Protective Case Dovetail Rail Mount for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for protective cases that not only safeguard electronic devices from damage but also enable them to adapt to various functions and tasks, allowing users to attach, detach, and utilize removable modules without removing the device from the case, while providing access to features like touchscreens and cameras.
Innovation Solution
A protective case system with a mounting accessory and mount adapter that includes a dovetail rail member with snap features, allowing for the attachment of removable modules with an interference fit, and an engagement feature for secure attachment, enabling the use of modules such as cameras, batteries, and sensors without requiring electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective case is designed to securely hold an electronic device, then protection reliability is improved, but the ability to attach and detach removable modules becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The protective case is divided into multiple functional components: a base case providing protection, and separate removable modules (camera module, battery module, etc.) that can be independently attached and detached. This segmentation allows the protective function to remain while enabling flexible module attachment/detachment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting accessory with dovetail rail members and snap features acts as an intermediary mechanism between the protective case and removable modules. This intermediary provides a standardized interface that enables easy attachment and detachment while maintaining secure connection, resolving the contradiction between secure holding and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a protective case provides comprehensive protection for an electronic device, then device safety is improved, but access to device features like touchscreen and camera becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The case design separates the protective enclosure from functional access points. The protective case provides comprehensive coverage while incorporating specific openings and interfaces that allow access to touchscreen, camera, and other device features without compromising overall protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective case has different properties in different locations: fully enclosed and protective in most areas, but with localized openings and interfaces (camera aperture, touchscreen access, button access) that provide feature access where needed. This local differentiation maintains protection while enabling feature access.
3Reliability
If a protective case is designed with fixed structure for maximum protection, then protection reliability is improved, but adaptability to various functions and tasks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is segmented into a fixed protective case and separate removable functional modules. This allows the case structure to remain fixed and protective while the removable modules provide adaptability for different functions (camera, battery, audio, etc.).
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting accessory with standardized dovetail rail interface provides universal compatibility across multiple removable modules. A single mounting interface can accommodate various functional modules, enabling the protective case to adapt to different functions and tasks while maintaining structural integrity and protection.
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
This solution allows users to enhance the functionality of electronic devices by attaching and detaching modules easily, providing protection and access to device features like touchscreens and cameras, while maintaining the device's usability and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
The receiver channel includes a snap feature having an interference fit with the snap feature of the rail member of the mounting accessory to removably lock the rail member into the receiver channel
Data Source
AI summary
A protective case includes an inner liner, a first aperture, a second aperture, and an outer shell. The inner liner is configured for receiving the electronic device and the first aperture is configured to permit access to the touchscreen interface of the electronic device. The second aperture is configured to permit optical access to the camera of the installed electronic device. The outer shell includes an attachment mechanism for attaching an accessory to the protective case. One of the attachment mechanism of the outer shell and the accessory includes a receiver configured to slidably receive a rail member of the other of the attachment mechanism of the outer shell and the accessory. The attachment mechanism of the outer shell may include a snap feature having an interference fit with a corresponding snap feature of the accessory to keep the accessory removably secured to the protective case.