Multi-Size Tablet Case with Compressible EVA Foam and Rigid Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cases for portable electronic devices are either designed for specific models, leading to incompatibility with different sizes, or have wide tolerances that fail to securely hold devices, especially for children, resulting in excessive movement and inadequate screen protection.
Innovation Solution
A case design utilizing compressible EVA foam with intentionally designed ribs and a removable frame of higher durometer to create a secure interference fit, accommodating various tablet sizes by limiting movement to less than 1-2 mm in any direction, and providing comprehensive protection with a contoured well and lip structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a case is designed with narrow tolerances to form-fit a specific device model, then protection and alignment are improved, but compatibility with different device sizes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into two functional segments: a rigid outer shell providing structural protection and alignment, and a compliant inner lining that deforms to accommodate different device sizes. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function - the rigid shell ensures protection and port alignment, while the compliant lining provides size adaptability through elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner lining material's physical parameters are specifically selected to enable reversible dimensional changes. The material exhibits elastic compliance that allows it to deform during device insertion and then recover its original shape, maintaining consistent protection while adapting to various device dimensions. This parameter change capability resolves the contradiction between fixed-fit precision and size versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a case is designed with wide tolerances to accommodate a range of dimensions, then compatibility is improved, but device stability and screen protection are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The case structure separates the compatibility function (handled by the compliant inner lining that deforms to fit different sizes) from the protection function (handled by the rigid outer shell that maintains structural integrity). This segmentation allows wide tolerances in the inner lining without compromising the rigid protection and stable device retention provided by the outer shell.
Solution Approach 2:
The case combines two materials with contrasting mechanical properties: a rigid material for the outer shell providing structural stability and screen protection, and a compliant elastic material for the inner lining providing size adaptability. This composite construction resolves the contradiction by allowing the compliant material to accommodate dimensional variations while the rigid material ensures device stability and protection.
3Strength
If soft EVA foam is used to provide good protection when handled by children, then impact resistance is improved, but stiffness to retain devices of varying sizes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The case divides the retention and protection functions between two material systems: the compliant inner lining handles size adaptation through elastic deformation, while the rigid outer shell provides the stiffness needed for secure device retention. This segmentation allows soft EVA foam to provide impact resistance without sacrificing the structural stiffness required for device retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The case employs a composite structure where a compliant material (soft EVA foam or similar) is combined with a rigid material. The compliant layer provides impact absorption and size adaptability, while the rigid layer provides structural stiffness for device retention. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between softness for impact protection and stiffness for secure retention.
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 effectively secures and protects a range of portable electronic devices across multiple sizes, preventing excessive movement and ensuring full-screen protection with a higher drop rating, particularly suitable for children's use.
Implementation Method 1
The EVA foam's material compressibility allows a designer to create interference fits within the well of the case to sufficiently secure an array of tablets that differ in height, width, and thickness
Implementation Method 2
the invention disclosed may include intentionally designed ribs along the top, bottom, and side walls of the well to provide the X-Y compressible interference retention for the greatest number of compatible tablet devices
Implementation Method 3
The frame may include a back wall that is dished or has a depression. However the frame may not include a back wall. In some embodiments, the durometer of the foam of the insert or frame is significantly higher than the durometer of the case main body to ensure the frame is properly secured within the main EVA body and resists dislodgement
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a case for accepting portable electronic devices, such as tablets, of multiple sizes. The case includes a central well that may receive either the portable electronic directly, or a portable electronic device and a frame. The well is bordered by channels having a lip to an exterior face, the lip acting to retain the portable electronic device or frame and portable electronic device within the well. The material making up the frame is preferably of a higher durometer than the material making up the main body of the case.