Foldable Laptop Shade Assembly for Outdoor Viewing Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laptop cases do not provide a collapsable visor and side panels that effectively shield the monitor and keyboard from direct sun exposure, limiting usability outdoors and restricting the range of motion and viewing angles, while also being limited by material choices and assembly methods due to direct connections to the case lid.
Innovation Solution
A clamshell-style laptop case with a foldable shade assembly comprising a visor panel and side panels that can be expanded and collapsed, allowing the lid to extend beyond 90 degrees, decoupled from the case lid for material variety, and featuring a detachable design with a battery compartment and tripod mount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the visor panel is directly connected to the lid of the case, then the structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the variety of materials that can be used for case construction is limited and the lid must be rigid to provide adequate structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the case into three distinct components: a base, a lid, and a separate shade assembly. The shade assembly includes the visor panel and side panels that can be independently attached to the base, rather than being directly connected to the lid. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured from different materials optimized for its specific function, with the lid free to use softer or more flexible materials while the shade assembly provides the rigid structural support needed for sun shielding.
2Device complexity
If the lid is directly connected to the visor panel, then the assembly is simpler, but the lid's range of motion is restricted to fixed angles since side panels must remain in contact with the base to support the visor weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the shade-supporting function from the lid by creating a separate shade assembly that attaches directly to the base. The visor panel and side panels form an independent structure that supports its own weight without relying on the lid's position or the side panels contacting the base. This allows the lid to pivot freely through a wide range of angles while the shade assembly remains stationary and functional.
3Adaptability or versatility
If side panels are loose and move freely on the opposite end of the visor panel, then the structure is more flexible, but the user must perform overcomplicated configuration steps to swing each panel downward and secure it vertically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the visor panel and side panels into a single integrated shade assembly that attaches to the base as one unit. The side panels are permanently connected to the visor panel, eliminating the need for separate configuration steps. When the shade assembly is attached to the base, all panels are automatically positioned and secured in their correct vertical orientations, simplifying the user's task to a single attachment action rather than multiple manual positioning steps.
4Ease of operation
If the case lid extends beyond 90 degrees to the base, then the viewing angle is improved, but the side panels cannot maintain contact with the base to support the visor weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the base as an intermediary structure that directly supports the shade assembly, independent of the lid's position. The shade assembly attaches to the base rather than to the lid, creating a stable anchor point that does not move when the lid pivots. This allows the lid to extend to any angle including beyond 90 degrees for optimal viewing, while the base continuously supports the visor weight through the attached shade assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamshell-style laptop case with a foldable shade assembly that, when expanded, shades and protects a laptop that's placed within the opened case. A shade assembly, positioned within the interior of the clamshell case, includes a visor panel, side panels, a rear panel, and lower panel. When the case is opened, the shade assembly can be expanded from its collapsed position by lifting the visor panel upward as it rotates along a hinge connecting it to the rear panel, while the side panels simultaneously expand from a folded position. The side panels remain permanently attached to the shade assembly, reducing the steps required to expand and collapse the shade assembly. The shade assembly may incorporate a friction hinge connecting the shade assembly's lower panel and rear panel which enables the rear panel to rotate greater than 90 degrees to the lower panel, providing improved functionality and accessibility during use.