Protective Case Coupling via Segmented Protrusions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional protective case assemblies for handheld devices often experience detachment issues due to the annular protrusion sliding out of the annular groove when the device is slightly moved, leading to instability and potential detachment of the back plate from the casing body.

Innovation Solution

A protective case assembly design featuring a detachable component with first and second protrusions and a main groove that cooperate to form an engaging groove, enhancing the contact area and stability between the detachable component and the casing body, thereby preventing easy detachment and allowing for a more secure and compact fit with the handheld device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a simple annular protrusion and groove coupling is used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the coupling stability is poor and the back plate easily detaches

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidcoupling stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling unit is segmented into multiple functional elements: first protrusions extending from the detachable component, second protrusions extending from the component outer peripheral edge surface, and corresponding grooves in the casing body. This segmentation allows each element to perform a specific function, with the first protrusions providing initial engagement and the second protrusions with grooves providing enhanced stability, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple structure and reliable coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism transitions from a single-dimensional annular protrusion-groove interface to a multi-dimensional engagement system. The first and second protrusions extend in different directions and at different positions, creating engagement forces in multiple dimensions. This dimensional expansion increases the coupling stability without significantly complicating the manufacturing process, as each protrusion and groove can be formed using standard molding techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the back plate is made detachable for easy installation and removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the coupling stability deteriorates and the back plate may detach accidentally

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidcoupling stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling unit is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow easy detachment when needed while maintaining stability during normal use. The first protrusions can be easily pushed out of the corresponding grooves to detach the back plate, providing ease of operation. Meanwhile, the second protrusions engaging with the grooves create a stable locked state during normal use, preventing accidental detachment. This dynamic design allows the same structure to provide both easy operation and reliable coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable coupling is segmented into two functional parts: first protrusions that enable easy detachment by being pushed out of grooves, and second protrusions that provide stable engagement during normal use. This segmentation allows the back plate to be easily installed and removed when needed, while maintaining coupling stability during normal operation, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10251290B2Protective case assembly for handheld device
Publication Date: 2019.04.02 EVOLUTIVE LABS CO LTD
  • US10251290B2 patent drawing
  • US10251290B2 patent drawing
  • US10251290B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A protective case assembly includes a detachable component having a component outer peripheral surface, a casing body having at least one casing body protrusion, and a coupling unit detachably coupling the detachable component to the casing body and including at least one first protrusion extending outwardly from the component outer peripheral surface, at least one second protrusion extending outwardly from one of the at least one first protrusion and the component cuter peripheral surface and cooperating with the at least one first protrusion to define therebetween an engaging groove for engaging with the at least one casing body protrusion, and at least one main groove formed in the casing body for receiving the at least one second protrusion.