Laptop Case Shade Component with Collapsible Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laptop cases lack a secure, collapsible shade component that can attach to the lid to block direct sunlight and heat, forcing users to improvise with makeshift solutions that are not designed for convenient storage.

Innovation Solution

A laptop case with a movable shade component that attaches to the lid's perimeter, expanding for maximum coverage and collapsing for secure storage within the case, along with side gussets for additional shading and a tripod mount for versatile use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a shade component is added to the laptop case, then glare reduction and heat management are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglare and heat from sunlightVSAvoidcase structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shade component is designed as a separate, detachable module from the laptop case. It consists of multiple segments (front frame, rear frame, side gussets) that can be independently assembled and detached, allowing the shade functionality to be added without permanently complicating the base case structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shade component incorporates movable and collapsible elements, including a hinge connecting the front and rear frames, allowing the shade to transition between expanded and collapsed states. This dynamic design enables the shade to be deployed when needed and stored when not needed, managing complexity through functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the shade component is made expandable for maximum coverage, then shading effectiveness is improved, but ease of storage deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesunlight exposure to laptopVSAvoidstorage convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The collapsed shade component is designed to nest within the laptop case interior. The front frame and rear frame can be positioned within the case cavity, with the side gussets folding against the interior walls, creating a compact stored configuration that utilizes the existing case space without requiring additional external storage components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The shade employs a collapsible hinge mechanism that allows the frames to fold together, transforming the expandable structure into a compact form for storage. This dynamic transformation enables the shade to transition between providing maximum coverage and being easily stored within the case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the shade component is made detachable for flexible use, then adaptability is improved, but reliability of attachment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshade deployment flexibilityVSAvoidattachment security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shade component is divided into separate modules (front frame, rear frame, side gussets) that can be independently attached and detached from the laptop case. Each segment has dedicated attachment points, allowing selective deployment of different shade portions based on sunlight conditions and user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shade component includes pre-configured attachment mechanisms with connection points positioned to engage with the case structure. The hinge and frame components are pre-assembled with attachment features that ensure proper alignment and secure connection when mounted, reducing the complexity of reattachment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11846982B1Laptop case and collapsible shade system
Publication Date: 2023.12.19 CHASE RYAN JOHN
  • US11846982B1 patent drawing
  • US11846982B1 patent drawing
  • US11846982B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A laptop case and shade component system. The clamshell style laptop case provides a lid and a base connected via a case hinge which joins the lid and the base along their corresponding rear edges. The lid and base, respectively, each have a front edge portion and left and right side edge portions. Two gussets interconnect the lid to the base along their respective two side edge portions. A shade component can be attached to a portion of the front edge and left and right side edge portions of the lid to shield a laptop device placed within the opened laptop case from direct sunlight. The shade component can be moved to its collapsed position via a hinge at its bottommost point, detached from the lid, and retained along the interior surface of the case's lid for storage purposes.