object-affected harmful factors

If a flip case or pouch is used, then complete enclosure and protection are improved, but ease of operation and access to device functions are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplete enclosure protectionVSAvoidaccess to device functions
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid cover can be used as a complete enclosure when both inner case and outer cover are assembled, but the modular segmented design allows easy separation for quick access to device functions. The inner case can be removed or the cover opened without complex mechanisms, maintaining ease of operation while providing complete protection when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250293724A1Case for a mobile device
Publication Date: 2025.09.18 BANDWERK GMBH
  • US20250293724A1 patent drawing
  • US20250293724A1 patent drawing
  • US20250293724A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a case for a mobile device that has a frame with a first substantially L-shaped frame part and a second substantially L-shaped frame part, which are designed to jointly completely enclose side faces of the mobile device all around and to be fixedly connected to one another.