Protective Case With Removable Magnetic Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional protective cases for portable electronic devices lack functionality beyond basic protection, failing to integrate with or enhance the use of additional items carried by consumers, such as battery packs or medical devices.

Innovation Solution

A protective case with removable functional modules, featuring a communication panel, system controller, and magnetic engagement system, allowing for the integration of modules like power banks, vaping devices, or medical components, enhancing the device's functionality and compatibility with other items.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional protective cases are used, then basic protection is provided, but functionality beyond protection is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcase structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The case is divided into a base case and separate removable functional modules. Each module can be independently attached or detached, allowing users to customize functionality without permanently complicating the base case structure. The magnetic attachment mechanism enables easy segmentation and reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base case is designed with universal attachment features (metallic strips and magnetic engagement points) that can accommodate multiple different types of functional modules. A single case can serve multiple functions by simply swapping modules, making the system highly adaptable without increasing base complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If functional modules are integrated into the case, then additional functionalities are provided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional integrationVSAvoidmodule integration system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional mechanical attachment methods (screws, clips, adhesives) are replaced with magnetic attachment systems. The magnetic strips embedded in the case and corresponding magnets in the modules provide automatic alignment and secure attachment without complex mechanical fastening mechanisms, reducing integration complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Functional modules are designed to nest within or attach to the case structure. The modules contain their own functional components (battery packs, communication terminals) nested within compact housings that fit seamlessly with the case's metallic strip framework, maintaining a streamlined overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If communication terminals and alignment features are added, then module engagement is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule engagementVSAvoidcase production

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment holes and communication terminals are positioned at specific standardized intervals along the metallic strips. This parameter standardization allows for modular manufacturing where components can be mass-produced and then assembled through simple positioning, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the added features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment holes and magnetic strips are designed to automatically guide and position modules during attachment. The system self-aligns components without requiring precise manual adjustment or complex assembly tools, improving reliability of engagement while simplifying the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables increased functionality by allowing the case to communicate and interact with additional modules, providing power, data transfer, and specific functionalities, thereby enhancing the user experience and utility of the case beyond mere protection.

Implementation Method 1

The module can include a plurality of magnetic elements for engaging the metallic strips

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20240180306A1Protective case with removable functional modules

Publication Date: 2024.06.06 MALAFAIA MOZART

AI summary

A protective case with removable functional modules includes a front housing for engaging the front surface of a portable electronic device, and a main body having a front surface for receiving the portable electronic device and the front housing to form a protective shell for the portable electronic device. A plurality of metallic strips, a communication panel and a system controller are positioned along the main body. A removable module is secured onto the main body. The module having a plurality of magnetic elements for engaging the metallic strips, a plurality of alignment tabs for engaging the alignment holes, and a plurality of communication terminals for engaging the communication panel. The module includes a functional component comprising a battery pack for providing power to each of the portable electronic device and the system controller.