Terminal Case Mounting Portion for External Gripping Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of portable information device terminals face the challenge of needing to detach a case to mount external devices, which is inconvenient and disrupts the terminal's usability.

Innovation Solution

A terminal case with a housing portion, a mounting portion for a gripping device, and a communication portion that allows external devices to be mounted without detaching the case, enabling the terminal to be used with controllers that have distinct gripping portions and communication capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a case is mounted to the terminal for protection and portability, then the terminal's durability and ease of carrying are improved, but the ability to mount external devices is worsened because the case blocks access to mounting interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal protectionVSAvoidexternal device mounting capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping device is nested within the case structure, with the case serving as an outer housing that contains the gripping device. The gripping device's mounted portion is received by the mounting portion in the case, creating a nested configuration where the case and gripping device form an integrated assembly that protects the terminal while enabling external device mounting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the case is designed to be detachable for mounting external devices, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened due to the repeated attachment and detachment operations required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexternal device mounting capabilityVSAvoidcase attachment convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The case and gripping device are merged into an integrated assembly where the gripping device is permanently mounted to the case. This merging eliminates the need to detach the case for mounting external devices, as the gripping device itself provides the mounting function while remaining attached to the case, thus maintaining ease of operation while enabling adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a gripping device is mounted to the terminal for improved ergonomics, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity is worsened due to additional components and mounting requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping comfortVSAvoidcase structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The case serves multiple functions: it protects the terminal, provides structural support, and acts as a mounting platform for the gripping device. The mounting portion in the case is designed to receive the gripping device's mounted portion, allowing the case to fulfill both protective and ergonomic functions without requiring separate complex mounting mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11622036B2Terminal case, gripping device, and information processing device

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

The present technique provides a terminal case capable of mounting an external device thereon without detaching a case. A terminal case according to the present technique includes: a housing portion for housing a terminal in a state in which a display included in the terminal can be exposed; a mounted portion to which a gripping device including a gripping portion to be gripped by a user is mounted; and a communication portion for communicating between the terminal and the gripping device.