Modular Protective Case With Snap-Lock Accessory Channels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for protective cases that not only safeguard electronic devices from damage but also enable them to be adapted for various functions beyond their original capabilities, allowing users to attach, detach, and utilize removable modules without removing the device from the case, while ensuring protection against forces and environmental elements.
Innovation Solution
A modular case system with an inner liner and outer shell that includes apertures for touchscreen and camera access, along with an attachment mechanism featuring a receiver channel and snap features, allowing for the removably attachment of accessory modules that can provide additional functions such as communication, power, or sensory capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective case is designed to fully enclose the electronic device for maximum protection, then protection capability is improved, but accessibility to device interfaces (touchscreen, camera, ports) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective case is divided into multiple sections: a main body that encloses the device and detachable accessory modules that can be attached or removed independently. This segmentation allows the case to provide full protection when modules are attached while maintaining accessibility to interfaces through precisely positioned apertures in the case structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The case design incorporates apertures that create dimensional openings through the protective structure. These apertures allow interaction with device interfaces (touchscreen, camera, ports) by creating pathways in the third dimension, enabling users to access interfaces without removing the device from the protective case.
2Reliability
If a protective case is designed with fixed structure for maximum protection, then reliability is improved, but adaptability to various functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective case transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic modular system. The accessory modules can be attached and detached, allowing the case to adapt its functionality based on user needs while maintaining the reliable protective structure. The attachment mechanism ensures secure connection when modules are attached, preserving protection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The case is designed with universal attachment interfaces that can accommodate different types of accessory modules (camera modules, audio modules, power modules, etc.). This universality allows a single protective case to serve multiple functions by simply changing the attached module, while the core protective structure remains unchanged and reliable.
3Stability of the object's composition
If accessory modules are made permanently attached to the protective case, then structural stability is improved, but ease of modification and adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism uses a simplified mechanical interface system consisting of complementary geometric shapes (such as tapered or dovetail interfaces) that provide stable attachment through geometric interlocking rather than complex fastening mechanisms. This allows modules to be securely attached and easily removed without compromising structural stability, enabling quick modification while maintaining connection reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A protective case for an electronic device includes an inner liner, a first aperture, a second aperture, and an outer shell. The inner liner receives the electronic device and the first aperture permits access to a touchscreen interface of the electronic device. The second aperture permits optical access to a camera of the installed electronic device. The outer shell includes an attachment mechanism for attaching an accessory. The attachment mechanism includes a receiver channel to slidably receive a rail member of the accessory to removably attach the accessory to the protective case. The receiver channel includes a lip for retaining the rail member in the receiver channel. The attachment mechanism further includes a snap feature having an interference fit with a corresponding snap feature of the rail member to removably lock the rail member into the receiver channel when the rail member is inserted into the receiver channel.