Protective Case Airbag Structure for Electronic Device Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protective cases for electronic devices offer limited protection due to complex structures and high manufacturing costs, primarily providing protection for only localized regions and failing to effectively safeguard the edges and corners of the device.
Innovation Solution
A protective case design comprising a first structure with a bezel inner and outer surface, combined with a second structure that forms an airbag by extending along the bezel outer surface, utilizing materials of varying hardness for enhanced impact absorption, and a third structure for improved structural strength and aesthetic, allowing for a larger protection area without increasing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective airbag is added to a protective case, then the protection effect is improved, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the airbag structure with the protective case housing by forming the airbag as an integrated part of the case body through injection molding. The airbag is formed by utilizing the cavity between the outer mold and the ejector pins, eliminating the need for separate airbag components and complex assembly processes while maintaining effective shock absorption protection
2Reliability
If a protective airbag is added to a protective case, then the protection effect is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag and protective case are manufactured as a single integrated component through one-step injection molding, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing processes, assembly operations, and additional materials. This significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining effective protection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector pins serve dual functions: they enable demolding of the protective case and simultaneously form the airbag structure by creating the necessary cavity during injection molding. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate airbag forming processes or additional molds
3Reliability
If recesses are thinned locally to form a protective case, then shock absorption is improved, but the protection area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from local thinning recesses to a three-dimensional airbag structure that extends along the ejector pins. This dimensional change allows the protection to cover larger areas including corners and edges of the electronic device, rather than being limited to localized recess areas
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 provides enhanced impact absorption and protection for a larger area of the electronic device, simplifies the manufacturing process, and reduces costs by forming a more robust and aesthetically pleasing protective case.
Implementation Method 1
deformation is generated when an external force is applied, thereby implementing shock absorption and anti-fall
Implementation Method 2
when an external force is applied, thereby implementing shock absorption
Implementation Method 3
the first structure and the second structure include fastening parts that are fastened to each other
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a protective case for an electronic device and a protective case manufacturing method. The protective case includes: a first structure, having a bezel inner surface and a bezel outer surface, where the bezel inner surface encloses a space suitable for accommodating the electronic device; and at least one second structure, attached to the first structure, where the second structure extends along the bezel outer surface and has an airbag inner surface and an airbag outer surface, and the airbag inner surface is disposed opposite to the bezel inner surface, to form at least one airbag between them.