Retractable Mobile Device Shade for Glare Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile electronic device screens become difficult to read in bright light conditions, making it challenging for users to operate devices outdoors or in open-air environments without shading solutions that are practical or effective.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically operated shade or visor for mobile devices that can be attached to or form part of a case, providing adjustable coverage to reduce glare, with features such as retractability, solar energy harvesting, and customizable designs, and offering protection from elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a hand is used as shade, then screen glare is reduced, but device operability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shade function is segmented from the device body and implemented as a separate, dedicated component (sunshade assembly) that can be independently deployed and adjusted without affecting device operation. This allows the shading function to be activated only when needed, keeping the device fully operable at all times.
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical sunshade assembly acts as an intermediary element between the user and the screen, physically blocking glare while allowing uninterrupted access to the device. The shade can be deployed independently without interfering with device handling or operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the device is moved to a shaded area, then screen visibility is improved, but mobility and convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides its own shading solution through an integrated sunshade assembly, eliminating the need for external environmental conditions or additional accessories. The shade is self-contained and can be deployed anywhere, enabling outdoor usability without requiring the user to seek shaded areas.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a mechanical shade mechanism is added, then glare control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sunshade assembly employs a dynamic, movable design that transitions between deployed and stowed positions through simple mechanical means. The shade can be quickly deployed or retracted as needed, providing glare control only when required while maintaining a compact form when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The sunshade assembly is nested within or integrated with the device case structure, utilizing existing spatial boundaries. The shade panels can be stored within the case or along the device edges when not deployed, minimizing the increase in overall device volume and complexity.
4Illumination intensity
If the shade is always deployed, then screen visibility in bright light is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sunshade is deployed periodically or intermittently based on environmental lighting conditions rather than continuously. Users activate the shade only when outdoor use or bright light conditions require it, allowing the device to operate with normal power consumption during indoor or low-light conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The shade effectively reduces glare, extends battery life by minimizing screen brightness, provides privacy, and is easily accessible, making it suitable for outdoor use while accommodating different light conditions and device orientations.
Implementation Method 1
The shade can include a solar energy storing element or component, where energy captured from the sun during use can be returned to the electronic device with which it is being used.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a mobile electronic device shade, sun-blocking, and/or privacy apparatus, comprising a shade having a deployed state and an stowed state smaller than the deployed state, the deployed state is arranged to shade a display of a mobile electronic device. Also included is a containment mechanism having a stow compartment configured to stow the shade in the stowed state. A state transition mechanism is configured to transition the shade from the stowed state in the stowed compartment into the deployed state and back again, in response to user actuation. The shade can be attachable to, form part of, or form part of a case for maintaining the mobile electronic device.