Protective Shell With Foldable Support Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protective shells for electronic devices are too thin and lightweight to provide additional functionality beyond basic scratch protection, lacking the ability to support the devices in a free-standing manner or adjust to different angles.
Innovation Solution
A protective shell design incorporating a shell body with an elastic inner layer and a rigid outer layer, featuring a support element with foldable and adjustable arms that can be unfolded to provide support and stability to the electronic device, allowing it to be used at various angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the protective shell is made thin and lightweight, then it provides basic scratch protection, but it cannot provide additional functions such as supporting the device
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shell is divided into multiple functional layers: a flexible inner layer for shock absorption, a rigid outer layer for scratch protection, and a separate support element with adjustable arms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping the overall structure lightweight.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element incorporates movable and adjustable arms that can be folded and positioned at different angles. This dynamic structure enables the shell to adapt to different usage scenarios (handheld, desktop, angled viewing) without adding significant weight, as the support mechanism only engages when needed.
2Device complexity
If the protective shell is made thin, then it remains lightweight and simple, but it lacks the ability to support the electronic device in a free-standing manner
Solution Approach 1:
The support element with its adjustable arms is nested within or integrated into the shell body structure. When not in use, the support arms can be folded back into the shell, maintaining a compact and simple appearance. When needed, they extend outward to provide stable free-standing support at various angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective shell is designed to perform multiple functions: basic protection against scratches, shock absorption during drops, and adjustable free-standing support for desktop use. This multi-functionality is achieved by integrating a versatile support mechanism that can adapt to different usage positions without requiring separate accessories.
3Weight of moving object
If the protective shell is made thin and lightweight, then it maintains simplicity, but it cannot provide adjustable support angles for different usage positions
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms are designed with movable joints and articulation points that allow easy adjustment to different angles. The dynamic structure enables users to quickly reposition the support arms to achieve the desired viewing or usage angle without requiring complex mechanisms or adding significant weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism is designed to be manually adjustable by the user without requiring tools or complex assembly. The arms can be easily folded, positioned, and locked into place through simple mechanical features integrated into the shell structure, making the adjustment process intuitive and user-friendly.
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 shell effectively cushions the device against impacts and allows it to be used in a free-standing position, with adjustable support angles, enhancing its usability and protection beyond basic scratch prevention.
Implementation Method 1
a shell body (10) including an inner body (101) and an outer body (102)
Implementation Method 2
a support element (20) arranged on the shell body (10)
Data Source
AI summary
A protective shell includes a shell body and support elements. The shell body covers an electronic device and includes a space for receiving the support elements. The support elements include a first support arm and a second support arm. The second support arm includes a first free end rotatably received in the receiving space and a second free end. The first support arm includes a third receiving space, a first end and a second end. The third receiving space can receive the second free end. The first end is slidably received in the second receiving space. The second end can be pulled out of the second receiving space toward outside of the shell body. An angle of the support element given to the shell body is adjustable because of the articulation between the first support arm and a second support arm.