Screen Protector Application System with Pivot Cap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in properly sizing and applying screen protectors to mobile devices due to their varied sizes and dimensions, leading to alignment errors and the inability to reposition once applied.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a cap connected to a screen protector via a pivot strip, which ensures alignment and facilitates easy application by allowing the screen protector to be pivoted and applied to the mobile device, with removable films exposing adhesives for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a screen protector is applied directly to the mobile device screen without alignment aids, then the application process is simple, but alignment accuracy deteriorates leading to positioning errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidapplication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cap as an intermediary component between the screen protector and the mobile device. The cap includes alignment features such as guide pins that fit into corresponding recesses in the screen protector, ensuring precise positioning without requiring complex alignment procedures by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The screen protector is pre-attached to the cap during manufacturing, with alignment features already in place. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to perform complex alignment operations during application, as the positioning is predetermined and built into the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the screen protector is made adhesive for secure attachment, then protection reliability improves, but the ability to reposition deteriorates once applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidrepositionability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a repositionable adhesive that transitions from a tacky, repositionable state during application to a permanent bonding state after a set period. This dynamic adhesive property allows users to adjust and reposition the screen protector during the initial application phase, then secures it permanently once properly positioned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive's bonding strength parameter changes over time, starting with lower adhesion force to enable repositioning, then progressively increasing to achieve permanent attachment. This time-dependent parameter change resolves the contradiction between initial repositionability and final secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If screen protectors are customized for each mobile device size and dimension, then alignment accuracy improves, but device complexity and variety increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen protector fit accuracyVSAvoidcompatibility across device variants

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple mobile device sizes and dimensions through adjustable features. The screen protector attaches to the cap rather than directly to each device variant, allowing one cap design to serve multiple device models, thereby reducing the number of custom screen protector variants needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment system is segmented into modular components: the cap with its alignment features, the screen protector with corresponding alignment elements, and the mobile device. This segmentation allows the cap to be the standardized universal component while accommodating variations in different mobile device models.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If manual alignment procedures are used for screen protector application, then ease of operation is maintained, but application time and error rate increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication speedVSAvoidalignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cap serves as a mechanical intermediary that physically guides the screen protector into correct alignment through guide pins and recesses. This mechanical guidance system eliminates the need for time-consuming manual alignment procedures while ensuring high positioning accuracy, thereby improving both speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11548210B2Screen protector application system

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 SUPERIOR COMMUNICATIONS INC

AI summary

Systems and apparatus for protecting a mobile device. The system includes a screen protector configured to be applied to a screen of the mobile device. The system also includes a cap configured to receive an end of the mobile device and prevent movement of the mobile device relative to the screen protector. The system also includes a pivot strip connecting the cap and the screen protector and being configured to facilitate a pivoting of the screen protector relative to the cap and establish alignment of the screen protector with the screen of the mobile device.