Perimeter Suspension Shock Isolation for Electronic Devices

Solution Overview

Problem

Current tablet device cases provide only cosmetic protection and lack effective impact protection, relying solely on shock-absorbing materials rather than the shape of the layers for protection.

Innovation Solution

A mounting system with a perimeter suspension section that functions as a spring, integrated into a protective case, isolates the electronic device from shock forces by being molded into a shape that provides impact protection and is made of materials like thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for enhanced shock absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple shock absorbing layers of differing materials are used, then shock protection is improved, but device complexity and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock protectionVSAvoidcase structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The case is divided into distinct functional zones: a rigid outer shell for structural integrity and a separate perimeter suspension section with spring portions for shock absorption. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the case have different properties: the outer shell is made of rigid material for protection, while the perimeter suspension section uses elastic material with spring portions for shock absorption. This local differentiation provides effective shock protection without requiring the entire case to be complex or made of multiple materials throughout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If multiple shock absorbing layers of differing materials are used, then shock protection is improved, but material usage and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock protectionVSAvoidmaterial usage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The case is divided into distinct functional zones: a rigid outer shell for structural integrity and a separate perimeter suspension section with spring portions for shock absorption. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring portions change the physical parameters of the perimeter suspension section by creating coiled or waved structures that provide elastic deformation capability. This allows effective shock absorption through geometric design rather than requiring additional shock-absorbing materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the case relies entirely on shock absorbing properties of materials, then shock protection is provided, but structural efficiency and protection per unit mass decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock protectionVSAvoidcase mass

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The spring portions are formed with coiled or waved geometric structures that leverage elastic deformation of the material shape rather than relying on material composition. This geometric approach provides superior shock absorption per unit mass compared to traditional foam or gel layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring portions change the physical parameters of the perimeter suspension section by creating coiled or waved structures that provide elastic deformation capability. This allows effective shock absorption through geometric design rather than requiring additional shock-absorbing materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively dampens impact vibrations, providing unprecedented impact protection to the electronic device even when the case is made of minimal protection materials, reducing material usage and production costs while improving shock isolation.

Implementation Method 1

a spring portion provided around a periphery of the perimeter suspension section, the spring portion adapted to isolate the electronic device from a shock force that may be applied to the mounting system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The solution effectively dampens impact vibrations, providing unprecedented impact protection to the electronic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS9521226B2Molded shock resistant case for an electronic device

Publication Date: 2016.12.13 M-EDGE INTERNATIONAL CORP

AI summary

A mounting system for an electronic device includes an outer section having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface adapted to face the electronic device when the electronic device is mounted in the mounting system. The mounting system also includes a perimeter suspension section coupled to the outer section and adapted to secure the electronic device to the mounting system, the perimeter suspension section including a spring portion provided around a periphery of the perimeter suspension section, the spring portion being adapted to isolate the electronic device from a shock force that may be applied to the mounting system.