Moisture Resistant Phone Case with Pivoting Door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smartphone cases fail to adequately protect devices from moisture during activities like exercising, as they allow sweat and water to seep in, potentially damaging the phone, and there is a need for a solution that combines protection with convenience and versatility for various items.
Innovation Solution
A moisture-resistant smartphone case made of durable materials with a pivoting door and integrated armband, featuring a secure closure mechanism and additional compartments for keys, using hook and loop fastening systems, and optional illumination, designed to keep devices and items secure and dry during workouts and outdoor activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional smartphone case is used, then the phone is protected from shock and dust, but moisture can still seep in during activities like exercising
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into a base and a door that can pivot open, allowing segmented access to the phone while maintaining overall moisture protection. The door acts as a separate movable segment that provides access without compromising the sealed enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The door is made dynamic through a pivoting hinge mechanism that allows it to move between open and closed positions. This dynamic element enables easy access to the phone during activities while maintaining moisture protection when closed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a secure closure mechanism is added to prevent moisture entry, then moisture protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is extracted as a separate, simple component that engages with the door and base. This isolated mechanism maintains the overall simplicity of the case structure while providing effective moisture protection through the secure closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The door and base form a flexible yet protective enclosure that can seal tightly against moisture while maintaining a relatively simple structure. The fit between door and base creates an effective barrier without requiring complex sealing mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If an integrated armband is added to secure the case during activities, then convenience is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The armband is merged with the case as an integrated unit, combining the protective case function with the portability function of the armband. This integration provides convenience during activities while avoiding the weight of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The armband serves multiple functions: it secures the case to the user during activities, provides a convenient carrying method, and can be adjusted for different sizes. This multi-functionality justifies the added weight by eliminating the need for separate carrying solutions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional compartments for keys are included, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key compartment is nested within the case structure, utilizing the existing enclosure space. This nesting approach provides additional functionality for key storage while maintaining the overall simple case design without adding external complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The case is designed with universal applicability by including compartments that can hold both phones and keys. This multi-functionality allows a single case to protect multiple items, improving versatility while the integrated design keeps complexity manageable.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides effective protection against sweat and water, allowing users to engage in activities without worrying about their phone or keys getting damaged, while maintaining a secure and convenient location, and can be adapted for different sizes and items.
Implementation Method 1
The door is attached to the base with either a single elongate hinge or first and second pins mounted in the base and about which the door pivots from an open to a closed position and back again.
Implementation Method 2
The key retention structure may be a strap with a hook and loop fastening system (e.g., VELCRO®), or it may be a small pouch that cinches at the top
Implementation Method 3
The armband is secured with hook and loop fastener material (e.g., VELCRO®) and is constructed of elastic material that expands and stretches to provide a tight yet comfortable fit.
Implementation Method 4
On the surface that bears against the user's skin or shirt, the band may be formed with undulated ridges of rubber or similar material to enhance the grip of the band when the user sweats.
Data Source
AI summary
A phone case made of durable, high grade plastic, aluminum, or similar material in the form of a base and door is disclosed. The door is attached to the base with either an elongate hinge or first and second pins mounted in the base and about which the door pivots from an open to a closed position and back again. The base is designed to receive and seat the phone snugly therein, and is preferably shaped to enclose the phone in a substantially rigid and compact housing that conforms with the shape of the phone. The door preferably pivots from the lower portion of the base about the hinge, and a latching mechanism is positioned at the top of the base's opening to capture and secure the door when closed. The tolerances of the fit between the door and the base are such that moisture will not seep into the case when the door is closed.