Protective Case With Hinged Subpanel And Nested Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for protective cases for mobile electronic devices that provide multiple viewing/operating positions while conveniently storing and transporting personal items, while also minimizing bulkiness and weight without compromising protection against impact and fluid ingress.
Innovation Solution
A protective case comprising a shell, a front cover, and a flexible spine, with a credit card storage compartment accessible beneath a hinged subpanel, allowing for different viewing positions without adding weight, using lightweight materials and securing mechanisms like magnets or snaps to maintain the case in a closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a protective case includes a storage compartment for personal items, then the convenience of storing and transporting personal items is improved, but the bulkiness and weight of the case increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a storage compartment nested within the protective case structure itself. The compartment is formed by creating a cavity within the case body, allowing personal items to be stored inside the case without requiring an external wallet or separate storage device. This nesting approach adds storage functionality while minimizing additional weight and bulk.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a protective case includes a storage compartment for personal items, then the convenience of storing and transporting personal items is improved, but the bulkiness of the case increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage compartment is nested within the existing case volume, utilizing otherwise wasted space within the case structure. The compartment is formed as an internal cavity that does not significantly increase the external dimensions of the case, thereby maintaining a compact form factor while adding storage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (depth/thickness) of the case to create storage space. By forming a compartment that extends into the case body rather than adding external protrusions, the design efficiently uses available volume without increasing the case's external footprint.
3Ease of operation
If the compartment is accessible beneath a hinged subpanel, then the ease of accessing personal items is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The case is segmented into functional modules: a main case body, a hinged subpanel, and a storage compartment. The subpanel can be independently opened to access the compartment without removing the entire case or disturbing the mobile device. This segmentation provides easy access while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The subpanel incorporates a hinge mechanism that allows it to dynamically open and close. This dynamic element provides convenient access to the storage compartment while maintaining a compact closed structure. The hinge allows controlled movement between closed and open states, balancing accessibility with structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective case for a mobile device having a front cover and a storage compartment for a user's personal items such as credit cards, personal identification cards, and/or cash is disclosed. The protective case includes a main body and a detachable panel configured to cover an aperture through the shell of the protective case providing access to the storage compartment via a hinged connection. The shell, panel, and front are secured to flexible layers, which allow the case to function as independent pivot stands that can position the case in one or more operating/viewing positions.