Smartphone Case Concealed Card Cache Spring Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smartphone cases with card storage capabilities lack an efficient mechanism for actively expelling a card support drawer when a switch is activated, making them inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A smartphone case with a slidably mounted card support drawer and a spring-loaded ejection mechanism, where the activation switch requires a predetermined sequence of movement to release the card, ensuring cards are concealed and easily accessible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a highly visible activation button is used to release the card, then the ease of operation is improved, but the concealment of cards is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The activation switch is extracted from the visible exterior and relocated to a concealed interior position within the case body, accessible only through a small opening or aperture that does not visibly indicate card storage capability
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical linkage system serves as an intermediary, transmitting the activation force from the concealed switch through internal mechanisms to the card support drawer, allowing remote activation without visible buttons
2Device complexity
If a simple card storage compartment is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation for card retrieval is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The card support drawer is pre-positioned within the case body and automatically ejected when the activation switch is pressed, eliminating the need for users to manually open compartments or search for cards
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded ejection mechanism provides self-service by automatically propelling the card support drawer outward when activated, reducing manual effort required for card retrieval
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cards are kept concealed within the case, then the security and concealment are improved, but the ease of operation for accessing cards is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The card support drawer transitions from a static concealed position to a dynamic ejected position when the activation switch is pressed, allowing cards to move from hidden to accessible state on demand
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism provides periodic ejection action, automatically returning the card support drawer to its concealed position after card retrieval, creating a cyclic operation between hidden and accessible states
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 a secure and convenient method for storing and retrieving cards, keeping them concealed from casual observation and allowing easy access without visible activation buttons, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a switch which is operable to release the card support drawer using a spring-loaded ejection mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A smartphone case is provided with a card cache assembly for concealing one or a few cards therein, which may be credit cards, identity cards, or other cards selected by a user. The card cache assembly includes a slidably mounted card support member and a latch for retaining the tray inside of a main cache body. The smartphone case includes a concealed switch, which is operable to release the card support member from the main cache body using a spring-loaded ejection mechanism.