Protective Case Living Hinge Waterproof Seal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protective cases for electronic devices often require a full waterproof seal around the entire circumference, which can lead to more potential failure locations and increased complexity, while also not providing efficient mechanisms for easy installation and removal of devices.
Innovation Solution
A protective case design featuring a first and second portion with a living hinge, allowing the second portion to move between open and closed configurations, forming a reduced waterproof seal (50% or less of the perimeter) and incorporating clasping mechanisms and a case key for secure closure and easy access, along with a screen protector with a reduced thickness area for button or fingerprint sensor alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full waterproof seal around the entire circumference is used, then waterproof protection is improved, but device complexity and potential failure locations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective case is divided into a first portion and a second portion that can be separated. The waterproof seal is applied only to the interface between these two portions, rather than around the entire circumference. This segmentation reduces the total length of the waterproof seal while maintaining protection effectiveness, as the seal only needs to prevent water ingress at the joint between portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof seal function is extracted from the entire circumferential boundary and concentrated only at the interface between the first and second portions. By removing the need for seals along the entire perimeter and retaining waterproofing only where the portions join, the design reduces seal complexity and potential failure points while maintaining adequate waterproof protection.
2Reliability
If a full waterproof seal around the entire circumference is used, then waterproof protection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The case is manufactured in separate first and second portions that are assembled together. The waterproof seal is applied only at the interface between these portions during assembly, rather than requiring a continuous seal around the entire case perimeter. This reduces manufacturing complexity by simplifying the sealing process to a localized operation at the joint.
3Ease of operation
If clasping mechanisms and case key are incorporated, then ease of operation for device installation/removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The case key is integrated into the protective case structure itself, serving as both a tool for opening the case and part of the case assembly. The clasping mechanisms are built into the case portions, allowing the case to self-lock and self-unlock using the integrated key. This reduces the need for separate external tools or complex external mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The case key serves multiple functions: it is used to unlock the clasping mechanisms, it may serve as a structural element of the case, and it provides a user interface for opening and closing. The clasping mechanisms simultaneously provide locking function and structural connection between portions. This multi-functionality reduces overall complexity by combining multiple roles into single components.
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 design provides a more robust and user-friendly protective case with fewer potential failure points, easier device installation/removal, and enhanced protection with a reduced waterproof seal, while maintaining effective sealing and compatibility with accessory modules.
Implementation Method 1
The secondary portion is flexibly attached to the first portion by a living hinge. The secondary portion is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration.
Implementation Method 2
The end member configured to be deformed to allow for the installation or removal of the electronic device from the protective case.
Implementation Method 3
The second portion is configured to form a waterproof seal with the primary portion when the secondary portion is in the closed configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective case for an electronic device is provided. The protective case includes a first portion configured to receive a bottom portion of the electronic device and a second portion attached to the first portion and configured to receive a top portion of the electronic device. The second portion includes a primary portion and a secondary portion. The primary portion is movable relative to the secondary portion between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The open configuration includes an opening formed between the primary portion and the secondary portion for receiving the electronic device in the protective case.