Foldable Holder Retractable Closure Shroud
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for protecting and holding printed media or digital devices in adverse conditions, such as military or emergency response scenarios, are either cumbersome or lack functionality for marking and writing, and digital devices are susceptible to damage from impacts and water.
Innovation Solution
A foldable holder with a retractable closure system that includes a shroud, elastic retraction member, and closure tab, allowing for secure retention in a compact configuration while enabling easy access and adjustable elastic force for enhanced durability and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a flexible map pouch is used to hold printed media, then the pouch can be rolled or folded into compact configurations for transport, but the pouch does not readily permit marking or writing on the pouch
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch is divided into distinct functional zones: a rigid back panel for structural support and writing capability, flexible side panels for compact folding, and a shroud structure for closure. This segmentation allows different parts to serve different functions - the rigid back enables marking while the flexible sides enable compact storage
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid back panel serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the pouch, creates a stable surface for marking and writing, and maintains the pouch's shape when closed. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by adding writing capability without compromising compactness
2Reliability
If heavy duty, dedicated digital device holders are used to protect digital devices, then the devices are protected from impacts and water, but the holders are cumbersome and add weight
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch uses a flexible fabric construction with a thin rigid back panel instead of heavy rigid cases. The fabric panels provide flexibility and light weight while the rigid back panel provides impact protection. This approach delivers protection without the weight and bulk of traditional hard cases
Solution Approach 2:
The protective structure is segmented into a rigid back panel for impact protection and flexible fabric panels for lightweight construction. This segmentation allows the pouch to provide protection where needed while maintaining light weight through the use of flexible materials in non-critical areas
3Ease of operation
If a retractable closure with elastic retraction member is used, then the closure can be easily opened and closed, but the elastic force may cause the closure tab to protrude from the shroud passage
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system uses a dynamic elastic retraction member that adjusts to the interaction between the closure tab and shroud passage. The elastic force provides automatic retraction while the physical constraint of the passage limits protrusion, creating a self-regulating system that maintains proper closure tab positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud passage acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the elastic retraction force and the closure tab. It provides a defined path that guides the tab's movement and limits its protrusion, while still allowing easy opening and closing through the elastic 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 foldable holder provides a secure, compact, and adaptable solution for protecting digital and printed media, allowing for marking and writing, while ensuring the devices are protected from impacts and water, meeting the needs of military and emergency responders with adjustable elastic force for enhanced usability.
Implementation Method 1
The retractable closure includes an elastic retraction member that urges the retractable closure toward the retracted state
Data Source
AI summary
The foldable holder includes a first panel, a second panel, a third panel, a shroud, and a retractable closure. The foldable holder is foldable between a closed configuration in which the panels are stacked and an open configuration in which the panels are substantially coplanar with one another. The shroud attaches to the second panel to define a shroud passage between the second panel and the shroud. The retractable closure is moveable between a secured state in which the retractable closure is engaged with the first panel to retain the closure in the closed configuration and a retracted state. The retractable closure comprises an elastic retraction member to urge the retractable closure towards the retracted state and a closure tab engaged with the engagement surface in the secured state. The closure tab is at least partially disposed within the shroud passage in the retracted state.