Integrated Camera Hood Reduces Flash Glare
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic device cases obstruct camera functionality and cause glare due to the obstruction or reflection of the flash unit, and additional glare-reducing features like plastic pieces or paint are prone to damage or flaking.
Innovation Solution
An integrated camera hood within the electronic device protection apparatus that is designed to surround the camera aperture, angled to direct flash illumination away from the lens, eliminating glare and maintaining camera functionality while providing physical protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional case is used to protect the electronic device, then physical protection is provided, but camera functionality is obstructed and glare is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The case is segmented into multiple functional zones: a camera hood portion that selectively surrounds the camera aperture, a body portion that protects the device, and an exposed region that allows camera access. This segmentation enables the case to provide protection while maintaining camera functionality without obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera hood portion is specifically designed with different properties than the rest of the case. It includes an angled inner surface that creates a non-reflective pass-through for flash illumination, locally addressing the glare problem at the camera aperture while the rest of the case maintains its protective function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional dark colored plastic pieces or paint are added to reduce reflectivity, then glare is reduced, but the additional pieces are prone to being dislodged or broken
Solution Approach 1:
The glare-reducing camera hood is merged with the case body as a unitary structure formed from the same material. This integration eliminates the problem of separate pieces being dislodged or broken, as the hood becomes an inherent part of the case rather than an add-on component.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled inner surface of the camera hood converts the harmful reflection of flash illumination into a beneficial non-reflective pass-through. By angling the surface away from the lens, the design uses geometry to redirect light away from the camera, eliminating glare without requiring additional materials or coatings.
3Reliability
If the camera aperture is exposed without a hood, then camera functionality is maintained, but glare from flash reflection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The camera hood is designed with a specific angled inner surface that creates a non-reflective pass-through geometry. This local geometric modification at the camera aperture allows flash illumination to pass through without reflecting into the lens, while the rest of the case maintains its protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera hood acts as an intermediary structure between the flash unit and the camera lens. It provides a controlled path for flash illumination to reach the subject without directly reflecting into the lens, mediating the interaction between these components to eliminate glare.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integrated camera hood effectively reduces glare and protects the camera and flash unit without compromising their functionality, while also offering shock absorption and ergonomic grip, and is more durable than additional glare-reducing components.
Implementation Method 1
the flash unit of the camera may reflect off the conventional case and cause a glare to form on photographs and videos taken by the camera
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device protection apparatus conformal with an electronic device including a retaining sheath having a base section disposed so as to substantially cover the rear of the electronic device, and a rim section, including an inner channel, forming a perimeter around and receiving an exterior edge of the electronic device, at least one aperture defined by and extending through one or more of the base section and the rim section, the aperture configured such that an edge of the aperture at least partially surrounds a camera and flash unit of the electronic device, and at least one hood defined by and projecting from the one or more of the base section and the rim section such that the hood and the one or more of the base section and the rim section are a unitary member, wherein the hood substantially surrounds at least a portion of the edge of the aperture and is configured so as to define a non-reflective pass through, non-reflective of flash illumination of the flash unit with respect to the camera.