Pivoting Cover Pen Holder for Larger Stylus Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

As electronic styli have grown in size for increased usability and grip-comfort, they become difficult to house within electronic devices, and detachable attachment poses a risk of accidental loss.

Innovation Solution

A cover with a pen receiving portion is designed to accommodate the stylus, preventing loss and damage by integrating a space between the device surface and the cover.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electronic stylus is made larger to increase usability and grip-comfort, then user convenience is improved, but it becomes difficult to house the stylus within the electronic device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusability and grip-comfortVSAvoidhousing space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a cover structure that folds over the electronic device surface, creating a pocket space between the cover and device surface. This nested configuration allows the stylus to be stored within the folded cover structure, effectively nesting the storage space within the existing device footprint without requiring additional external volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by folding the cover over the device surface, creating storage space in the Z-axis direction rather than requiring additional horizontal space. This dimensional approach allows the stylus to be stored within the profile of the device itself, converting a 2D surface into a 3D storage volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the electronic stylus is detachably affixed to the device surface, then it is easily accessible, but there is a risk that the stylus will be accidentally lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidrisk of loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides a pre-configured storage pocket within the cover structure where the stylus can be placed when not in use. This preliminary preparation of a designated storage location ensures the stylus is readily available when needed while providing a secure home that prevents accidental loss during device handling or transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cover acts as an intermediary structure between the device surface and the stylus. It provides a mediating storage environment that keeps the stylus associated with the device while allowing easy access, thus preventing loss without requiring permanent attachment to the device surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12440011B2Cover including pen receiving part, and electronic device including same

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A cover and electronic device are disclosed herein. The cover is attachable to the electronic device, and includes: a first region covering a first portion of a first surface of the electronic device, when the cover is attached to the electronic device, a second region covering a second portion of the first surface of the electronic device, the second region adjacent to the first region, and a receiving part protruding from a surface of the first region of the cover and including a hollow for receiving an electronic pen, wherein the first region of the cover is pivotable relative to the second region of the cover, such that the first region of the cover is spaced away from the first surface of the electronic device while the second region of the cover contacts the first surface of the electronic device.