Semiflexible Plastic Case for Hinged Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable electronic device cases do not effectively accommodate the hinged disposition between display and keyboard portions, lacking sufficient flexibility and shock absorption to protect the device from impacts and provide ergonomic handling.

Innovation Solution

A semiflexible plastic piece with a spine portion that can flexibly couple the display and keyboard portions, incorporating shock-absorbing materials like thermoplastic polyurethane and textured surfaces for enhanced grip and protection, while using semirigid panels for structural support and visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid case structure is used, then structural support and visibility are improved, but flexibility to accommodate hinged disposition and shock absorption deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidflexibility to accommodate hinged disposition

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The case incorporates a flexible material layer (such as silicone or thermoplastic polyurethane) that can bend and deform to accommodate the hinged motion between display and keyboard portions, while still providing protective coverage and shock absorption during the hinging process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The case combines rigid structural components (for support and visibility) with flexible material layers (for shock absorption and hinged accommodation), creating a composite structure that integrates both contradictory requirements into a single functional unit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible case material is used, then shock absorption and flexibility are improved, but structural support deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock absorptionVSAvoidstructural support

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible material layer is designed with specific thickness and material properties to provide adequate shock absorption while maintaining sufficient structural integrity for light-duty support functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The composite case structure distributes mechanical loads between the rigid and flexible components, with the rigid portions bearing primary structural loads and the flexible portions absorbing shocks and impacts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If a single-piece rigid case is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ability to accommodate hinged motion deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidaccommodation of hinged disposition

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible material layer is molded as an integrated component that inherently provides the necessary flexibility for hinged motion, eliminating the need for complex mechanical hinge mechanisms while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The case design changes the material parameter (from rigid to flexible) in the spine region to enable hinged motion, while keeping the overall case as a single-piece construction for manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides enhanced shock absorption, ergonomic handling, and protection against impacts by allowing the device case to accommodate the hinged disposition between the display and keyboard portions, ensuring effective protection and usability.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating shock-absorbing materials like thermoplastic polyurethane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the semiflexible plastic piece having flexibility sufficient for the spine portion to accommodate hinged disposition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10838455B2Portable electronic device case

Publication Date: 2020.11.17 PIONEER SQUARE BRANDS INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are involved with but are not limited to a semiflexible plastic piece including a device display receiving portion, a device keyboard receiving portion, and a spine portion extending therebetween, the device display receiving portion sized and shaped to receivably couple along one or more edges of a display portion of a portable electronic device, the device keyboard receiving portion sized and shaped to receivably couple along one or more edges of a keyboard portion of the portable electronic device, the semiflexible plastic piece having flexibility sufficient for the spine portion to accommodate hinged disposition between the display portion and the keyboard portion of the portable electronic device as received by the portable electronic device case. In addition, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.