Tension Spring Foldable Case Position Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective covers for foldable electronic devices lack mechanisms to securely maintain the device in fully open or closed positions, often leading to unintended opening or closing.
Innovation Solution
A tension spring assisted foldable protective cover with two shells and tension mechanisms that connect via holding posts, allowing the device to be kept in desired positions through a biasing force, preventing unintended movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a protective cover is designed to be simple and lightweight, then ease of manufacture and portability are improved, but the ability to securely maintain the device in open or closed positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover employs asymmetric tension springs positioned at specific locations (top and bottom or side edges) rather than symmetric distribution. This asymmetric placement creates unequal biasing forces that effectively counteract the gravitational and operational forces acting on the foldable device, enabling reliable position maintenance with minimal spring components rather than requiring a complex symmetric multi-spring system
Solution Approach 2:
The tension springs are designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the device's folding state without requiring manual intervention. When the device is folded or unfolded, the springs self-activate to provide biasing force that maintains the desired position, and they automatically release when the device is intentionally opened or closed by the user, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms
2Reliability
If tension mechanisms are added to maintain device position, then position stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tension mechanism is extracted as a separate, independent component (tension spring) that can be easily attached to and removed from the protective cover shells. This modular approach allows the biasing function to be added without redesigning the entire cover structure, and the spring can be installed using simple engagement features like hooks or clips, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity while achieving reliable position maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The tension springs are designed with adjustable parameters including spring constant, wire diameter, and coil spacing that can be modified to optimize performance for different device weights and sizes. By changing these parameters rather than the fundamental spring mechanism, the system can adapt to various foldable devices without requiring complex redesign, maintaining simplicity while achieving reliable position stability
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 effectively maintains the foldable electronic device in fully open or closed positions, preventing accidental opening or closing and ensuring secure operation through the use of tension mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
one or more tension mechanisms or spring biasing elements
Implementation Method 2
tension spring assisted foldable protective cover
Data Source
AI summary
A protective and/or ornamental case for a foldable handheld electronic device. The case includes a front shell and a back shell pivotally connected to one another by one or more springs or other tension mechanisms. A first portion of an electronic device is inserted into the front shell and a second portion of the electronic device is inserted into the back shell. The tension mechanisms retain the front and back shells operatively engaged with one another as the electronic device housed in the case is pivotally or hingedly opened and closed, help prevent unintended opening or closing of the device, and keep the device open or closed when so positioned by a user.