Thermoregulating Case with Segmented Magazine for Device Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable computing devices are vulnerable to environmental hazards and temperature fluctuations in commercial applications, leading to breakage and reduced battery life, with a need for a protective case that also carries documents and accessories securely.
Innovation Solution
A multi-purpose thermoregulating electronics device case with dynamic attachment mechanisms and a detachable magazine that uses flexible thermoplastic for impact protection and conductive thermoregulation, allowing for adaptable fitment of various devices and accessories, including a thermoregulating container with heating or cooling elements to extend battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the case uses a rigid structure to securely hold the device, then the device is protected from impact, but the case cannot adapt to different device sizes and accessory configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into a reusable case body and interchangeable magazines. The magazine can be removed and replaced to accommodate different device sizes and accessory configurations, while the case body maintains a consistent rigid structure for impact protection. This segmentation allows the case to adapt to various devices without compromising the structural integrity needed for protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The case body is designed with universal mounting features that can accommodate multiple types of magazines and accessories. The standardized interface allows different magazines to be attached to the same case body, enabling one case to serve multiple functions and accommodate various device configurations while maintaining consistent protective performance.
2Temperature
If the case includes insulated walls to protect from temperature, then thermal protection is improved, but conductive thermoregulation is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The case walls have different thermal properties in different locations. The side walls are insulated to provide thermal protection from environmental temperature extremes, while the bottom wall where the device contacts the thermoregulating container is non-insulated to enable efficient conductive heat transfer. This local differentiation of thermal properties allows simultaneous thermal protection and active thermoregulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoregulation function is separated into a dedicated thermoregulating container that can be inserted into the case, rather than relying on the case walls themselves. This container holds phase change material or heating elements and is positioned to make direct contact with the device, while the case walls provide insulation for the rest of the device. This segmentation allows independent optimization of both insulation and conduction functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the case is designed to hold documents and accessories, then versatility is improved, but the case complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The case is segmented into a simple case body and separate magazine components. The magazine can be attached to or removed from the case body, allowing documents and accessories to be organized in a separate, easily replaceable module. This keeps the main case structure simple while adding versatility through the detachable magazine system.
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine and its contents (documents, accessories) are nested within the case body when attached, creating an organized hierarchical structure. The magazine acts as a container within the case, allowing multiple items to be held in a compact, organized manner without complicating the overall case design. The nested structure maintains simplicity while maximizing storage capacity.
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 securely holds devices, protects against environmental hazards, and maintains consistent performance by regulating temperature and impact, while accommodating different device and accessory sizes, ensuring reliable operation and extended battery life.
Implementation Method 1
The protective case is made of a flexible thermoplastic to securely hold the device in place while also absorbing impact to prevent the device from breaking if dropped
Implementation Method 2
The thermoregulating container may contain or may be made directly of cooling or heating elements that add heat to or remove heat from the electronic device and thus extend the device's battery life
Implementation Method 3
The container may be used to prevent any liquid (for example phase change material) from directly contacting the personal computing device while still providing the conductive benefit
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-purpose case that holds a portable computing device and an interchangeable thermoregulation element such that the thermoregulation element can be replaced without removing (or moving) the portable computing device. The case has modular components and can be attached to a light shield and or a document holder.