Phone Case Wallet Card Ejection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile device cases do not efficiently allow users to inspect and manage multiple cards, such as credit cards and IDs, without fully removing them, and lack secure mechanisms for easy retrieval and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A phone case wallet with a compartmentalized design featuring a slider or expander mechanism that allows cards to be ejected in a 'fan-out' configuration, enabling users to inspect and retrieve individual cards without removing others, using a spring wall for secure retention and a mechanical actuator for controlled ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cards are stored in a conventional wallet compartment, then storage capacity is achieved, but users cannot easily inspect or retrieve individual cards without removing all cards
Solution Approach 1:
The card storage compartment is divided into multiple slots, with each slot independently capable of holding and ejecting a single card. This segmentation allows users to access individual cards without removing others, as each slot operates independently with its own ejector mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector mechanism incorporates a spring-loaded slider that can dynamically move between retracted and extended positions. When activated, the slider ejects the card in the current slot while springs allow other cards to shift and fan out, creating a dynamic system that enables selective card access.
2Ease of operation
If a slider mechanism is used to eject cards, then selective card retrieval is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded ejector mechanism is designed to automatically fan out cards when one card is ejected. The springs pre-loaded in each slot automatically push adjacent cards outward when the slider moves, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control systems for each individual card.
Solution Approach 2:
A single slider actuator serves multiple functions: it ejects the card in the current slot, triggers the spring mechanisms in adjacent slots, and enables the fanning motion of multiple cards simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed.
3Reliability
If cards are tightly retained for secure storage, then security is improved, but ease of retrieval decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Each card slot has localized spring mechanisms that apply retention force only to the card in that specific slot. When the ejector activates, force is applied locally to eject that specific card while other cards remain secured by their own spring mechanisms, allowing selective access without compromising overall security.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanisms are pre-loaded during assembly to provide immediate retention force on each card. This preliminary action ensures cards are securely held in place until intentionally ejected, at which point the pre-loaded springs facilitate smooth ejection and fanning motion.
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
Enables easy viewing and separate retrieval of multiple cards while maintaining secure storage, allowing users to inspect and manage cards without fully removing them, enhancing usability and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a spring wall configured to compress the at least one card within the second compartment
Implementation Method 2
The ejector may include a slider configured to slide in a first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A case may include a compartment configured to contain at least one card. The compartment may be open on a first side. Some embodiments may include an ejector disposed at least partially in the compartment and configured to eject the at least one card through the first side. In some embodiments, the ejector may include a slider configured to slide in a first direction from a second side of the compartment opposite the first side of the compartment towards the first side of the compartment. In some embodiments, the ejector may include an expander configured to expand in a first direction from a second side of the compartment opposite the first side of the compartment towards the first side of the compartment. Some embodiments of the case may include a spring wall configured to compress the at least one card within the compartment.