Accordion Socket Case for Cord Storage and Grip Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for portable media player cases that can perform multiple functions such as storing headphone cords, serving as stand legs, gaming grips, belt mounts, and hands-free phone usage without significantly increasing the effective size of the player.
Innovation Solution
The development of portable media player cases with extendable sockets, featuring accordion structures with flexural hinges and buttons that can be extended to form stands, grips, and mounts, while allowing headphone cords to be wound around them to prevent tangling and collapse for space-saving purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective case is added to the media player, then protection from scratching and damage is improved, but the effective size of the player increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the protective case to include multiple features: socket extensions for cord storage, stand arms for positioning, belt clips for mounting, and gaming grip protrusions. This allows a single case to provide protection plus multiple additional functions, reducing the need for separate accessories that would further increase size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single protective case structure. The socket extensions combine cord storage with protective coverage, the stand arms integrate positioning capability into the case body, and the belt clip combines mounting functionality with the case design. This consolidation prevents the need for separate devices for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional features are added to the case, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the case into distinct functional modules: main body, socket extensions, stand arms, belt clip, and gaming grip protrusions. Each module can be independently designed, manufactured, and attached, allowing for modular assembly that simplifies production and maintenance while providing multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic elements such as extendable socket extensions that can be deployed or retracted, and stand arms that can be positioned at different angles. These dynamic features allow the case to adapt to different usage scenarios without requiring multiple static configurations, reducing overall complexity.
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 solution provides a versatile case that offers multiple functionalities like cord management, adjustable stands, comfortable grips, and hands-free operation without adding bulk, enhancing user convenience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The extending elements, called 'accordions,' comprising cylindrical or conical membranes with flexural hinges
Implementation Method 2
A socket may be attached to the case or directly to a portable media player. It may be attached permanently or temporarily, for instance by snap-fit or suction cup
Data Source
AI summary
Extending sockets, formed of accordions generally with buttons attached at their distal ends, for attaching to portable media players or portable media player cases. Cases having attached sockets serve purposes beyond protection of the player, such as managing a headset, attaching to belts or the like, forming stand legs to prop the player at a desired angle, forming grips for gaming, forming a grip for securely holding and manipulating player with one hand, and forming extended legs for wedging players that are phones between the ear and shoulder. The sockets are structured to allow headset cords to be wound around the accordions when the sockets are extended, to prevent the cords from tangling. Space in an attached case may be provided so that the sockets may be partially or fully retracted with headphone cords wrapped around them to save space.