Collar for Portable Device with Display Shield and Control Lip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing equipment used to secure portable communications devices to clothing often impedes device functionality, particularly for emergency services personnel wearing protective gear, by obstructing display views and failing to remain secured during charging.

Innovation Solution

A collar design that removably secures to a portable communications device, providing ample clearance for control operation and shading of the display, while allowing quick access and maintaining connectivity during charging, using a combination of recessed display, protruding features, and a downwardly sloping lip for secure grasping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a portable communications device is secured to an article of clothing using existing equipment, then the device is held in place for immediate access, but the equipment obstructs viewing of the display and impedes control operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to deviceVSAvoidobstruction of display and controls
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The collar is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion for securing to clothing, a display shield portion extending upward to protect the display area, and a lip structure for control access. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function without interfering with others, enabling device access while protecting the display and controls from obstruction by protective gear

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collar extends in multiple spatial dimensions: upward to create a shield over the display area, outward to provide lateral protection, and includes a downwardly sloping lip that creates a third-dimensional access path for controls. This multi-dimensional structure protects the device interface while maintaining operability through the lip opening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the portable device is secured tightly to the clothing, then immediate access is enabled, but the equipment may fail to remain secured during charging or rapid movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmediate access readinessVSAvoidsecure attachment during charging
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The collar incorporates elastic or flexible materials in the body portion that allow dynamic adjustment and movement with the wearer. This elasticity enables the collar to maintain secure attachment during various activities including charging and rapid movement, while still allowing quick access when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If protective gear is worn by emergency services personnel, then safety is improved, but operation of device controls becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety protectionVSAvoidcontrol operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The downwardly sloping lip acts as an intermediary structure between the protective gear and the device controls. It creates a clearance zone that allows fingers to access and operate controls even when wearing thick protective gloves, mediating the interaction between protective equipment and device operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10004308B2Collar for portable device
Publication Date: 2018.06.26 CARPENTER THOMAS GERARD
  • US10004308B2 patent drawing
  • US10004308B2 patent drawing
  • US10004308B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Briefly, embodiments of a collar, which may be suitable for removably securing a portable communications device to a user, are disclosed.