Modular Electronic Device Protection with Interlocking Fasteners

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for protecting electronic devices, such as cases and films, often result in damage during installation or removal, and may not be available for lesser-known, out-of-date, or prototype devices, leading to a need for modular and secure protection solutions.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising modular protective devices with outer and inner members, through holes, notches, and protective films, which can be clamped securely using fasteners, allowing for customizable protection of electronic devices without fully enclosing them, and featuring interlocking mechanisms to prevent unintentional removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cases are manufactured for specific device dimensions, then protection is provided, but specialized tooling and injection molding dies are necessary for each device model

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protective device is divided into multiple segments: a first protective member that contacts the electronic device surface, and a second protective member that envelops the first protective member. This segmentation allows the same basic structure to be adapted to different device dimensions without requiring completely new tooling for each model.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protective device structure is designed to be universally applicable across different electronic device models. The combination of a contact surface member and an enveloping member creates a adaptable system that can protect various device dimensions using the same fundamental manufacturing approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If cases are made easily removable by consumers, then ease of installation is improved, but the likelihood of improper installation or unintentional removal increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidprotection security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The second protective member envelops the first protective member, creating a nested structure. This nested design allows the protective members to be installed together as a unit while maintaining secure attachment to the electronic device, reducing the risk of unintentional removal while preserving installation ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Manufacturing precision

If films are custom-cut for particular device models, then precise protection is achieved, but trimming by consumers can cause scratching or damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit precisionVSAvoidinstallation damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective members are pre-configured with specific contact surfaces and enveloping structures that are designed to fit electronic devices. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for consumer trimming operations, thereby preventing scratching or damage during installation while maintaining precise fit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If protective devices are designed for specific device dimensions, then precise protection is provided, but lesser known, out-of-date, or prototype devices may not have suitable protection available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection precisionVSAvoiddevice compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The protective device structure combines a first protective member for direct contact and a second protective member for envelopment, creating a universally adaptable system. This design allows the same basic protective structure to be applied to various electronic device models including lesser known, out-of-date, or prototype devices, while maintaining appropriate protection precision through proper sizing and configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11320857B2Devices and systems for protecting electronic devices

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 TURNER CHRISTIAN M

AI summary

Disclosed herein are systems and devices of electronic device protection. A device for protecting an electronic device can include an inner and outer protective member. The outer protective member being configured to at least partially envelop a first corner of the electronic device, the outer protective member having at least one through hole extending therethrough, the at least one through hole being substantially orthogonal to a primary inner surface of the outer protective member, the outer protective member further having a notch configured to receive a portion of the first corner, the at least one notch being proximate the primary inner surface.