Reflective Covering Assembly for Smartphone Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing covering assemblies for electronic devices do not effectively facilitate the recovery of misplaced devices in low ambient light conditions, as they lack reflective elements to make the device visible.

Innovation Solution

A covering assembly with a plurality of reflectors integrated into a shell shaped complementarily to an electronic device, allowing the assembly to be visible in low light conditions, thereby aiding in the recovery of the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a covering assembly uses fluorescent materials or lights to enhance visibility, then the device can be seen in low light conditions, but it consumes energy and increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility in low light conditionsVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts ambient light (a beneficial resource) into enhanced visibility by using reflective materials that bounce existing light back toward the user. Instead of consuming energy to produce light, the system uses readily available ambient light and redirects it, thereby solving the visibility problem without energy consumption or increased device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Illumination intensity

If a covering assembly uses fluorescent materials or lights to enhance visibility, then the device can be seen in low light conditions, but it increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility in low light conditionsVSAvoidcomplexity of covering assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for power sources, control circuits, and light-emitting components by using passive reflective materials. This converts a complex active system into a simple passive system that achieves the same visibility enhancement without adding complexity to the covering assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses inexpensive reflective materials that can be easily integrated into the covering assembly. These materials are simple, cost-effective solutions that provide durable visibility enhancement without requiring complex or expensive components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 reflective covering assembly enhances the visibility of the electronic device in low light environments, making it easier to locate when misplaced, while also providing protection from damage.

Implementation Method 1

The reflectors are configured to reflect light so that the shell is visible in low ambient light conditions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11595074B2Reflective covering assembly

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 TOWNSEND JR THOMAS M

AI summary

A reflective covering assembly enabling recovery of an electronic device includes a plurality of reflectors engaged to a shell, which is shaped complementarily to an electronic device, such as a smart phone. The shell has an open face through which the electronic device can be inserted into the shell so that the shell is removably engaged to the electronic device. The shell protects the electronic device from damage. The reflectors reflect light so that the shell is visible in low ambient light conditions, facilitating recovery of the electronic device when it is misplaced.