Clamshell

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In design, clamshell is a form resembling the shell of a clam, with the ability to open up in the same way.

Bookbinders build clamshell boxes in which valuable books or loose papers can be protected from light and dust.

This design is often used in technology, particularly portable devices such as mobile phones (flip phones), laptop computers, subnotebooks, the Game Boy Advance SP and the Nintendo DS. It was first used by the laptop manufacturer GRiD (who had the patent on the idea at the time) for their Compass model in 1982. When the clamshell is open, the device is ready for use. The interface components are kept inside the clamshell, which offers more surface area than when the device is closed. The interface components are protected when the clamshell is closed and takes up a smaller form factor, making the device easier to carry around.

Other appliances like sandwich toasters and the George Foreman Grill also utilise a clamshell design; a very similar concept is used in racing and road legal cars, like the Ford GT40 and Ferrari Enzo, where the whole rear end can be lifted to access the engine compartment and suspension system.