Carrier Card for Lens Protector Installation and Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens protectors for camera lenses on mobile devices are difficult to install and remove, often requiring tools and leaving fingerprints or debris that can affect optical performance.
Innovation Solution
A carrier card with integrated removal tool features that retain lens protectors for easy installation and provide a mechanism for tool-free removal, minimizing contact with the lens and reducing the risk of contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lens protectors are retained by friction fit and/or releasable adhesive, then the protective cover can be removed and replaced without damage to the lens, but installation and removal become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The lens protector is segmented into a protective cover panel and an annular collar, with the collar serving as a retention mechanism that engages with the lens housing. This segmentation allows the protector to be installed and removed as a unit while maintaining secure attachment during use.
Solution Approach 2:
A carrier card serves as an intermediary tool during installation, holding the lens protector in position and guiding it onto the lens. The carrier card eliminates the need for direct manual handling of the protector edges, reducing contamination risk and simplifying the installation process.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual placement and attachment of lens protectors is used, then the protective device can be installed, but fingerprints or debris are left on the lens, cover panel or between the protected lens and the lens protector
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier card acts as an intermediary between the user and the lens protector, allowing installation without direct finger contact with the optical surfaces. The carrier card's clean, controlled interface prevents fingerprints and debris from contaminating the lens or protector during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens protector is pre-positioned on the carrier card in a clean, controlled manufacturing environment. This preliminary positioning ensures that the protector is free from contamination before reaching the user, and the carrier card maintains this clean state throughout the installation process.
3Ease of repair
If lens protectors are sold with a separate plastic crowbar style removal tool, then removal can be attempted, but the tools are less effective than desired and prone to breakage or loss
Solution Approach 1:
The removal tool features are integrated directly into the carrier card, merging the installation and removal functions into a single reliable component. This eliminates the need for separate removal tools that can be lost or broken, as the carrier card itself provides the necessary removal functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier card serves multiple functions: it holds the lens protector during storage, guides it during installation, and provides integrated features for removal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional specialized tools, improving both reliability and convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for installation and removal of a lens protector to and from a lens, for example a lens of a mobile phone camera or other device to be protected. A carrier body retains at least one lens protector in a delivery position for installation of the lens protector onto the lens of the device. The apparatus also includes a removal tool that is part of the carrier and is configured for removal of the lens protector from the lens of the device.