Protective Case with Flippable Lens Cover and Storage Compartments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional protective cases for portable electronic devices often leave camera lenses and flash components exposed, making them susceptible to soiling and scratching, and lack adequate storage for essential items.

Innovation Solution

A protective case with removably or hingeably attached lens covers and multiple storage compartments of fixed dimensions to accommodate various items, including corner accessories, ensuring the camera is unobstructed during use and allowing for secure storage of essential items across different devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If lens cover is permanently attached to protective case, then camera lens is protected from soiling and scratching, but camera cannot be operated when case is worn

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of camera lensVSAvoidcamera operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lens cover is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be flipped open or removed when camera operation is needed. This dynamic configuration enables the lens cover to transition between protective and non-protective states, resolving the contradiction between protection and operability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The protective case is divided into separate functional components: the main case body and the detachable/flippable lens cover. This segmentation allows the lens cover to be independently positioned or removed, enabling both protection when closed and camera access when opened.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If protective case includes multiple storage compartments, then storage capacity for essential items is increased, but device complexity and bulk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidcase structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Storage compartments are nested within the protective case structure, utilizing the case's internal volume efficiently. Smaller compartments are positioned within the larger case body, maximizing storage capacity without proportionally increasing external dimensions or structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective case serves multiple functions: it protects the electronic device, provides camera lens coverage, and offers storage for essential items. By integrating these functions into a single unified structure, the design avoids the complexity that would result from separate accessories.

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

3Ease of operation

If lens cover is made removable or flippable, then camera can be operated unobstructed, but lens cover may be lost or misplaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera operationVSAvoidlens cover retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lens cover is designed with a flippable or removable mechanism that maintains connection to the protective case through magnetic attraction or mechanical engagement. This dynamic design allows the cover to be easily positioned for camera use while remaining attached to the case, preventing loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lens cover is integrated with the protective case through magnetic or mechanical connection, ensuring it remains part of the overall assembly. This integration prevents the lens cover from being completely separated or lost while still allowing it to be moved into position for camera operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10244838B2Protective case for portable electronic device with foldable lens cover and storage compartments
Publication Date: 2019.04.02 LEBAUER IAN F
  • US10244838B2 patent drawing
  • US10244838B2 patent drawing
  • US10244838B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A protective case for a portable electronic device. The protective case including a plurality of storage compartments for retaining a series of items. The protective case includes a removable upper portion allowing unobstructed access to the portable electronic device camera and includes a plurality of corner accessories disposed within and forming the corners of the protective case.