Low-Profile Storage Accessory for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for mobile electronic device accessories that provide physical storage space for small items like medications, hearing aid batteries, and baby wipes, which are often misplaced due to lack of dedicated storage solutions integrated with the device or its case.
Innovation Solution
A storage accessory that can be directly or indirectly attached to mobile electronic devices or their protective cases, featuring a low-profile design with a removable cover and integral 'living hinge', made from materials like plastic or medical-grade polypropylene, allowing secure storage and easy access to items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a storage accessory is attached to a mobile electronic device, then physical storage space for small items is provided, but the device profile and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage accessory is nested within or integrated into the protective case, allowing the case to serve dual purposes as both protection and storage container. This nesting approach provides storage capacity without adding external bulk to the device profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage accessory utilizes the third dimension by extending from the rear surface of the device or case in a compact manner. The low-profile design minimizes extension while still providing accessible storage space, effectively using vertical space without significantly increasing overall device volume.
2Volume of moving object
If a storage accessory is made with a low profile, then device bulk is minimized, but storage accessibility and ease of operation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The storage accessory incorporates a removable cover that can be opened and closed dynamically. This dynamic element allows users to easily access stored items despite the low-profile design, maintaining ease of operation while preserving the compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage accessory is segmented into distinct components including a base, removable cover, and living hinge. This segmentation allows the cover to be independently manipulated for easy access while keeping the overall structure compact and low-profile.
3Ease of operation
If a removable cover with living hinge is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The living hinge integrates the hinge function directly into the cover structure, merging the connection mechanism with the cover itself. This reduces the need for separate hinge components and simplifies the overall assembly, maintaining ease of operation while minimizing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The living hinge utilizes a flexible thin-walled structure that provides the necessary mechanical movement for cover removal and attachment. This flexible shell approach simplifies the mechanical design compared to rigid hinge mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage accessory that is attachable to a mobile electronic device that provides physical storage space to store items. The storage accessory can be attached to the mobile electronic device, attached to a protective case mounted on the mobile electronic device, or attached to another accessory, such as an extendable socket accessory or a ring holder/stand, that is attached to the mobile electronic device or to a protective case thereof. The storage accessory can be used to carry small items that a user desires to keep with them.