Remote Control Cover Assembly With Glow and Locator Tag
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote control covers lack features for easy identification, visibility, and secure storage, especially in low-light conditions, and do not provide effective methods for locating misplaced devices.
Innovation Solution
A cover assembly with a main body made of flexible, transparent, or phosphorescent material, featuring a closure flap, gripping portions, and an identification tag with a processor for wireless communication, which includes a microphone and speaker for aural notifications to aid in locating the cover assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If conventional remote control covers are used, then the basic covering function is provided, but the identification and visibility features are insufficient, especially in low-light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates phosphorescent strips that absorb and emit light, changing the visual appearance of the cover from opaque to glowing in low-light conditions. This material-based color/brightness change enables easy identification without adding electronic complexity
Solution Approach 2:
An identification tag is introduced as an intermediary element that can be detected by external devices. The tag acts as a mediator between the physical cover and digital detection systems, enabling location tracking through wireless communication without requiring complex integration into the cover structure itself
2Reliability
If no closure mechanism is provided, then the cover structure is simple, but the remote control cannot be securely stored
Solution Approach 1:
The closure function is extracted as a separate, independent flap mechanism rather than integrating it into the main cover body. This modular approach provides secure storage capability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and easy to manufacture
3Strength
If the cover is made opaque for durability, then the material strength is improved, but the visibility and identification of the remote control inside is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover employs different material properties in different regions: the main body remains opaque for durability and protection, while specific portions (such as the top surface or edges) are made transparent or translucent to allow visibility of the remote control inside. This localized quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between strength and visibility
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 cover assembly enhances visibility and aural conspicuity, facilitating easy identification and location of the remote control in low-light conditions through visual and aural cues, ensuring secure storage and accommodating different remote control sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one visibility strip of phosphorescent material is configured to provide a glow in low light conditions to facilitate locating the cover assembly
Implementation Method 2
The microphone is configured to capture audio of an aural event produced by a user
Implementation Method 3
The speaker is configured to provide a sound with an adjustable aural characteristic
Data Source
AI summary
A cover assembly includes a main body, a closure member, gripping portions, and an identification tag. The main body defines an interior to receive a remote control and includes top, bottom, front, first and second side, and rear portions. The closure member is coupled to the rear portion and configured to move the rear portion between an open position, where a remote control is insertable into and removable from the interior, and a closed position, where the closure member is coupled to the bottom portion to secure the remote control within the interior. The multiple gripping portions are provided on the first and second side portions and configured to facilitate gripping of the cover assembly by a user. The identification tag includes a processor and is configured to communicate with an external device and operate to increase a conspicuity of the cover assembly for locating the cover assembly.