Rugged Mobile Device Case With Detachable Port Sidewall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices are vulnerable to vibrations and shocks, and when connected via cables, these vibrations can dislodge the connection, damaging ports or the device. Additionally, peripheral devices like barcode scanners and modular keyboards are not optimally oriented for convenient use, and protective housings often interfere with type covers or modular keyboards.
Innovation Solution
A modular ruggedized protective case with a flexible primary housing and a rigid secondary housing, featuring a detachable sidewall and port protectors, allows for secure connection of peripheral devices like keyboards and barcode scanners, and includes a communications hub for high-speed data transfer, while accommodating a 3D imager and enabling use of type covers without exposing the case's contoured surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective housing is provided for the mobile device, then protection against shocks and vibrations is improved, but connectivity with type covers and modular keyboards is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The protective housing is divided into multiple segments including a first portion, a second portion, and a detachable sidewall portion. This segmentation allows the housing to provide comprehensive protection while enabling access to connector ports through the detachable sidewall, thus maintaining both protection and adaptability functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The sidewall portion is designed to be detachable rather than fixed, allowing the housing configuration to change dynamically based on usage requirements. When attached, it provides protection; when detached, it enables connectivity with peripheral devices, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and adaptability.
2Reliability
If connector ports are concealed by the protective housing, then protection is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented with a detachable sidewall portion that can be separated from the main body. This allows connector ports to remain protected when the sidewall is attached, while providing easy access when the sidewall is detached, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable sidewall design allows the system to transition between two states: a protected state when attached and an accessible state when detached. This dynamic configuration enables the housing to adapt to different operational requirements, maintaining both protection and ease of operation as needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a detachable sidewall is added to the protective housing, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into functional segments with the sidewall portion being detachable. This segmentation provides modular flexibility for different usage scenarios while keeping each segment relatively simple in design, thus balancing adaptability with manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable sidewall serves multiple functions: it provides protection when attached, enables access to connector ports when detached, and can be configured in different positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thus improving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular ruggedized protective case for a mobile communications device is disclosed. In embodiments, the protective case includes a flexible (e.g., rubberized) primary housing partially enclosing the mobile device and itself partially surrounded or enclosed by a rigid secondary housing. The secondary housing includes a removable sidewall conformable and contourable to the housing to protect and conceal connector ports for a peripheral keyboard. The sidewall may be detached from the secondary housing to allow the keyboard to be connected to the mobile communications device via the connector ports, eliminating the need for an external adapter attached to the secondary housing.