Case For Electronic Device And Magnetic Assembly
Patent No. US12040827 (titled "Case For Electronic Device And Magnetic Assembly") was filed by Shenzhen Lanhe Technologies Co Ltd on Jan 19, 2023.
What is this patent about?
’827 is related to the field of cases for electronic devices, particularly those that incorporate magnetic assemblies for alignment with wireless chargers and providing a stand function. The background acknowledges the increasing popularity of wireless charging and the challenges protective cases pose to efficient magnetic alignment between devices and chargers, as well as the desire to use the case as a stand.
The underlying idea behind ’827 is to integrate a magnetic assembly into a phone case that serves a dual purpose: facilitating magnetic alignment for wireless charging and acting as a rotatable stand. This is achieved by incorporating a support member connected to the case, which can be moved relative to the case to prop it up, and a magnetic alignment member that aids in aligning the phone with a wireless charger.
The claims of ’827 focus on a case for an electronic device, comprising a side wall, a back wall, and a magnetic assembly. The magnetic assembly includes a support member connected to the side or back wall, capable of moving to support the case, and a magnetic alignment ring detachably or fixedly connected with the support member. The support member has a receiving portion for the magnetic alignment member and can move between folded and unfolded positions.
In practice, the support member rotates out from the back of the case to act as a kickstand, allowing the phone to be propped up at an angle. The magnetic alignment ring ensures proper alignment with wireless chargers, improving charging efficiency. The support member includes a mounting section for the magnetic alignment member and a connecting section, with a connecting element pivotably connecting the support member to the case wall. This connecting element features a connecting portion stacked on the connecting section, with fixing holes and positioning protrusions for engagement.
This design differentiates itself by combining the magnetic alignment function with a rotatable stand feature in a single, integrated assembly. The use of a ring-shaped support member with a magnetic alignment member allows for both wireless charging compatibility and a stable stand function. The specific configurations of the connecting elements, including the fixing holes and positioning protrusions, contribute to the structural integrity and smooth rotation of the stand.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the early 2020s when ’827 was filed, electronic devices such as mobile phones were typically implemented with wireless charging capabilities, at a time when magnetic alignment was commonly relied upon to ensure efficient wireless power transfer. Protective cases were widely adopted to protect these devices, but these cases could negatively affect the magnetic alignment between the device and the wireless charger. At this time, it was non-trivial to design a protective case that did not interfere with wireless charging while also providing a support function for the electronic device.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The examiner approved the application because the applicant amended a claim to include all limitations of another claim. In a previous rejection, certain claims were initially rejected for depending on a rejected base claim. However, the examiner stated that these claims would be allowable if rewritten in independent form, including all limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims. The examiner also performed an updated prior art search.
Claims
There are 24 claims in total. Independent claims are 1, 9, 10, 17, and 18. Independent claims 1 and 9 focus on a case for an electronic device with a magnetic assembly and a moveable support member. Independent claims 10, 17, and 18 focus on a magnetic assembly with a ring-shaped support member pivotably connected to a connecting element. The dependent claims generally add specific details and limitations to the features described in the independent claims.
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Date
Description
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US12040827
- Application Number
- US18098727
- Filing Date
- Jan 19, 2023
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Jan 13, 2043
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents