Lightweight Mobile Phone Case
Mobile phone case design faces increasingly demanding requirements as devices become thinner and more powerful. Current flagship phones weigh between 170-240g, with cases typically adding 25-45g while needing to protect against drops from 1.5m onto concrete and withstand daily wear. These protection requirements must be balanced against user preferences for minimal bulk.
The fundamental challenge lies in maximizing impact resistance and structural rigidity while minimizing the addition of weight and thickness to the device.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including multi-layered co-molded constructions, reinforced housings with optimized joining areas, integrated shock absorption systems, and antimicrobial surface treatments. These and other approaches focus on achieving protection standards while maintaining the sleek profile of modern mobile devices.
1. Mobile Phone Case with TPU Frame and Recessed Airbag Cavities Containing Protruding Shock-Absorbing Patterns
DONGGUAN WEISONG IND CO LTD, DONGGUAN WEISONG INDUSTRIAL CO LTD, 2023
Mobile phone case with improved shock absorption to prevent damage when dropped. The case has a TPU frame with recessed airbag cavities at the corners. These cavities contain protruding shock-absorbing patterns inside. The TPU frame connects to a PC back shell enclosing the phone. This provides a combined case with integrated shock absorption. The recessed airbags and protruding shock-absorbing patterns inside cushion the phone corners when dropped, preventing direct impacts.
2. Two-Piece Mobile Phone Case with Integrated Corner Protection and Heat Sink Mechanism
ANHUI CHANGWANG INTELLIGENT TECH CO LTD, ANHUI CHANGWANG INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023
A four-corner anti-collision mobile phone protective case with corner protection and shock absorption. The case has a two-piece design with a first and second protective shell that fit around the corners of the phone. Each corner of the shells has a protective structure inside. Heat sinks are installed on the inner surfaces of the shells. Mounting grooves are provided on the back sides and elastic connecting strips are installed inside them. This provides corner protection and shock absorption to prevent damage when the phone is dropped. The case has a slim profile with a total thickness of less than 5mm to avoid bulkiness.
3. Mobile Phone Case with Multi-Layer Structure Including Anti-Skid Pad, Heat Dissipation Window, Metal Reinforcement, and Velvet-Lined Side Shell
HEYUAN JIACHENG ELECTRONIC TECH CO LTD, HEYUAN JIACHENG ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023
Four-round anti-drop mobile phone case that provides improved drop protection compared to existing cases. The case has a back shell with an anti-skid pad at the bottom, a heat dissipation window at the top, and a metal sheet inside the front end. The back shell connects to a side shell with a limit bar, extension block, and non-slip surface. The case also has a fine velvet lining inside the side shell. This design provides a multi-layer structure with anti-skid, heat dissipation, metal reinforcement, limit rings, and non-slip features to improve drop protection around the phone.
4. Frameless Mobile Phone Case with Grooved Edges for Removable Drop Protection Inserts and Integrated Lens Cover
DONGGUAN YICHUANG SCIENCE AND TECH CO LTD, DONGGUAN YICHUANG SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022
Anti-drop frameless mobile phone case with integrated drop protection. The case has a shell with a back plate and edges. The edges have grooves for drop protection pieces. These grooves are filled by removable drop protection pieces that attach inside the case edges. This provides drop protection without adding bulk or weight to the case. The drop protection pieces can be easily inserted and removed from the case edges for installation and removal. The case also has a lens cover attached to the shell.
5. Mobile Device Case with Integrated Multi-Layered Construction Comprising Inner Conforming Layer, Middle Shock Absorption Layer, and Outer Impact Resistance Layer
Vinci Brands LLC, 2022
Protective case for mobile devices with an integrated multi-layered construction to provide enhanced protection while minimizing bulkiness and weight. The case has a front face, back face, perimeter, and corners. The multi-layered construction involves molding three distinct layers together in an integrated construct. The layers are the inner layer, middle layer, and outer layer. The inner layer directly contacts and conforms to the mobile device. The outer layer provides impact resistance. The middle layer provides shock absorption.
6. Mobile Phone Case with Segmented Buffer Sections and Narrow Central Grip Zone
SHENZHEN KANGCHENGTAI IND CO LTD, SHENZHEN KANGCHENGTAI INDUSTRIAL CO LTD, 2021
A mobile phone case design that improves user experience by providing better grip and protection without adding bulk. The case has separate buffer sections for the top and bottom parts of the phone, connected by a narrow middle section for gripping. This allows better handholding compared to a single wide buffer around the whole case. The narrow middle section prevents the case from being too thick and heavy while still protecting the phone's vulnerable areas like camera, charging port, and mic. The case also has features like sound transmission holes, thermochromic layers, and limiting plates to enhance functionality and durability.
7. Mobile Phone Case with Rigid Top and Bottom Frames and Flexible Side Shell Featuring Integrated Clamping Camera Cutout
ZHANG YUQIONG, 2021
A drop-proof mobile phone case with improved protection and durability compared to existing cases. The case has an upper pressure frame, a flexible protective shell, and a bottom shell. The flexible shell covers the phone sides, while the hard frames attach to the top and bottom. This allows the shell to avoid damaging the phone body while still providing external protection. The frames are rigid materials, and the shell is flexible. This prevents frame damage when dropped while cushioning the phone. The camera cutout has clamping features to tightly connect the flexible shell to the frame.
8. Mobile Phone Case with Enhanced Thickness and Textured Surface for Drop Resistance
GUANGZHOU KEWEI TECH CO LTD, GUANGZHOU KEWEI TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2021
An anti-drop mobile phone case with improved drop protection and tactile feel. The case has a main body with a camera hole and is made of thicker, more durable materials compared to typical silicone cases. This provides better drop protection and impact resistance for the phone. The case also aims to enhance the user experience with a better tactile feel, likely achieved through the use of materials with a more pronounced texture or grip.
9. Mobile Phone Case with Honeycomb Interlayer Containing Shear Thickening Glue
JIANGNAN UNIVERSITY, UNIV JIANGNAN, 2021
Anti-drop mobile phone case with improved drop protection and signal transmission compared to traditional cases. The case has a honeycomb interlayer filled with shear thickening glue sandwiched between the front and back panels. The glue absorbs impact energy to reduce damage to the phone when dropped. The case also has raised camera, screen, and button edges to prevent direct contact with surfaces. A suede back panel provides grip. The honeycomb structure provides lightweight drop protection without shielding signals like metal cases.
10. Mobile Device Protective Case with Co-Molded Multi-Layered Construction
Incipio, LLC, 2021
Protective cases for mobile devices with improved impact resistance and reduced bulkiness compared to conventional cases. The case has an integrated multi-layered construction with a rigid inner layer, a flexible middle layer, and a shock-absorbent outer layer. The layers are co-molded together within a mold to form an integrated protective case. This construction provides enhanced protection against impact and drops while minimizing bulk and weight compared to conventional cases.
11. Mobile Phone Case with Shock-Absorbing Spring, Ventilated Outer Casing, and Anti-Slip Layer
DAI XIANGRU, 2021
Mobile phone case with improved drop protection, heat dissipation, and anti-loss features. The case has an inner casing with a fixing plate and a shock-absorbing spring between the inner and outer walls of the outer casing. The outer casing has an anti-slip layer with patterns on the surface. This provides better drop protection as the spring compresses on impact. The anti-slip layer prevents slipping. Heat dissipation is improved by having vent holes in the outer casing. A lanyard is attached to the top to prevent losing the phone.
12. Two-Piece Mobile Phone Case with Soft Inner Shell and Hard Outer Shell Featuring Protrusions and Annular Groove Attachment System
GUANGZHOU EASTMATE PLASTIC PRODUCTS CO LTD, 2021
A two-piece mobile phone case with a soft inner shell and a hard outer shell that provides high strength and durability. The inner shell made of soft plastic protects the phone and prevents scratches, while the outer shell made of hard plastic provides impact resistance and drop protection. The inner shell has protrusions to position the phone, and the outer shell has a strip that passes through an annular groove on the inner shell. The strip attaches to the outer shell with clips. This allows detachable assembly of the two shells. The hard outer shell improves drop protection compared to a soft shell, while the soft inner shell protects the phone from scratches.
13. Mobile Phone Case with Dual-Layer Shell and Integrated Finger Ring Buckle
GUANGZHOU EASTMATE PLASTIC PRODUCTS CO LTD, 2021
Mobile phone case with improved drop protection and functionality. The case has an inner soft shell that fits the phone and an outer hard shell. The inner shell is made of soft plastic to protect the phone without scratching. The outer shell is made of hard plastic to absorb impacts and drops. The inner shell has protrusions and slots that match up with the outer shell to connect them. The case also has a finger ring buckle on the back. The two-piece design allows flexible protection and prevents inner shell damage while the outer shell provides drop protection. The inner shell material prevents scratches on the phone.
14. Smartphone Case with Thicker Corner Design and Buffered Transition Zone for Enhanced Impact Absorption
QIN MINGJIE, 2021
Smartphone case design that provides better drop protection and grip compared to conventional cases. The case has a unique shape with thicker corners and a transition zone between the back shell and side edges. The thicker corners provide better drop protection for the vulnerable corner areas. The transition zone between the back shell and side edges has a buffered portion closer to the phone side to absorb impact and prevent damage if the phone is dropped edge-first. This reduces the risk of cracking or breaking the corners compared to traditional cases with uniform thickness.
15. Mobile Phone Case with Multi-Layer Corner Structure and Rotating Grip Ring
HU HAIMIN, 2021
Anti-drop mobile phone case with improved drop protection and usability. The case has a multi-layer corner structure with an outer frame, inner buffer, and protruding angles. This disperses impact force better than single material cases. The frame is fixed to the inner buffer. The case also has a rotating ring on the back for better grip. The buttons, ports, and camera are accommodated in the frame to avoid damaging the phone. The case is made by two-shot injection molding for strong connection.
16. Mobile Phone Case with Integrated Corner Covers, Shock-Absorbing Plate, Internal Buffer Spring, and Heat Dissipation Port
ZHUOMEI LEATHER TECH DONGGUAN CO LTD, ZHUOMEI LEATHER TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2021
Shock-absorbing and anti-drop mobile phone case with improved protection against drops and falls. The case has features like corner protective covers, a shock-absorbing plate with a buffer spring inside, and a heat dissipation port. These elements along with the main case material of polycarbonate provide better shock absorption, drop protection, and heat dissipation compared to traditional phone cases. The corner covers prevent wear on the phone edges when dropped, the shock plate and spring cushion impacts, and the port allows heat escape.
17. Mobile Phone Case with Dual-Layer Structure and Cushioned Vent Chambers
DONGGUAN ZAK PLASTIC CEMENT PRODUCT CO LTD, 2021
Rubber shock-absorbing and anti-drop mobile phone case with improved protection against drops and impacts. The case has an outer shock-absorbing shell and an inner supporting shell that are connected. The corners of the outer shell have cushioned chambers with vent holes to absorb impact forces. The upper edges of both shells have anti-drop protrusions. The inner shell has thickened buffer columns. When the phone drops, the outer shell compresses the chambers, venting air to cushion impacts. The thickened columns absorb further forces. The anti-drop edges prevent face-first drops. The shock-absorbing outer shell also protects the screen from landing impacts.
18. Mobile Phone Case with Biodegradable Housing and Corner Airbag Impact Absorption System
SHENZHEN SONGJUE NEW MATERIAL TECH CO LTD, SHENZHEN SONGJUE NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2020
Environmentally friendly mobile phone case with good drop protection by using biodegradable materials like silica gel or cork for the case and an inner airbag that cushions the phone corners when dropped. The case has a removable phone body, an environmental housing made of degradable material, internal airbags, and protective pads for screen, camera, and buttons. The airbags absorb impact on the phone corners to prevent damage when dropped. The biodegradable housing material is environmentally friendly.
19. Mobile Phone Case with Cushioned Corner Protectors, Detachable Heat Dissipation Back Plate, and Internal Dust-Preventive Mesh
SHENZHEN SONGJUE NEW MATERIAL TECH CO LTD, SHENZHEN SONGJUE NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2020
Mobile phone case with shock absorption and heat dissipation to protect the phone from drops and overheating. The case has corner protectors with cushioned bumps, a detachable back plate with heat dissipation holes, and a mesh cloth inside to prevent dust. This provides drop protection, heat dissipation, and dust prevention. The cushioned corners absorb impact, the detachable back plate prevents direct contact, and the mesh stops dust.
20. Phone Case with Multi-layer Shell and Airbag-cushioned Corners Featuring Antistatic and Nanocoating Layers
SHENZHEN SONGJUE NEW MATERIAL TECH CO LTD, SHENZHEN SONGJUE NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2020
Shock-proof and drop-protective phone case with improved durability and protection compared to traditional hard cases. The case has a multi-layer shell with an inner substrate coated with antistatic, anti-explosion, and nanocoating. The corners have airbags for shock absorption. The inner walls have shock-absorbing mechanisms with rubber bumps and pads. This provides better protection against drops and impacts. The case also has buttons, ports, and camera cutouts for functionality. The multi-layer coating prevents static, oil, and fingerprint buildup on the case surface.
21. Mobile Phone Case with Elastic Shells, Diagonal Anti-Skid Patterns, and Shock-Absorbing Air Cavity
SHENZHEN XINHONGWEI PLASTIC PRODUCTS CO LTD, 2020
A spliced anti-skid and anti-vibration mobile phone case that provides improved drop protection compared to traditional cases. The case has an upper and lower shell made of elastic materials. The bottom surface of the lower shell has diagonal anti-skid patterns. The upper shell has an air cavity matching the phone's back and shock-absorbing bumps on the top surface. The outer edge curves inward. This allows the case to compress air and disperse impact forces when dropped, better protecting the phone.
22. Protective Case with Integrated Multi-Layer Co-Molded Construction for Mobile Devices
Incipio, LLC, 2020
Protective case for mobile devices that is lightweight and slim while providing high levels of protection. The case has a unique integrated multi-layer construction with an outer rigid layer to absorb impact, a middle shock-absorbing layer, and an inner soft layer to cushion the device. The layers are co-molded together as a single unit. This construction allows for reducing bulkiness and weight while maintaining protection. The case is for mobile devices like tablets and smartphones and can have a touchscreen on both faces.
23. Mobile Phone Case with Shock Absorbing Capsule, Spring-Loaded Metal Shrapnel, and Protective Corner Foot Pads
SHENZHEN TWINS METAL & PLASTIC PRODUCT CO LTD, 2020
Drop-proof mobile phone case with improved shock absorption and drop protection. The case has features like a shock absorbing capsule, spring-loaded metal shrapnel with a mini accelerometer, protective foot pads at the corners, and a ring buckle. These components absorb impact and dissipate force when the phone drops, preventing damage to the screen and corners. The metal shrapnel with a sensor detects impact and triggers the spring to compress and absorb shock. The case also has heat dissipation holes, card slots, and a charging port.
24. Phone Case with TPU Frame and Recessed Areas for Edge Protrusion Alignment
GUANGZHOU BIAOXIN PLASTIC CO LTD, 2020
Lightweight, slim anti-drop phone case with a back plate and a frame around the edge. The frame is made of TPU material and has recessed areas on the sides that match the corresponding protrusions on the phone's side edges. This allows the case to be slim and lightweight while still protecting the phone from drops because the recessed frame corners match the phone's edges.
25. Electronic Device Housing with Integrated Reinforcing Structure Comprising Flat Portion, Rising Wall, and Joining Portion
TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC., 2019
Electronic device housing with improved torsional rigidity while reducing thickness and weight. The housing has a reinforcing structure joined to the bottom and/or top covers. The reinforcing structure has a flat portion, rising wall, and joining portion. The joining area is 10-100 cm2, and the maximum height is 3-30 mm. The reinforcing structure projects 60-95% into the cover area. This provides torsional rigidity without excessive weight or reducing internal space.
26. Mobile Phone Case with Corner Protectors and Networked Hole-Frame Shock Absorption System
MA WEIWU, 2019
Drop-proof mobile phone case with improved shock absorption to prevent damage when dropped. The case has a protective shell with corner protectors. The corners have reserved holes on the sides. The bottom corners have a second reserved frame with a third hole on the right side. The bottom corner has a first reserved frame with inner holes. The side corner connectors have extended sides to securely attach. This configuration provides a network of holes and frames inside the case that allows deformation and absorption of impact forces to protect the phone when dropped.
27. Double-Layer Phone Case with Interlocking Recesses and Projections
ZHANG BIN, 2019
Double-layer protective phone case with improved drop protection and energy absorption. The case has an inner hard shell and an outer soft shell that fit together. The inner shell has recesses on the sides and back, while the outer shell has matching projections and openings. This allows the inner shell to be nested inside the outer shell with some play. This double-layer construction provides better drop protection and energy absorption compared to single-shell cases.
28. Protective Mobile Device Case with Removable Shell, Hinged Subpanel, and Integrated Storage Compartment
INCIPIO, LLC, 2019
A protective case for a mobile device that allows users to store personal items and different viewing/operation positions while minimizing bulkiness and weight. The case has a removable shell to hold the device, a front cover to protect the screen, and a flexible spine to connect them. The shell has a hinged subpanel that opens to access a storage compartment beneath.
29. Multilayer Mobile Device Case with Rigid Inner Shell and Elastic Outer Layer
INCIPIO, LLC, 2019
Protective cases for mobile devices that provide a high level of protection yet are low profile. The case is a multilayer construction with an inner rigid shell wrapped in a less rigid outer layer. The outer layer is more elastic and provides a grippier, tactile surface. The layering minimizes bulk and weight while maintaining protection. The case can also have responsive buttons.
30. Mobile Phone Case with Corner Hollow Protrusions and Internal Dividers for Impact Absorption
Guangzhou Xundi Electronic Technology Development Co., Ltd., 2019
Mobile phone case with improved drop protection and shock absorption. The case has hollow protrusions at the corners with internal dividers to create multiple chambers. This allows the case to deform and absorb impacts better compared to solid corners. The hollow chambers compress during drops and return to shape, reducing force transmitted to the device. The protrusions also increase thickness at vulnerable corners for better drop protection.
31. Dual-Layer Mobile Device Bumper with Hard Inner Layer and Soft Outer Layer Incorporating Antimicrobial Treatment
Samsonite IP Holdings S.àr.I., 2019
A dual-layer protective bumper for mobile devices that provides impact protection and coverage without adding significant size or weight. The bumper has a hard inner layer and a soft outer layer. The inner layer is against the device, and the outer layer covers the inner layer. The bumper fully covers the device except for the screen/buttons. The soft outer layer can have an antimicrobial material or treatment.
32. Mobile Phone Case with Dual-Layer Shell and Elevated TPE Corner Bumpers
Shenzhen Zhongchuang Investment Co., Ltd., 2019
Mobile phone case with integrated anti-drop protection to prevent falls and minimize damage. The case has a two-layer shell with an inner PC frame and outer TPU body. The corners of the shell are made of softer TPE material that extends above the edge height. This provides cushioning and impact absorption to prevent phone damage when dropped. The higher corners act as bumpers that shield the phone edges from contact with surfaces.
33. Protective Case with Dual-Layer Plastic and Silicone Construction and Corner Installation Slots
Shenzhen Kalilai Technology Co., Ltd., 2018
Mobile phone protective case with improved feel and durability by using a combination of plastic and silicone layers. The case has a plastic outer layer for strength and toughness, and a silicone inner layer for better hand feel and cushioning. Slots at the corners allow easier installation.
34. Reinforced Housing with Integrated Flat and Rising Wall Structure
TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC., 2018
A reinforced housing with improved torsional rigidity while having a reduced thickness and weight compared to conventional housings. The housing has a reinforcing structure that is joined to the bottom cover or top cover of the housing. The reinforcing structure has a flat portion, a rising wall member, and a joining portion. The joining portion is attached to the cover. The reinforcing structure reinforces the housing without adding much weight and bulk.
35. Mobile Phone Case with Curved Corner Frame and Protruding Side Elements for Enhanced Impact Absorption
Liang Yaoming, 2018
Anti-collision mobile phone case with improved impact absorption and protection compared to traditional cases. The case has a frame with curved corners and protrusions on the outer sides. The protrusions are larger than the frame width to better protect the phone back and screen. The corners also have small inner grooves for buffering and damping. This increases corner thickness for better angle protection and has a simple, low-cost design.
36. Mobile Device Protective Case with Co-Molded Rigid Inner Shell and Elastic Outer Layer
INCIPIO, LLC, 2018
Protective case for mobile devices with innovative integrated multi-layer construction that provides high level of protection, yet are low profile, lightweight and aesthetically appealing. The case has an inner rigid shell wrapped in a more elastic outer layer. The outer layer is molded around the shell to form a unitary case. This provides rigidity and impact protection from the inner shell, with a grippy, slim and responsive outer surface. The inner and outer layers are co-molded within a mold to integrate them into a single protective case.
37. Mobile Phone Case with Collapsible Protrusion-Equipped Inner Skeleton and Matching Outer Casing
Li Diming, 2018
A drop-resistant mobile phone case with internal skeleton and external casing that provides better protection against drops compared to traditional cases. The case has an inner skeleton with collapsible protrusions at the corners that absorb impact when the phone falls. The outer casing has matching holes for the protrusions. This allows the protrusions to deform on impact instead of the entire case, preventing screen and body damage. The inner skeleton is made of a harder material than the outer casing to further dissipate impact forces.
38. Mobile Phone Protective Case with Spherical Glass Beads in Viscous Medium for Impact Absorption
LEE SEUNG MIN, PAEK JIN HO, 2017
Mobile phone protective case that effectively absorbs impacts without adding bulk or weight. The case has a hollow interior with spherical glass beads distributed in it. These beads absorb shock when the phone is dropped. The hollow space is filled with a viscous material like glycerol to hold the beads in place. This allows the case to absorb impacts without adding thickness or weight compared to conventional shock-absorbing cases.
39. Mobile Phone Case with Ventilation Grooves, Spider Patterns, and Shock Absorbing Bumps
SHENZHEN LIANMAO PLASTIC CO LTD, 2016
Mobile phone case with improved impact resistance and heat dissipation. The case has a unique design with ventilation grooves, spider-like patterns, and shock absorbing bumps on the outer end. The ventilation grooves allow airflow to prevent overheating. The spider patterns provide grip and space between the case and hand for heat dissipation. The shock absorbing bumps protect against impacts. The case has an inner shell, elastic layer, and outer shell with PC and TPE materials.
The phone case patents shown here demonstrate several approaches to making them lighter. These developments show how lightweight phone covers that are both safe and user-friendly are still being sought after. They range from multi-layered construction processes to integrated storage solutions and antimicrobial coatings.
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