Protective Case With Hinged Stand And Integrated Camera Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for protective cases for mobile electronic devices that can provide multiple viewing and operating positions while protecting and facilitating the operation of the external camera lens and/or flash module, which existing cases fail to address effectively.

Innovation Solution

A protective case with a hinged stand that includes an integrated camera ring, capable of moving between fixed open and closed positions, and is designed to encompass both the camera lens and flash module, using magnets and/or detents for positioning, and constructed from materials like molded polymer, metal, or wood.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a protective case is designed to provide multiple viewing and operating positions, then the device positioning versatility is improved, but the case structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice positioning versatilityVSAvoidcase structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a hinged stand mechanism that allows the case to dynamically adjust between multiple viewing and operating positions. The hinge enables the stand to rotate and lock at different angles, providing versatile positioning while maintaining a relatively simple folded structure when not in use. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling multi-position functionality without permanently increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stand is integrated within the case structure, with the hinged stand folding into the case body when not in use. The camera ring is also integrated into the stand structure, nesting multiple functions within each other. This nesting approach provides multiple positioning options while keeping the overall case compact and avoiding excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a protective case is designed to protect the camera lens and flash module, then the camera protection is improved, but the camera operation accessibility may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera protectionVSAvoidcamera operation accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The camera ring is designed to be movable relative to the case, capable of rotating or sliding to different positions. When the camera needs to be accessed or operated, the ring can be moved out of the way. When protection is needed, the ring covers the camera lens and flash module. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing both protection and accessibility as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The camera ring acts as an intermediary element between the protective case and the camera module. It provides protection when closed but can be moved or opened to allow camera operation. The stand mechanism serves as an intermediary structure that enables both the hinged movement for positioning and the camera ring movement for access, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a hinged stand with integrated camera ring is added to the protective case, then the functionality is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecase functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The case is divided into separate functional components: the main case body, the hinged stand mechanism, and the integrated camera ring. These segments can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. The hinge and detent mechanisms are implemented as discrete components that can be produced using standard manufacturing processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stand structure serves multiple functions: it provides viewing position adjustment, operating position support, and houses the camera ring mechanism. The camera ring itself provides both protection and positioning functions. By designing components to perform multiple functions, the patent reduces the total number of separate parts needed, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining high functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 case allows for versatile positioning of mobile devices, protecting the camera and flash features while enabling easy operation, with the hinged stand and integrated camera ring providing secure and adjustable support for various use scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

magnets and/or detents are used to fix the stand in the open and/or closed positions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9917937B1Protective case for mobile electronic device with integrated camera ring stand
Publication Date: 2018.03.13 VEVEY LLC
  • US9917937B1 patent drawing
  • US9917937B1 patent drawing
  • US9917937B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A protective case for an electronic device having an integrated camera ring stand is disclosed. The protective case includes a device compartment defined by multiple walls including a back side wall that is configured to overlie the back face of the device when the device is in the case. The back face wall includes a first aperture that is configured to encompass the camera feature on the back face of the mobile device when the device is in the case and a hinged stand that is coupled to the back face wall and movable from a fixed closed position to fixed open positions. The stand includes a second aperture that is configured to overlie the first aperture to facilitate camera operation in both the closed and open positions. The stand may be retained within a stand housing that is housed within a camera ring housing that may be a separate component from the stand housing.