Spring-Buffered Case Corner Structure for Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic product case structures that use foam, rubber, or silicone to absorb impact forces appear thick and heavy when thicker materials are required for higher drops or heavier products, compromising aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A case structure incorporating an inner case base, a buffer outer case, and a torsional spring, where the buffer outer case moves relative to the inner case base upon impact, with the torsional spring storing and releasing elastic potential energy to absorb impacts, maintaining a compact appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thicker foam, rubber or silicone is used to protect against higher drops or heavier products, then the impact resistance is improved, but the corners of the product look thick and heavy, affecting the overall appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer outer case is designed to be movable relative to the inner case base, allowing dynamic response to impact forces. The torsional spring enables the buffer case to rotate and absorb impact energy, providing active protection rather than static cushioning. This dynamic mechanism achieves high impact resistance with minimal protrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsional spring changes its rotational parameter to absorb impact energy. When impact occurs, the spring rotates from its initial position, converting kinetic energy into elastic potential energy, then releases it to return the buffer case to its original position. This parameter change enables effective buffering with a compact structure.
2Reliability
If thicker foam, rubber or silicone is used to absorb impact force, then the protection capability is improved, but the device becomes heavier and bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The torsional spring utilizes elastic deformation parameter changes to absorb and release impact energy. The spring's rotational movement converts kinetic energy into elastic potential energy and back, providing effective protection without requiring heavy cushioning materials. This energy conversion mechanism achieves high protection capability with minimal weight increase.
3Reliability
If thicker foam, rubber or silicone is used to sustain higher impact, then the impact absorption is improved, but the corner structure becomes more complex and protrudes obviously
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer outer case is designed as a movable component that rotates on the fixing column via the torsional spring. This dynamic structure absorbs impact through controlled rotation and elastic deformation, achieving effective impact absorption with a relatively simple and compact corner structure that does not obviously protrude.
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 case structure effectively resists collisions with a compact design, passing military-level drop tests and maintaining functionality after repeated impacts, while reducing the need for thick protrusions, thus enhancing both protection and appearance.
Implementation Method 1
The torsional spring correspondingly deforms and stores elastic potential energy. When the force exerted on the buffer outer case disappears, the torsional spring releases the elastic potential energy to reposition the buffer outer case.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A case structure includes an inner case base, a buffer outer case and a torsional spring. The inner case base has a corner area and a fixing column located at the corner area. The buffer outer case is movably overlapped on an outer side of the corner area. The torsional spring is sleeved on the fixing column and located between the buffer outer case and the inner case base. A first end and a second end of the torsional spring are respectively connected to the buffer outer case. When the force exerted on the buffer outer case causes the buffer outer case to move relative to the inner case base, the torsional spring correspondingly deforms and stores elastic potential energy. When the force exerted on the buffer outer case disappears, the torsional spring releases the elastic potential energy to reposition the buffer outer case.