Mobile Device Case Shade with Segmented Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile device shades fail to effectively shade the sides of devices when the bright light source is not directly above, and most designs require one hand to hold the shade in place, making it difficult to use the device simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device case with a deployable shade system featuring integral mating hinges and elastic cords or spring-biased mechanisms that allow the shade to be easily deployed and adjusted to cover the entire screen, including side portions, while staying in place without manual support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional shade designs are used, then the top of the device is shaded, but the side portions are not shaded and the shade is not effective when light comes from left or right sides
Solution Approach 1:
The shade is divided into multiple panels (first panel, second panel, third panel, fourth panel) that can be independently positioned. Each panel can be adjusted to shade different portions of the display, including top, bottom, left, and right sides, providing comprehensive coverage from any light direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The shade extends beyond the traditional single-plane configuration by adding panels that can be positioned in multiple dimensions around the display. The panels can be arranged to cover not only the top but also the side portions, creating a three-dimensional shading structure that addresses light from various directions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional shade designs are used, then a shade effect is achieved, but the shade does not stay in place easily and requires one hand to hold it
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system provides self-locking capability that allows the shade panels to stay in position without requiring manual support. The integral mating hinges between panels and the hinge connecting to the case create a stable structure that maintains its position automatically, freeing both hands for device operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring manual force to hold the shade in place, the design inverts the approach by using the hinge mechanism to actively maintain the shade position. The hinge system works to keep the panels in their deployed positions rather than requiring continuous user intervention to prevent them from falling.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the shade resides directly on top of the device display, then shading is achieved, but it makes it difficult to access and use the touch screen display
Solution Approach 1:
The shade is segmented into multiple panels that can be independently adjusted and positioned. This segmentation allows the shade to be configured to provide lighting protection while leaving the touch screen area accessible, as panels can be positioned to shade only the necessary portions without completely blocking user interaction with the display.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge system provides dynamic adjustability, allowing the shade panels to be moved into different positions. Users can adjust the panels to achieve optimal shading while maintaining access to the touch screen, and the panels can be repositioned as needed during use rather than being fixed in a single position.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device case with shade includes an open-topped case that can removeably retain a mobile device, a shade that includes a plurality of panels each having connected to each other by means of integral mating hinges, with at least one of the panels also being connected by means of at least one hinge to the mobile device case, wherein the shade is capable of being set in a deployed position to shade the display screen of the mobile device.