Electronic Case Support Mechanism for Ergonomic Screen Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cases for electronic devices lack ergonomic cushioning and support, leading to user fatigue during extended use, and fail to provide a convenient method for displaying the device's screen at a partially vertical or inclined angle.
Innovation Solution
A detachable case with a support mechanism featuring movable flexible arms that transition from a flat to a convex configuration, allowing the device to be securely held and displayed at an optimal viewing angle, reducing user fatigue and enhancing usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a case is designed to be compact for carrying in a pocket, then portability is improved, but it cannot provide sufficient ergonomic support and cushioning for extended use
Solution Approach 1:
The case incorporates movable arms that can transition between a retracted position (for compact portability) and an extended position (for ergonomic support). This dynamic structure allows the case to adapt its form factor based on whether it is being carried or used, resolving the contradiction between compact size and ergonomic support.
Solution Approach 2:
The case is divided into functional segments: a base portion for receiving the device and movable arm portions that can be extended outward. These segmented components can be independently positioned, allowing the case to maintain a compact profile when arms are retracted while providing extended support surfaces when arms are deployed.
2Ease of operation
If a case is designed to provide ergonomic cushioning for extended use, then comfort is improved, but the case becomes larger and bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning and support surfaces are implemented as movable arms that can be extended only when needed for comfort during device use. When retracted, these same surfaces do not add to the case's volume, allowing the case to remain compact while providing ergonomic support on demand.
3Ease of operation
If a case is designed to support the device at an inclined viewing position, then screen visibility is improved, but the case structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The movable arms serve multiple functions: they provide ergonomic cushioning for the user's hand, act as support surfaces to incline the device for viewing, and can be positioned at various angles to accommodate different viewing preferences. This multi-functionality achieves screen visibility improvement without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a case is designed with movable arms for support, then ergonomic functionality is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The arms are constructed from flexible materials that allow them to be moved and positioned without complex mechanical joints or actuators. The flexibility of the arm materials enables ergonomic adjustment while minimizing the complexity of the support mechanism.
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 case provides ergonomic support and adjustable viewing angles, reducing user fatigue and improving the usability of electronic devices during extended use, while allowing for easy attachment and detachment from a flat surface.
Implementation Method 1
Each flexible body is configured to move between a substantially flat configuration in the first position and a substantially convex configuration in the second position with respect to the base
Data Source
AI summary
A case for use with an electronic device having a screen has a base and a support mechanism. The support mechanism has a flexible body that is movable relative to the base between a first (substantially flat) position and a second position. The flexible body is configured to bend into a convex configuration and extend in a direction away from the outer surface of the base in the second position. The body in the second position can be used to engage a flat surface and to support the electronic device in an at least partially vertical viewing position to display the screen on the electronic device. The support mechanism may include a single piece or two arms configured to move relative to each other. The support mechanism may move in a longitudinal or a lateral direction relative to the base.