Hinged Protective Case With Pivot Arms For Magnifier Shadow Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective cases for magnifiers and digital media are often unwieldy, cast shadows due to their proximity to the lens, difficult to open and close for users with limited dexterity, and lack adequate protection and handling functionality.
Innovation Solution
A protective case with a hinged design and pivotally connected arms that allow the magnifier or digital media to be easily extended and retracted, featuring a spring hinge mechanism for easy opening and a secure closure system, along with a tensioner for adjustable lens mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the case is positioned close to the lens during use, then protection against dirt and abrasion is improved, but shadow interference is cast upon the viewed object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the magnifier lens in a different spatial dimension (extended outward from the case) rather than keeping it within the case plane. The lens is mounted on arms that extend from the case, allowing the lens to operate at a distance from the case while maintaining protection. This dimensional separation eliminates shadow interference from the case structure on the viewed object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the protective case into separate functional components: the case body for protection, the arms for positioning, and the lens mount for the magnifier. This segmentation allows the lens to be positioned independently from the case, enabling the lens to be extended outward while the case remains close to protect against dirt and abrasion, thus resolving the shadow interference problem.
2Ease of operation
If the case is designed to be compact and simple, then ease of operation is improved, but protection and handling functionality may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the case to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the lens from dirt and abrasion, provides a handle for holding and manipulating the magnifier, and includes a hinge mechanism for easy opening and closing. The case structure integrates these functions, allowing a single compact design to fulfill protection, handling, and ease of operation requirements without compromising any single aspect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the protective case structure with the handle function into a single integrated component. The case itself serves as the handle, eliminating the need for separate handling mechanisms. This merging of functions maintains compactness and simplicity while providing both protection and ease of manipulation for users.
3Ease of operation
If the case is designed with a hinge mechanism for easy opening, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a spring mechanism that automatically assists the opening and closing of the case. The spring provides the force needed to open the case halves and maintain them in an open position during use, eliminating the need for complex manual opening mechanisms. This self-service approach simplifies the overall structure by using elastic energy storage and release to achieve easy operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a spring hinge mechanism that changes the mechanical parameters of the case opening. The spring introduces elastic deformation and stored energy into the hinge system, transforming the opening action from requiring continuous manual force to a simple initial push that triggers automatic opening. This parameter change simplifies the operation while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective case for a retractable item, such as a magnifier or digital media. The case is a hollow shell bisected from end to end to form two halves. At each end of each half there is a pivotal hinge. The hinges at one end join the halves mutually. The hinges at the other end support two arms separately. The two arms at their ends support the item mutually via a pivotal hinge. The case halves may be affected to remain apart by a spring and to remain joined by a releasable hook. To use the item, the halves are parted, the arms extend the item, and the halves are re-joined. To protect the item, the halves are parted, the arms retract the item, and the halves are re-joined.