Segmented Corner Protector and Rail System for Electronic Device Shock Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective mechanisms for portable electronic devices are cumbersome, aesthetically unpleasing, and fail to provide adequate shock absorption and heat dissipation, often requiring removal for device holders and limiting degrees of motion.

Innovation Solution

A protective system comprising corner protectors and rails that distribute force around the perimeter of the device, with an attachment mechanism allowing multiple degrees of freedom for tilting and rotation, while maintaining aesthetics and preventing direct contact with surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protective mechanism is added to the electronic device, then shock absorption capability is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock absorption capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The protective mechanism is divided into separate corner protectors and rail components rather than a single bulky case. This segmentation allows for minimal weight addition while maintaining protection capabilities through distributed structural elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Protection is applied locally at the corners where shock impact is most likely to occur, rather than covering the entire device surface. The corner protectors are strategically positioned to provide maximum shock absorption with minimal material usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a protective mechanism is added to the electronic device, then shock absorption capability is improved, but heat dissipation is interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock absorption capabilityVSAvoidheat dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented design with open rails and spaced corner protectors allows heat to dissipate through the protective structure rather than being trapped by a solid enclosing case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The thin rail structure and corner protectors provide protection while maintaining thermal transparency, allowing heat to pass through the protective mechanism without significant interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If a protective mechanism is added to the electronic device, then shock distribution capability is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock distribution capabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented corner protector and rail design maintains the sleek profile of the original device rather than adding a bulky enclosing case, preserving aesthetic appearance while providing protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The corner protectors are designed to be unobtrusive and blend with the device corners, while the rails provide structural support without dominating the visual appearance, creating a balanced aesthetic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Reliability

If a protective mechanism is added to the electronic device, then shock absorption is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock absorptionVSAvoidprotective system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective system is divided into simple, modular corner protectors and rails that can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Reliability

If a protective mechanism is added to the electronic device, then protection capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to removal requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoidease of attachment and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism allows the protective system to be dynamically attached and removed as needed, providing flexibility for users who need to frequently place the device in holders or cases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

6Reliability

If a protective mechanism is added to the electronic device, then protection capability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited degrees of motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoiddegrees of motion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that allow the protected device to move freely in multiple directions while mounted, maintaining adaptability for various viewing and usage positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9700112B1System for protecting electronic devices

Publication Date: 2017.07.11 SAMSON MFG CORP

AI summary

A protective system for electronic devices has a plurality of corner protectors interconnected by pairs of removably securable rails. The corner protectors may include an indentation on a surface thereof for receiving and seating the corner of an electronic device. The dimensions of the protective system relative to the electronic device define a protective perimeter such that if the device is dropped on a substantially planar surface the sides and front or back surface of the electronic device are protected from direct contact. The protective system may be used in conjunction with an attachment mechanism which is securable about one or more pairs of rails of the protective system to allow mounting of the protective system to items and surfaces such as a rail mount accessory of a firearm.