Secure Locking Mechanisms for Mobile Phone Cases
Mobile device case design has evolved from simple protective shells to sophisticated mechanisms incorporating multiple functions. Current designs must accommodate wireless charging, card storage, and medical sterilization requirements while maintaining device protection—all within strict dimensional constraints of less than 15mm total thickness and precise tolerances for button and port access.
The fundamental challenge lies in creating secure locking mechanisms that maintain robust protection while allowing convenient access and integrating additional functionality.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including tension-spring-assisted covers for foldable devices, sterilizable enclosures with contamination seals, magnetic mounting systems for wireless charging, and secure wallet combinations with remote locking capabilities. These and other approaches demonstrate how manufacturers are addressing both security and functionality requirements in modern mobile case design.
1. Electronic Device Housing Locking Mechanism with Identity-Driven Actuation
LENOVO BEIJING CO LTD, LENOVO CO LTD, 2023
Locking device for electronic devices that allows secure disassembly without specialized tools. The device has a locking component between the device's housings that can move between locked and unlocked positions. A driving member moves the locking component. An identity recognition module connects to the driving member and identifies user identity. When an unauthorized user is detected, the module keeps the locking component locked. For authorized users, it unlocks the device. This prevents unauthorized disassembly while allowing authorized servicing without special tools.
2. Portable Electronic Device Case with Hinged Sliding Stand and Locking Mechanism
Griffin Technology, LLC, 2021
Protective case for portable electronic devices like smartphones with a built-in stand that supports the device at an angle. The stand has an inner and outer section connected by hinges to the case back. The inner stand slides along tracks in the outer stand. A locking feature on the outer stand holds the inner stand open. Applying pressure flexes a portion of the outer stand to release the lock and close the stand.
3. Electronic Device Housing with Automatic Locking Mechanism Featuring Interacting Latch and Action Member
WISTRON CORP, 2021
An electronic device housing with an automatic locking mechanism that eliminates the need for manual latching. The locking module has a base, a latch, and an action member. The latch moves between positions and has a groove. The action member also moves between positions and has a fixing part. In the unlocked state, the latch is in one position, the action member is in another position, the latch is in the groove, and the fixing part is separate. In the locked state, the latch moves, the action member moves, and the fixing part detaches from the groove. This automatic locking is triggered by the device body pushing the action member when closed.
4. Friction-Based Mobile Phone Locking Mechanism with Fingerprint-Activated Motor and Lock Plate
BEIJING IEQUIP TECH DEVELOPMENT CO LTD, BEIJING IEQUIP TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO LTD, 2020
Structure for locking a mobile phone by friction to provide an easy way to securely lock and unlock a phone without needing a padlock hole. It uses a fingerprint scanner, motor, lock plate, and friction surfaces. The fingerprint board unlocks the motor to rotate the lock plate. The friction surfaces have slopes, rollers, and plates that engage to prevent phone removal. It allows locking phones on bikes, bags, etc. without holes.
5. Mobile Phone and Wallet Combination with Phone-Controlled Locking Mechanism
Tiana Smith, 2020
A secure mobile phone and wallet combination that protects sensitive information. The device has a phone section and a wallet section that can be locked together. The phone controls the lock and can be remotely activated to secure the wallet. This prevents unauthorized access to documents, cards, and cash stored in the wallet if it is lost or stolen.
6. Carrying Case with Hinged Panel and Integrated Card Pockets
Rachel Coicou, 2020
A carrying case for a cellphone and cards with a panel for the cellphone and a hinged panel with card pockets. The case closes with a flap and lock.
7. Foldable Clamp Anti-Theft Device with Port-Engaging Locking Mechanism and Remote Unlocking for Electronic Equipment
ORANGE, 2018
Compact, discreet and inexpensive anti-theft device for electronic equipment like smartphones and tablets that provides physical prevention of theft without adding bulk or cables. The device has a foldable clamp that securely attaches to the device housing when closed. It uses a locking mechanism where the clamp engages the device's existing ports to prevent sliding. Unlocking is done via remote control. The device can be integrated into the equipment or used as an accessory. The foldable clamp allows compact storage when not in use. The remote unlocking provides convenience compared to manual unlocking.
8. Mobile Phone Card Slot Locking Mechanism with Lever, Springs, and Sensor-Controlled Telescoping Plate
Chengdu Yiding Industrial Product Design Co., Ltd., 2018
Locking mechanism for mobile phone card slots to prevent unauthorized removal of SIM cards. The mechanism uses a lever, springs, and a sensor. When a card is inserted, a telescoping plate extends into the slot and separates the lever from a first spring. The lever then pushes out the baffle, compressing a second spring. A sensor at the bottom detects the card and sends a signal to a controller. The controller extends the telescoping plate again, locking the lever and baffle in place. This prevents card removal without the correct PIN or fingerprint. The lever and baffle are connected by springs to allow card insertion/removal.
9. Mobile Device Case with Retractable and Lockable Home Button Cover
Jennifer Jo Pelton, Incipio, LLC, 2018
Protective case for mobile devices with a retractable and lockable cover over the home button. This cover limits access to the home button to prevent accidental presses or unauthorized use. The cover can be locked closed, and unlocking it requires simultaneous coordinated actions.
10. Modular Housing Security Device with Interlocking Sections and Integrated Attachment Mechanism for Portable Electronics
ARCO BRANDS CORP, 2016
Security device for protecting portable electronics like tablets from theft and damage. The device has a housing that partially surrounds the device and an attachment to secure it. The housing has two sections that connect around the device. A bar holds them together. The attachment extends through the bar gap. A locking head prevents removal. Modular accessories attach to the housing. They can't be removed without disconnecting the housing sections. This prevents theft as the whole unit stays connected. It also protects the device since the housing surrounds it.
11. Single-Action Locking Mechanism with Latch, Spring, Guide Shafts, and Integrated Connecting Member
GRG BANKING EQUIPMENT CO., LTD., 2016
A simple locking mechanism for removable devices like mobile phones that allows easier and more convenient locking with fewer components compared to conventional mechanisms. The lock has a latch, spring, guide shafts, and base with a connecting member. The latch connects to the device, the spring biases it closed, and the guides route it. The connecting member has a lock piece and engages when closed. This allows single-action locking with multiple states. The latch protrusion matches the lock slotted part to secure. The connecting member connects removable devices when locked. This simplifies locking to a single mechanism versus multiple components.
12. Mobile Device Case with Integrated Card Reader and Lockable Magnetic Latch System
UUPON CORP, 2015
Mobile device case with integrated card reader and lockable magnetic latch to securely carry cards and prevent loss. The case has a compartment with entrance and exit for cards. A lockable magnetic latch on the case side can be unlocked by the device to insert and secure cards. This prevents accidental removal and loss. The case also has a reader module inside to read the cards without contact. This protects the cards from damage and enables contactless reading. The magnetic latch, compartment, and reader are all connected to the device for coordinated operation.
A variety of innovative approaches for making phone cases that lock are illustrated in the displayed patents. These designs can be customized to meet a variety of user needs, such as built-in charging features, automatically rotating camera lens covers, and sterilizing capabilities for use in medical settings.
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