Privacy Case Covers With Single-Motion Mic and Camera Shutter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with microphones can potentially invade privacy by recording or listening to users without their consent.
Innovation Solution
A case with movable microphone covers that can be activated in a single movement to selectively cover or uncover microphones and cameras, utilizing a rack and pinion mechanism for simultaneous movement of multiple covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate activation mechanisms are used for each microphone cover, then each cover can be controlled independently, but the device complexity increases and user operation becomes more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate activation mechanisms into a single integrated activation mechanism that controls all microphone covers simultaneously. This is achieved by connecting multiple covers to a common activation mechanism, allowing one user action to operate all covers together, thereby simplifying user operation while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions - it can activate different numbers of covers (one, two, or three) depending on the device configuration, and can operate in both recording and video call modes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each cover.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If soundproofing material is added to the case, then privacy protection is improved, but the device weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the soundproofing function from bulky material additions and implements it through the movable cover mechanism itself. The covers are designed to physically block access to microphone openings when closed, achieving soundproofing through mechanical obstruction rather than requiring additional sound-absorbing materials, thus avoiding weight and volume increases.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the case fully surrounds the electronic device, then privacy protection is maximized, but the ease of operation and access to device components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic covers that can transition between open and closed positions, allowing the case to adapt between providing full privacy protection and enabling device component access. The movable covers are connected to activation mechanisms that allow users to open specific covers when needed, maintaining ease of operation while maximizing privacy protection when the covers are closed.
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
Provides privacy protection by preventing unwanted sound transmission to microphones and allowing controlled use of device components.
Implementation Method 1
The activation mechanism can include a rack and pinion mechanism, and the activation member can be connected to a gear rack. The gear rack can be a central gear rack. At least one lower movable privacy cover can be connected to the central gear rack, and at least one upper movable privacy cover can be connected to an outer gear rack.
Data Source
AI summary
A privacy case for an electronic device having at least one microphone and at least one camera. The privacy case can include a housing member for securing to the electronic device. At least one movable privacy cover can be movably mounted relative to the housing member for selectively covering or uncovering the at least one microphone and the at least one camera of the electronic device. An activation mechanism can be connected to the at least one movable privacy cover. The activation mechanism can be configured for being activated in a single movement by a user for moving the at least one movable privacy cover for covering or uncovering simultaneously the at least one microphone and the at least one camera of the electronic device.