Open-Sided Wallet Shell With Elastic Card Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wallets become bulky and difficult to carry due to multiple compartments, which limit the number of cards they can hold, and often lose their shape over time, exposing contents to loss.
Innovation Solution
A wallet design featuring an open-sided shell with a flexible member and an elastic band that secures cards in various positions, including a clamshell configuration, allowing for a high card capacity while maintaining a slim profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional wallets use multiple compartments and layers to hold cards, then card holding capacity is improved, but wallet thickness and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple card pockets are arranged within a single folded shell. The bifold wallet contains multiple pockets nested within the two main sections, allowing several cards to be held without increasing overall wallet thickness. Each pocket is integrated into the folded structure, creating a compact nested arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-layer card storage to a multi-dimensional arrangement by folding the wallet shell to create multiple pockets in three-dimensional space. The folded structure utilizes vertical and lateral dimensions to accommodate multiple cards without increasing the wallet's footprint or thickness, effectively moving card storage from a two-dimensional surface to a three-dimensional nested configuration.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional wallets are made with multiple sewn pockets and layers, then card capacity is improved, but ease of carrying deteriorates due to bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a nested pocket structure where multiple card pockets are integrated within the folded shell, allowing high card capacity while maintaining a compact, slim profile that is easy to carry in pockets or bags. The nested arrangement eliminates the need for multiple separate layers, reducing overall bulk.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional wallets use simple fabric and leather construction, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but reliability deteriorates as wallets stretch and loosen over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional fabric and leather to a synthetic material that resists stretching and loosening. This material parameter change maintains manufacturing simplicity through standard fabrication processes while significantly improving structural stability and reliability over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite construction combining synthetic materials with metal components (such as zipper pulls or attachment points). This composite approach integrates materials with complementary properties: the synthetic material provides stretch resistance and structural integrity, while metal components add durability and functional features, together enhancing overall reliability.
4Device complexity
If traditional wallets lack secure closure mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates as cards and currency become vulnerable to loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-closing mechanism where the folded shell structure naturally maintains closure through its geometry and material properties. The wallet's folded configuration and material tension create a self-locking effect that secures contents without requiring complex active closure mechanisms, achieving security through passive structural design.
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 design securely holds multiple cards and currency, preventing loss and maintaining a compact size, enhancing user convenience and security.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic band having a first end coupled to a first side surface of the top half of the flexible member, and a second end located opposite the first end whereby the second end is coupled to a second side surface of the top half of the flexible member
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure includes a wallet comprising an open-sided shell, a flexible member coupled to the open-sided shell, and a pull tab coupled to the external surface of the flexible member. The disclosure also includes a wallet comprising an open-sided shell, a flexible member coupled to the open-sided shell, a stretchable band configured to wrap around the open-sided shell and the flexible member, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) protection plate coupled to the open-sided shell. In some embodiments, the RFID protection plate is configured to securably couple at least one personal card between the RFID protection plate and the open-sided shell. The disclosure includes a wallet comprising an open-sided shell, a first protruding portion coupled to the open-sided shell, and a second protruding portion coupled to the open-sided shell.