Pivoting Flap Headphone Case for Single-Handed Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional headphone storage cases require the use of both hands to open or close, making it cumbersome to handle the case and headphones simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A headphone case design featuring a shell portion and a flap portion connected by a pivoting member, allowing the flap to rotate and act as a door, enabling single-handed operation and secure closure without the need for additional locking structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional storage cases with zips or clips are used, then secure closure is achieved, but both hands are required to open or close the case

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehand operation requirementVSAvoidclosure mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the traditional zip or clip closure mechanism entirely, extracting the problematic multi-hand operation requirement from the design. The solution uses a simple flap that pivots open and closed without requiring manual manipulation of fastening components, thereby achieving ease of operation while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The flap closure mechanism is designed to be self-operating through a simple pivoting motion. The flap automatically secures when closed and can be easily opened by a single hand without requiring assistance from another hand or complex fastening actions, making the system self-sufficient in its closure function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a flap closure mechanism is used, then single-handed operation is enabled, but additional components like zips or clips are eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesingle-handed operation capabilityVSAvoidclosure component quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the traditional zip or clip closure mechanism entirely, extracting the problematic multi-hand operation requirement from the design. The solution uses a simple flap that pivots open and closed without requiring manual manipulation of fastening components, thereby achieving ease of operation while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the flap portion for opening/closing operation and the pivoting member for mechanical support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining operational ease and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the flap portion and shell portion are connected by a pivoting member, then easy opening and closing is achieved, but the structure requires precise connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening and closing easeVSAvoidconnection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pivoting member acts as an intermediary element between the flap portion and shell portion, providing a dedicated connection point that simplifies the overall assembly. This intermediate component absorbs the precision requirements locally, allowing the main structural elements to be manufactured with standard tolerances while still achieving smooth operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the flap portion for opening/closing operation and the pivoting member for mechanical support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining operational ease and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3860389B1Case for headphones
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 SONOS SCOTLAND LTD
  • EP3860389B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3860389B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3860389B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates generally to a headphone case, or a case for storing headphones therein, including a shell portion and a flap portion. The shell portion defines a space for storing the headphones. The flap portion encloses this space. The flap portion is connected to the storage portion by a pivoting member, and the flap portion is rotatable from a closed configuration to an open configuration. The construction of the headphone case allows a user to operate the case with a single hand by swiping the case open or closed.