Reconfigurable Case for Binoculars with Adaptive Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cases for portable hand-held optical devices, such as binoculars and cameras, often fail to securely retain and support devices due to their varied shapes and sizes, leading to movement and potential falling during use.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable case apparatus with a lower portion and an upper portion, featuring a reconfigurable metal member that conforms to the outer profile of the device, allowing secure retention and support, and an over-shoulder harness for convenient carrying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a case is designed to secure a particular device or type of device, then the device is retained securely, but the case cannot accommodate devices with different shapes, profiles, and sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice retention securityVSAvoidaccommodation of different device shapes and sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The case incorporates reconfigurable members that can be dynamically adjusted and repositioned to match different device shapes, profiles, and sizes. These members can be moved between multiple positions to create custom-fit configurations for various optical devices, transforming a static case into an adaptive solution that maintains secure retention across diverse device types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The case utilizes reconfigurable members with variable positions and configurations that can be changed to accommodate different device parameters. By adjusting the position, shape, and arrangement of these members, the case can be customized for each specific device, changing the structural parameters to match the device being carried.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If fixed retaining structures are used in the case, then device movement is prevented, but the case cannot be reconfigured for different devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice movement preventionVSAvoidcase reconfigurability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The case is divided into modular components, with the retaining structure separated into multiple independent reconfigurable members. Each member can be individually adjusted, positioned, and configured based on the specific device requirements, allowing the retaining system to be segmented and rearranged rather than being a fixed monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining structures are designed as dynamic, movable components rather than fixed elements. These reconfigurable members can be shifted, repositioned, and reconfigured to create different retention patterns, transforming the static retaining system into an adaptive one that maintains reliability while enabling reconfigurability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If custom-configured cases are created for each device, then optimal retention is achieved, but manufacturing and setup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimal device retentionVSAvoidcase configuration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The case is pre-configured with multiple reconfigurable members that are positioned and arranged in advance to accommodate various device types. These members are prepared in different positions and configurations before the device is inserted, allowing the user to simply select and adjust the appropriate pre-prepared configuration rather than creating a custom setup from scratch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The case employs universal reconfigurable members that can serve multiple functions and accommodate different device types through a single multi-purpose system. These members are designed to be versatile, capable of being configured for various optical devices, which reduces the need for multiple specialized cases and minimizes configuration time through standardized adaptable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11889906B2Reconfigurable cases for portable hand-held devices and methods
Publication Date: 2024.02.06 KUIU INC
  • US11889906B2 patent drawing
  • US11889906B2 patent drawing
  • US11889906B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A case for a portable hand-held devices, such as binoculars. The case assembly includes a main case portion having an opening defined by a periphery and a cover. A reconfigurable member is attached to at least a portion of the cover and can be configured to correspond to an outer profile of the hand-held device being stored within the case.