Lockable Desktop Container for Device Distraction Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing use of electronic devices in various settings, such as classrooms, leads to distractions and challenges in maintaining focus, as users are tempted to access their devices despite the need to restrict access to minimize interruptions.

Innovation Solution

A lockable, mountable container designed for desktops that allows temporary storage of electronic devices, enabling hands-free viewing while restricting access through a rotating cover wall mechanism and adjustable clamp for secure mounting on various surfaces, with optional remote locking and unlocking capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electronic devices are kept accessible for constant use, then communication and information access are improved, but distractions increase and focus is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to electronic deviceVSAvoiddistraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The container is segmented into a base wall forming a receptacle and a separate cover wall that can rotate between closed and open positions. This segmentation allows the device to transition between locked (receptacle sealed) and accessible (cover open) states, enabling users to physically separate the act of viewing from accessing the electronic device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If access to electronic devices is restricted to minimize distractions, then focus is improved, but ability to access in emergency situations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedistractionVSAvoidaccessibility in emergency situations

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cover wall is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, capable of rotating between a closed position (sealing the receptacle to prevent access) and an open position (allowing full access). This dynamic mechanism enables the container to adapt between locked and unlocked states, providing both distraction reduction and emergency accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a lockable container is used to restrict access, then distraction is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedistractionVSAvoidcontainer mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is extracted from a complex mechanical lock system and simplified to a rotating cover wall mechanism. The cover wall itself becomes the locking element when closed, eliminating the need for separate locks, keys, or complex latching mechanisms while still providing effective access restriction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the container allows viewing without accessing, then distraction is minimized while maintaining emergency access, but mounting stability must be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedistractionVSAvoidmounting stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting functionality is merged with the container structure itself through the bracket attached to the base wall. This integration ensures that the container and mounting mechanism function as a unified stable assembly, preventing the container from becoming loose or unstable during use while maintaining the viewing-without-accessing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10815698B2Temporary locking storage container, system and method to reduce electronic device distraction in a group setting

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 HENRICKS WILLIAM

AI summary

A mountable container for temporary storage of an electronic device includes a cover wall opposite a base wall and an opening mechanism configured to rotate the cover wall upwards from the container. A locking mechanism is configured to secure the cover wall over the receptacle, a bracket attached to the container, and an adjustable clamp attached to the bracket that may in turn be coupled to a support structure such as a desktop or tabletop.