Protective Case Hinge Mechanism for Foldable Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective cases for foldable electronic devices do not effectively prevent damage from drops and impacts, and fail to accommodate the unique articulation and display configurations of these devices.

Innovation Solution

A protective case with a hinge mechanism that allows the device to articulate between closed and open positions, featuring balls and sockets for pivotable connection, and transparent membranes for display protection, ensuring the device remains secure and functional.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a protective case is designed to be rigid and secure, then protection against drops and impacts is improved, but the device's articulation between closed and open positions is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against drops and impactsVSAvoidarticulation between closed and open positions

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The protective case employs a dynamic hinge mechanism with balls and sockets that allows the case to articulate between closed and open positions while maintaining protection. The hinge member with pivotable balls enables controlled movement, transforming the case from a static protective structure to a dynamic one that adapts to the foldable device's articulation needs while preserving drop and impact protection capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If a protective case is designed to fully enclose the device, then protection is improved, but the device sliding out issue occurs when folded

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprotectionVSAvoiddevice retention during folding

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism dynamically adjusts the case configuration during folding operations. When the foldable device is folded, the hinge member allows the case portions to pivot relative to each other, maintaining enclosure and preventing the device from sliding out while still permitting the folding motion to occur smoothly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a hinge mechanism is added to maintain articulation, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticulation capabilityVSAvoidhinge mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism is segmented into discrete components including multiple balls, sockets, and a hinge member, allowing independent function of each element. This segmentation enables the complex articulation capability to be achieved through simple, modular components rather than a single complex joint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism utilizes spherical balls that rotate within sockets, employing spherical geometry to achieve multi-directional articulation. This spherical approach allows complex rotation and positioning capabilities while maintaining simple contact surfaces and easy manufacturing of the individual components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 protective case effectively prevents sliding and damage by pivoting inward when closed, maintaining the device's articulation and allowing full visibility and functionality of displays, enhancing protection and usability.

Implementation Method 1

The hinge member is configured to pivot inward when the protective case is transitioned from the opened position to one of the closed positions to prevent the foldable electronic device from sliding out of the protective case

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

The hinge member has a first socket and a second socket in which the first ball and the second ball, respectively, are captured and rotate thereby permitting the first member to articulate relative to the second member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall and socket joint: Ball

Data Source

PatentUS11556154B2Protective case for folding electronic device

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 OTTER PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A protective case for a foldable electronic device having a first member configured for slidably receiving a first portion of the foldable electronic device. The first member has a first ball extending from the first member. The protective case also has a second member configured for slidably receiving a second portion of the foldable electronic device. The second member has a second ball extending from the second member. The protective case also includes sockets for receiving the ball members, wherein each of the balls rotates within a respective one of the sockets in multiple axes such that the hinge member pivots inward when the protective case is transitioned from the opened position to the closed position to prevent the foldable electronic device from sliding out of the protective case.