Foldable Semicircular Sun Shade and Case for Handheld Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a device that effectively combines a sunshade and a protective cover for handheld electronic devices, such as smartphones and e-readers, which can be easily folded and configured to provide both shading and protection while allowing for easy access to the device's screen and camera lens.
Innovation Solution
A semicircularly shaped apparatus with interconnected sections that can be folded into various states to form a chamber for the device, featuring aligned openings for the camera lens and screen, allowing for shading from sunlight and serving as a protective case, while allowing thumb and finger access for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective cover is added to a handheld device, then protection is improved, but the device becomes bulkier and less portable
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is divided into multiple hinged sections that can fold independently. This segmentation allows the cover to provide full protection when closed while folding into a compact form when opened, reducing bulkiness during portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover transitions from a static bulky structure to a dynamic foldable structure with multiple hinge joints. This allows the cover to adapt its shape and size based on usage needs, being compact for carrying and expanded for protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a sunshade structure is added to block sunlight, then shading effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sunshade function is merged with the protective cover structure. The same foldable sections that provide protection also serve as the sunshade when positioned over the screen, eliminating the need for a separate sunshade device.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover is designed to perform multiple functions: protection from drops, sunshade for the screen, and camera lens cover. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by consolidating multiple accessories into one unified structure.
3Ease of operation
If openings are added for camera and screen access, then usability is improved, but protection effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The openings for camera and screen access are designed to be dynamic rather than static. The cover sections can be folded open to provide access when needed and closed to restore full protection, allowing the structure to adapt between protection and accessibility modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination sun shade and a protective cover apparatus is provided, which may include a first set of sections which is substantially in a semicircular shape, wherein the semicircular shape may be defined by a first substantially straight line and a first substantially semicircular curve; a first further section connected to the first set of sections along a first portion of the first substantially straight line; a second further section connected to the first set of sections along a second portion of the first substantially straight line; and a third further section connected to the first set of sections along a third portion of the first substantially straight line. The apparatus may be configured so that it can be folded and placed into a first state; wherein in the first state the first further section, the second further section, and the third further section are substantially aligned with each other.