Synthetic Skin Encasing for Handheld Device Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld electronic devices such as digital cameras, cell phones, and video game consoles face challenges in protection against environmental traumas like water and dust, as well as mechanical traumas like shock, due to the lack of effective waterproofing and impact resistance in existing solutions.

Innovation Solution

A synthetic skin is designed to encase these devices, providing a snug, waterproof enclosure that allows users to operate function members through the skin while maintaining visibility of the display, and is complemented by a rugged housing for enhanced protection against environmental and mechanical stresses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a waterproof enclosure is provided around the device, then protection against water and dust is improved, but the ability to operate function members and view the display is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against water and dustVSAvoidoperation of function members and view of display

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible synthetic skin made of elastomeric material that conformally wraps around the device. This thin film provides waterproofing while remaining flexible enough to allow users to press function members through the material and view the display through a transparent window area, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and operability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The synthetic skin acts as an intermediary layer between the external environment and the device. It mediates by providing water and dust protection while incorporating features like transparent windows and flexible pressing areas that allow interaction with the device functions, thus maintaining ease of operation despite the protective barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a snug-fitting protective skin is applied, then protection against environmental traumas is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against environmental traumasVSAvoidcomplexity of protective enclosure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a single-piece flexible synthetic skin that elasticly conforms to the device shape, eliminating the need for complex rigid enclosures with multiple seams and fasteners. This simple yet effective approach provides comprehensive environmental protection while minimizing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS20070296853A1Protection of handheld electronic devices

Publication Date: 2007.12.27 HO KENNETH KAM SING

AI summary

There is disclosed a snug, form fitting skin for a consumer electronic device to protect against trauma like dust, dirt, scratches and water. There is additionally disclosed a rigid housing for such skin-encased device.