Lightweight Mobile Phone Case Materials and Design Innovations
11 patents in this list
Updated:
In the fast-evolving world of mobile devices, the demand for lightweight yet durable phone cases is ever-growing. Professionals across engineering and design fields are tasked with creating solutions that balance protection with portability. This need is driven by consumers who seek to safeguard their devices without adding unnecessary bulk or weight.
Designing these cases involves overcoming significant challenges, such as ensuring impact resistance while maintaining a slim profile. Engineers must also consider factors like grip, ergonomic handling, and torsional rigidity, all while keeping the cases light and easy to carry. The complexity of integrating multiple layers into a single, cohesive design adds another layer of difficulty.
This page explores various solutions from recent research, including multi-layered constructions that provide robust protection and ergonomic designs that enhance handling. You'll find insights into materials and structures that improve grip and viewing angles, all while maintaining a lightweight form factor. These advances aim to create cases that meet the practical needs of today's mobile device users without compromising on style or functionality.
1. Magnetic Ultra-Thin Folding Support with Extendable Column and Top Plate
Shenzhen Bashidehen Technology Co., Ltd, Chongqing Shiweixun Cultural Communication Co., Ltd, 2023
An ultra-thin support that allows mobile phones to stand upright for easy viewing. The support has a thin base that attaches magnetically to the phone, a column that extends up from the base, and a top plate that holds the phone in place. The column and plate fold down against the base when not in use.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Finger Attachment System with Wraparound Design for Portable Device Grip
ANDREW JACOB FREIMUTH, 2020
A finger attachment system for portable devices that improves ergonomics and ease of use while reducing the risk of dropping the device. The system attaches to the back of a device like a smartphone and wraps around the user's finger, providing a secure grip with reduced strain compared to holding the device in the hand. The attachment adds minimal bulk and weight to the device.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
Request the PDF report with complete details of all 11 patents for offline reading.
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.
