Smart Case with Embedded Radio for Mobile Device Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile communication devices are prone to physical damage and lack additional functionality beyond basic protection, as conventional protective covers do not enhance or complement the operation of these devices.

Innovation Solution

A smart case with embedded radios, switches, and additional features like a Push-To-Talk button, camera lenses, and game controllers that enable enhanced functionality and communication capabilities, including operation on tactical networks, by integrating a radio and various interfaces within the case.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protective cover is used to protect mobile communication devices from physical damage, then device protection is improved, but additional functionality and features are not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice protectionVSAvoidadditional functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The protective case is transformed into a multi-functional device by embedding a radio transceiver, antenna, and various input interfaces (buttons, scrolling wheel, touchpad). The case now serves both as physical protection and as a communication device capable of independent wireless communication, PTT operations, and interaction with the enclosed mobile device, resolving the contradiction between protection and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If conventional protective covers are used, then physical protection is provided, but no features to enhance or complement device operation are included

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical protectionVSAvoiddevice operation enhancement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective case merges with the mobile communication device to form an integrated system. The case incorporates a radio transceiver that can communicate independently or in conjunction with the device's radio, and includes input mechanisms that can control either the case's functions or the enclosed device, thereby enhancing operational capability while maintaining protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional components like radios and interfaces are embedded in the case, then functionality is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilitiesVSAvoidcase structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radio transceiver, antenna, and input interfaces are nested within the protective case structure. The case acts as a housing that contains these additional components while maintaining its primary protective function. This nesting approach allows functionality enhancement without requiring a completely separate system, as the case integrates multiple functions within its structural form.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS8983560B2Smart case for mobile communication devices

Publication Date: 2015.03.17 VOXER IP LLC

AI summary

A smart case configured to encapsulate a mobile communication device. The smart case includes a radio embedded in the case for selectively enabling the encapsulated mobile communication device to communicate over a wireless network using either the radio embedded in the case or the Wi-Fi and/or cellular radio in the communication device itself. In alternative embodiments, either a hard switch, a soft switch, or both, is provided for switching between either the radios(s) embedded in the smart case or the internal radio(s) in the mobile communication device.