Segmented Laptop Cover with Snap-Fit Tabs and Thermal Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laptop computers face issues with exterior wear and tear during use, as well as overheating, which can cause discomfort and damage to users and furniture, and existing protective covers do not adequately address these problems while the laptop is in use.
Innovation Solution
A rigid exterior cover for laptops comprising separate pieces for the display and keyboard portions, featuring raised edges and protruding tabs for easy snap-on application and removal, and heat dissipating materials to manage laptop heat during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective sleeve is used to cover the laptop when stored, then the exterior is protected from wear and tear, but the user must remove the laptop from the sleeve before every use, adding time and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is divided into two separate pieces: a first piece for the display portion and a second piece for the keyboard portion. This segmentation allows each piece to be independently applied and removed, reducing the time and effort required compared to removing an entire sleeve cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover pieces are designed to be applied in advance to the laptop surfaces before use. The snap-fit mechanism with protruding tabs and recesses allows for quick application and removal, so the protection is already in place when needed, eliminating the need to remove a sleeve cover before each use.
2Ease of operation
If the laptop is used directly without additional protection, then access is quick and easy, but the exterior surface is susceptible to scratches, dents, and other damage
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is divided into two separate pieces: a first piece for the display portion and a second piece for the keyboard portion. This segmentation allows each piece to be independently applied and removed, reducing the time and effort required compared to removing an entire sleeve cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover pieces are designed to be applied in advance to the laptop surfaces before use. The snap-fit mechanism with protruding tabs and recesses allows for quick application and removal, so the protection is already in place when needed, eliminating the need to remove a sleeve cover before each use.
3Reliability
If the laptop bottom is covered during use, then the laptop is protected from surface damage, but heat generated by power supply components cannot dissipate, causing overheating and discomfort to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The second protective cover piece for the keyboard portion includes specific regions with different thermal properties. Areas over power supply components are designed with heat-dissipating characteristics, while other areas provide protective coverage. This local differentiation allows heat to escape from critical areas while maintaining protection elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover material properties are varied across different regions to change thermal parameters. The cover includes regions with different thermal conductivity, allowing heat to pass through in areas where it needs to dissipate while providing insulation or protection in other areas.
4Reliability
If a laptop cover is used during use, then the laptop is protected from damage, but the cover may interfere with heat dissipation from power supply components on the bottom surface
Solution Approach 1:
The second protective cover piece for the keyboard portion includes specific regions with different thermal properties. Areas over power supply components are designed with heat-dissipating characteristics, while other areas provide protective coverage. This local differentiation allows heat to escape from critical areas while maintaining protection elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover material properties are varied across different regions to change thermal parameters. The cover includes regions with different thermal conductivity, allowing heat to pass through in areas where it needs to dissipate while providing insulation or protection in other areas.
Data Source
AI summary
An exterior cover for a laptop computer having a display portion and a keyboard portion is disclosed. The exterior cover includes a first rigid planar element for placement on an outside surface of the display portion. The first rigid planar element includes a raised edge along a perimeter of the first rigid planar element, wherein the raised edge extends toward the display portion. The first rigid planar element further includes a plurality of tabs located on the raised edge, wherein each tab extends from the raised edge for gripping the display portion. The exterior cover further includes a second rigid planar element for placement on an outside surface of the keyboard portion. The second rigid planar element includes a raised edge extending toward the keyboard portion. The second rigid planar element further includes a plurality of tabs for gripping the keyboard portion.