Portable Device Accessory With Hinged Privacy Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable electronic devices lack effective solutions for blocking the screen and enhancing privacy during use, especially in public settings, while also providing protection and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A portable device accessory featuring an attachment mechanism, a hinge member, and a privacy shield that can pivot between storage and blocking positions, optionally including flaps and a cloth to block the screen, and can serve as a stand or screen protector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a privacy shield is added to block the screen, then privacy is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The privacy shield is merged with the case and stand components into a single integrated accessory. The shield is attached to the case via a hinge mechanism, allowing it to function as part of the overall protective accessory rather than a separate component, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining privacy protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory serves multiple functions: it provides screen protection when the shield covers the display, offers privacy protection when positioned to block viewing angles, and functions as a stand when the shield is positioned at an angle. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate accessories, simplifying the overall device ecosystem.
2Reliability
If a privacy shield is added to block the screen, then privacy is enhanced, but the accessory size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The privacy shield is designed to nest within or attach to the case structure when not in use. The hinge mechanism allows the shield to fold against the case, minimizing the increased volume when the accessory is carried. This nesting approach reduces the effective size increase while maintaining the privacy protection capability.
3Strength
If the privacy shield is made thicker for better protection, then protection against scratches and shocks is improved, but the accessory weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The privacy shield is constructed from composite materials that provide high strength and protection against scratches and shocks without excessive weight. The use of composite materials allows the shield to maintain protective capabilities while minimizing the weight increase, resolving the contradiction between protection and weight.
4Reliability
If the privacy shield is made larger to cover more of the screen, then privacy protection is improved, but the accessory complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The privacy shield is segmented into sections that can be independently positioned or adjusted. This segmentation allows the shield to cover different portions of the screen as needed while simplifying the hinge and attachment mechanisms, as each segment can be managed separately rather than requiring a complex mechanism to position a single large shield.
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory for a portable electronic device comprises an attachment mechanism including a protective casing that is releasably attachable to the electronic device. The casing has a rear panel and a peripheral lip extending about and perpendicularly from a perimeter of the rear panel for wrapping around the edges of the electronic device. When the accessory is attached to the electronic device, the rear panel has a panel inner surface directed toward a rear face of the electronic device and a panel outer surface opposite the panel inner surface. The rear panel includes an opening aligned with a camera located on the rear face of the electronic device when the accessory is attached to the electronic device. The accessory further comprises an item holder disposed on the panel outer surface. The item holder includes opposed first and second retaining lips which define a channel therebetween for receiving a user item.