Pro PhoneDecase:Decase,Open Chassis&DIY

Special note: Due to website limitations, I have placed the assembly files in "Other files". You can also find the long image of the assembly files at the bottom of the description

 

It's the world of Pro PhoneDecase
 

This is a self-promotional introduction; if you don't like it, you can leave

Introduction

We are living in a contradictory mobile era

Smartphones, our closest tools for creation and daily life, have their potential limited by two types of accessories: dull and enclosed protective cases, and fragile, useless decorative items. The former only focuses on protection, the latter only on style. When you want to quickly attach a filter for a street shot, or insert a spare SIM card for a long journey, you find yourself at a loss—the functions are forever sealed from the day they left the factory

We are tired of choosing, and even more tired of compromising

Therefore, we initiated an experiment called Pro PhoneDecase, testing Decase & Open Chassis. It began with a fundamental question: what if the phone's camera decoration area (Deco) could evolve beyond mere decoration to become the starting point for all functional expansions? The screw DIY Deco of the Realme GT8 Pro provided the best testing ground

This is not about adding weight but about reallocating density; not about complication but about building order. We merged the exploratory aesthetics of the Nothing brand with RICOH's practical imaging philosophy, attempting to forge a third path: an open framework called Open Chassis that "grows" from the Deco

Pro PhoneDecase is very thin, only 4mm; it is stubborn, insisting on using screws; it is honest, exposing all its structures and interfaces for you to see

This is not just another phone case. This is a hardware proposal prepared for the era of light creation. If you also believe that tools should extend rather than limit human capabilities, then welcome to the world of Decase & Open Chassis

Chapter 1: Decase—Deco, Plus Case & Open Chassis 🔄

• Welcome, Decase

Let's start with a simple identification

If you say, this is "Deco". Then...

Is this still "Deco"?

Is this again?

What about this one?

 

Isn't this a fully functional "phone case"?

Okay. 🔍

If, like me, you can't find a clear term to define it during this transition from "decorative piece" to "full protective case"—then perhaps we should coin a new word

Welcome to, Decase.
(/ˈdiːkeɪs/, born from the fusion of Deco and Case)

It is neither a traditional decorative patch nor a passive protective case. It is a dynamic system that begins with decoration, ends with practicality, and is redefined by function throughout the process

For now, we will call it this and continue our exploration below

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• 4mm Philosophy and Engineering 📏

I know well that in an era of mobile devices striving for thinness, no one wants to hold a "brick" thicker than 12mm every day. That would be a betrayal of ergonomics and taste

Therefore, Pro PhoneDecase anchors the average thickness of the Decase's basic structure to within 4mm. This is not a random number, but the result of a series of stringent engineering decisions

· 🔩 Fastening Logic: To achieve this goal, I selected universal M2x4 screws, supplemented by a few specific lengths, to physically lock the multi-layered structure within this slim dimension. It is sufficiently sturdy yet extremely compact
· 🎨 Precision Dominance: For all Nothing-style circuit patterns and functional structures, I pursued processing and stacking precision at the 0.2mm level—which is close to the layer height limit of FDM technology. Only in this way can high-density integration of function and aesthetics be achieved within a 4mm space, rather than merely "making it thinner"

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• Open Chassis: Skeleton and Charter 🦴

The flesh and blood of ProPhoneCase, the physical and spiritual core of Decase, is the Open Chassis

· 🤔 What is an Open Chassis?
 In a nutshell: an open framework with the exploratory style of the Nothing Phone as its most fundamental aesthetic basis, using screw mechanical locking as its connection logic, and achieving high integration through strict functional partitioning
 It is the "skeleton" of Decase, the "charter" for all expansions. It no longer encases the phone in an airtight black box, but instead builds an open, ordered, and expandable framework system for it
· ⚙️ What is the purpose of Open Chassis?
 Its core function is to calmly and efficiently plan space within the limited 6.5-inch back area of the phone. Like a meticulously designed miniature city, it strictly divides areas with different attributes
 · 🏗️ Structural Zone: Contains the main load-bearing screw holes, forming the stress-bearing framework of the system
 · 🔋 Functional Zone: Reserved for core functional modules such as storage compartments and screw ports, with clearly defined interfaces
 · 🎭 Decorative/Interactive Zone: Used for installing stylistic panels or the two stress-relief interactive modules, serving as a stage for emotional expression
   This division ensures the orderliness of expansion. Users do not need to ponder "can this be installed"; they simply follow the clear area definitions to achieve seamless layering of function and aesthetics without falling into chaotic patchwork

 

· ✨ What are the advantages of Open Chassis?
 The open framework design brings fundamental multi-dimensional advantages
 1. 🔧 Achieving True Hierarchical DIY
    Open Chassis provides a clear path for users with different needs
    · For regular users, official functional and decorative components can be freely combined, offering barrier-free assembly fun
    · For professional users/makers, we have open-sourced the core STEP files and interface standards. You can model based on these to design unique, exclusive components, turning ideas into reality
    · For advanced players, the reserved standard screw interfaces can directly accommodate or expand professional photography setups such as camera cages and cold shoes, enabling seamless upgrades of equipment capabilities
 2. 🎨 Limitless Style Evolution Platform
    Although I defined the initial "design language" of Pro PhoneDecase with Nothing's circuit aesthetics, the Open Chassis itself does not restrict style. It is a neutral carrier. Theoretically, anyone can design a set of components in a completely new style (such as carbon fiber tactical or retro leather) to cover it, achieving a complete stylistic transformation from "transparent geek" to "hardcore functional". The framework is eternal, and style is fluid
 3. 🛡️ Beyond Traditional Reliability and Maintainability
    · Robust and Reliable: Screw mechanical locking provides structural integrity unmatched by snap-fits, capable of withstanding repeated assembly/disassembly and accidental drops
    · Easy to Maintain: If any independent component is damaged, it can be easily removed with screws and replaced individually, eliminating the need to discard the entire unit. This significantly extends the product's lifespan and reduces long-term usage costs
    · Ecologically Sustainable: This repairable and upgradable design is itself a response to the "disposable consumption" culture
 4. 🌱 Inspiring Community Co-creation Ecosystem Potential
    Pro PhoneDecase is not just a product, but a protocol and a standard. I hope for more fun and interesting components to be combined with Open Chassis, and also hope that the Open Chassis structure can give rise to more fun and interesting models

Thus, Decase is no longer a vague concept. It is supported by an intelligent skeleton called Open Chassis, pushing Pro PhoneDecase's precision engineering to its limits under a 4mm constraint, and setting the stage for creative freedom in which everyone can participate

 

This is where all stories begin.

🚀Chapter 2: Why Screws? 🔩

I am well aware that in mainstream perception, "screws" are not a popular choice. They seem to represent an outdated, crude assembly method

· ❌ Screw assembly is too "crude" and lacks elegance.
· ❌ Screwing is "annoying" and requires tools and patience.
· ❌ Screws lack the crisp "click" of a snap-fit, missing the immediate sense of confirmation.

However, when we reconsider for an ultra-integrated modular system, the value of screws shines with an irreplaceable brilliance amidst the trade-offs

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1. Optimal Solution Under the Tyranny of Space 📐

In the limited 6.6-inch back space of the GT8 Pro, every square millimeter of the Pro PhoneDecase area is precious. I evaluated all possible connection schemes and ultimately found that no snap-fit structure could reliably secure more than 30 parts at such a high level of integration

A standard M2 screw, with a projection area of only about 10mm², can securely combine more than 3 precision parts into a single unit. Under the absolute tyranny of space, screws are the sole monarch of efficiency and reliability

 

2. Reliability Against Physical Laws 🛡️

Let's face a cruel physical reality: plastic has limited elasticity, and snap-fit "legs" fatigue after repeated stress. When a phone slips from your hand and hits the ground, the last thing you want to see is parts scattering like confetti

Screws provide rigid mechanical locking. We conducted dozens of drop tests on the "Open Chassis" prototype, and the results showed that in most impact scenarios, the structure rarely showed cracks (due to the nature of the plastic itself) but remained intact. Screw connections distribute the impact force across the entire frame, rather than relying on a few fragile snap-fits alone

 

3. The Overlooked Mechanical Aesthetic ✨

The essence of Nothing Phone's design lies in "transparent exploration" and "CMF collision". When cold metal meets warm plastic, a unique sense of futurism emerges

Why should we ignore the aesthetic potential of screws? A delicate metal screw with a finely machined texture, screwed into a high-precision injection-molded plastic standoff—this in itself is a small yet striking mechanical symphony. Its exposed industrial texture is an ultimate echo of Nothing's design philosophy: honest, direct, and full of power

4. Universal Interface Opening Up Infinite Possibilities ♾️

The essence of a screw is an extremely standardized, infinitely reusable physical interface. This characteristic elevates the system's scalability by an order of magnitude

It is not only used for fastening but also for connection, conduction, and even as the axis of moving parts. Based on this, we can achieve complex dynamic structures like the "stacking storage compartment," and also provide the most solid and flexible foundation for future users' imaginative DIY—such as attaching a physical knob, lighting components, or sensor modules. Screws are the fundamental grammar of this ecosystem

And most importantly: A rational choice resonating with official DNA 🔗

When we delve into "why screws," there's an undeniable root fact: the Realme GT8 Pro we designed for, its original customizable Deco, is assembled with two screws. 🔩

This is not a coincidence, but a thoughtful engineering signal from the official side

1. 🎯 A Tribute to and Continuation of Official Design Philosophy
 Realme's engineers chose screws instead of snap-fits or adhesives to secure the Deco components that most require personalization and potential replacement. This in itself declares that for critical connections requiring absolute reliability, repeated assembly/disassembly, and accommodating personalized demands, screws are the professional and preferred solution. What our Open Chassis does is extend this official, localized "screw logic" into a global, open "screw ecosystem"
2. 🌱 Transforming "Official Interfaces" into "Ecological Cornerstones"
 We view these two original screw holes as the "first cornerstone of the ecosystem." The starting installation point of the Open Chassis is based on this. This means that Decase is not an alien framework imposed on the phone, but a natural growth deeply integrated with the phone's native design language and structure. We inherited the official genes of reliability and maintainability and systematically propagated them
3. 🤝 Creating a Consistent User Experience and Protecting Investments
 Users are already familiar with and have accepted the concept of "customizing Deco with screws." Our system does not introduce any new, unfamiliar, or unproven quick-release structures; instead, it uses the most reliable connection method, verified by both users and the official brand. This greatly reduces the learning curve and protects users' confidence in "daring to disassemble and enjoying tinkering." While other solutions try to educate users to accept a new interaction, we choose to "respect and enhance existing user habits"

 

Therefore, choosing screws is far from an eccentric stubbornness; it is a rational process of resonating with the official design philosophy and systematizing this consensus 
✨ We have proven that true innovation is not about subverting all existing rules, but about discerning and elevating the most robust and elegant rules, turning them into the starting point for infinite possibilities

And the ultimate goal of screws is

To turn every phone into a Nothing Phone

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Chapter 3: Time to Talk About the Product 📱

If the Open Chassis is the intelligent skeleton, then the Pro PhoneDecase product is the vivid flesh and organs attached to it. Our core philosophy can be summarized in one sentence

“One set of interfaces, two choices, infinite possibilities.” ♾️

In short, for each functional block divided by the Open Chassis, I follow a dual logic of "pragmatism" and "emotional expression," offering users two choices: functional components and decorative/fidget components. At the same time, in critical corners, we integrated universal 1/4-inch screw mounts, anchoring the possibilities of light creation in reality

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1. 🗃️ Stacking Latch: SD/SIM Card Storage Compartment | Sliding Fidget Component

· Core Function: This is not just a simple card slot. It's a "digital ammunition depot" that achieves rotational stacking via screws instead of direct-drive shafts, securely storing more than 3 SD/SIM cards. Safe storage, easy card retrieval
· Dual Choice: This module can be replaced with a sliding fidget component—a precision slider with a dual crisp tactile click, capable of infinite back-and-forth pushing, transforming anxiety into smooth physical feedback

2. 🛡️ Multifunctional Stand: Integrated Phone Stand | Spare Parts Compartment

· Core Function: A folding stand securely locked by screws and magnetically, allowing for a maximum 35-degree angle, instantly becoming a powerful helper for watching videos and video calls
· Dual Choice: Its interior is designed as an "emergency compartment" and also offers a larger size option, capable of storing your system's spare screws and SIM card ejector pin. Beyond its function, it represents the ultimate care for reliability

3. 🔘 Smart Storage: NFC Chip Compartment | Elastic Fidget Button

· Core Function: An openable compartment on the bezel with a built-in NFC chip. Take it out and lightly touch to trigger automated scenarios: one-tap activation of shooting mode, mute, device connection, or displaying a digital business card
· Dual Choice: This module can be replaced with an elastic fidget button—becoming a source of inspiration on your creative journey, making every press a stress-reliever

4. 🎨 Style Canvas: Multi-component Nothing-style Decorative Components

· Core Function: Following Nothing's iconic aesthetics, offering various styles of transparent/translucent decorative cover plates
· Infinite Possibilities: Users can freely combine and stack these low-precision decorative pieces like changing Lego panels, creating unique visual textures within a unified language, and even adding magnets for a temporary magnetic platform, achieving true personalized expression

5. 🔍 Imaging Upgrade: Lens Filter Clip

· Core Function: A filter clip that attaches to the camera Deco lens ring with a minimalist snap-fit
· Infinite Expansion: It instantly makes the phone compatible with 52mm filters (such as ND, CPL, star filters), completely avoiding screen obstruction compared to other filter clips on the market, and is just as convenient to remove, elevating the creative potential of light photography to new heights with almost no added bulk

6 Commitment and Blueprint

Pro PhoneDecase, based on the Open Chassis modular architecture, has expansion potential far beyond the form presented in this competition. My clear development roadmap aims to advance this system from concept validation to practical application and ecosystem integration

If this design philosophy is recognized, we will immediately launch the next phase of our plan

1. Core Porting: Precisely adapt the verified Open Chassis logic for iPhone, creating a version with the same design language and excellent experience
2. Professional Expansion: Releasing high-performance modules to build a professional creative ecosystem
  · Full-featured Camera Cage: Providing multiple 1/4-inch screw holes, cold shoe interfaces, Arri locating pins, etc., transforming the phone into a stable shooting core
  · Dimmable Lighting Module: Providing portable fill light solutions to meet low-light conditions and ambiance creation needs
  · Integrated Live Streaming Shooting Stand: Integrating stable support, pitch adjustment, and device expansion capabilities, optimized for live streaming and long video recording
  · Ecosystem Compatibility: Achieving full compatibility with the MagSafe ecosystem through precisely designed magnetic adapter modules, without affecting the main structure's strength or thickness, seamlessly integrating with a vast array of existing accessories
Of course, there's more. So, please wait for me at the crowdfunding
……

Our commitment is built upon the proven scalability of the Open Chassis. This is not just a wish list, but an inevitable system growth based on existing interface standards and partitioning logic
……

Addendum: Synergistic Framework of the System ⚙️

All these modules do not exist in isolation. They are tightly integrated onto the Pro PhoneDecase's Open Chassis through unified M2 screw interfaces, precise locating pins, and a rigorous circuit pattern language, forming a highly synergistic system

· Orderly: Functional areas never interfere with decorative areas, cooling ducts are not obstructed, and all expansions adhere to the underlying plan
· Reliable Interconnection: Each module is rigidly connected to the frame with metal screws, ensuring rock-solid stability even during the most intense daily use
· Growth and Evolution: This framework welcomes all future modules based on the same standards—be it external batteries, physical knobs, or miniature screens—the system has reserved a place for infinite future possibilities

The product is the final answer to the concept. We deliver not a pile of scattered accessories, but a highly integrated, coherent experience, and a living entity that can grow with the user. From here, creativity need not compromise

Chapter 4: Roads and Choices 🛤️

The modular future is heading down two distinct paths

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🔄 First Path: The Popular "Fast Fashion Toy"

One path pursues "instant gratification." It uses dazzling co-branded skins as its shell and the convenience of "one-second quick release" as its bait. This path offers immediate joy and low decision-making costs, but it comes with two perpetual prices

· ⏳ Limited Lifespan: The physical fatigue law of plastic snap-fits cannot be defied, and long-term reliability and drop resistance remain questionable
· 📦 Walled Garden: Ecosystem expansion relies entirely on the designer creating new "skins" or "toys," with users being mere passive choosers. This is an exquisite but enclosed system

 

Original model link click here
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⚙️ Second Path: The Classic "Engineering System"

We chose the latter for Pro PhoneDecase's Decase and Open Chassis. This path adheres to a different philosophy

· 🧱 Reliability Above All: We chose to use an M2 screw that requires a tool to tighten, in exchange for unwavering connection strength throughout the product's lifespan. This ten-second operation is a solemn promise of "durability"
· ♾️ Openness Defines Infinity: Through an open matrix of screw interfaces, precise spatial partitioning, and electrical protocols, we built a "hardware Android system." This means the right to ecosystem evolution is handed over to all developers and users. You can create new functional modules, not just choose a new skin

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🎯 Our choice is also your choice

Therefore, this is not just about product differences, but about a choice regarding the essence of tools

· Do you choose a "toy" that fades with trends?
· Or do you choose a "platform" that can support your creations and continuously increase in value as the community grows?

Pro PhoneDecase is our answer. It's not perfect, it's a single-choice question, not a multiple-choice one, but it is honest, sturdy, and has reserved a robust interface for all future possibilities

Chapter 5: Significance

What does this phone case, Pro PhoneDecase, mean to me?
I think it's another challenge to push the boundaries of possibility
The hurried timeline, being a boarding student in junior high, immature modeling techniques, and a hastily photoshopped cover image are destined to prevent it from being perfected in detail
So why do I use such exaggerated descriptions?
If you check my personal page, there's a product called Nothing Q1. It was, arguably, a failure. No one liked it. But its design language was almost identical to Open Chassis
Therefore, the models I make are not just models; they convey a philosophy. Once the framework of rules is drawn, who has the courage to step outside the box?
Nothing Q1 aimed to revolutionize the filament spool through innovative subtraction combined with complex addition. But I overlooked that a filament spool is inherently a tool, requiring no decoration. Plus, most screws were meaningless, serving only as decoration. So it failed
But no product is perfect
The first iPhone wasn't perfect, but it revolutionized the world
My design style is about disrupting the conventional. But since I'm only making a phone case/Deco, I can't revolutionize the world; I'm just an individual student creator. However, I at least want to express my ideas. I hope more people see it. Although my work might seem strange to others, I also hope someone can create even more amazing works by following my way of thinking
Of course, it's impossible to say I don't hope for success. If successful, I will use this as a foundation to launch crowdfunding. It could bring me money and the joy of seeing crazy ideas validated

Thank you for reading this far

Appendix: Core Design Parameters (Concept)

· 💻 Product Name: Pro PhoneDecase
· 🖊 Main Concepts: Decase, Open Chassis
· 🔩 Core Connection: M2x4 standard screws (50 pieces)
 M2x12 standard screws 5 pieces
 ¼-inch hot melt brass inserts 2 pieces (if needed)
 4x2 magnets, 4 pieces
 52mm phone lens filter (if needed)
 15mmx3mm round magnets, up to 3 pieces
·💡 Core Storage
 Nano SD card, Nano SIM card, SIM card ejector pin, spare screws, NFC (≤8mm)
· 📍 Key Interfaces: Bottom & side 1/4\" standard screw mounts (center of gravity optimized), multiple M2 reserved interfaces
· 🎨 Design Language: Nothing-style exploratory aesthetics +
· 📱 Target Device: Realme GT8 Pro mid-range phone
· 🖨 Recommended filament: PETG Basic/PETG HF, PLA Basic is also acceptable but with a higher risk of breakage

AI usage instructions: Use AI to format the text and add Emoji

 

Long image of assembly files:

 

Remixing is welcome, commercial use is prohibited