Adaptive Mobile Support Accessory for Adjustable Low-Protrusion Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device accessories often hinder usability by protruding excessively, restricting finger movement, requiring two-handed operation, and failing to accommodate diverse hands-free use scenarios, while also posing risks to device surfaces and limiting space for everyday carry items.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive support accessory with a base, cap, and supports that can be attached to a mobile device, allowing single-handed operation and versatile hands-free use, accommodating everyday items, and adjusting to various user configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mobile device accessories are attached to the device surface, then they provide support and holding functionality, but they protrude excessively and cause undesirable complications for users
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory is divided into multiple components: a base that attaches to the mobile device, a cap that couples to the base, and supports that attach to the cap. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the base providing secure attachment, the cap providing structural support, and the supports providing adjustable holding positions without excessive protrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory incorporates adjustable supports that can be repositioned along the cap structure, allowing users to dynamically adjust the holding positions based on their specific needs. This dynamic adjustability enables the accessory to adapt to different use scenarios while maintaining a compact profile that minimizes protrusion complications.
2Ease of operation
If gripping or holding apparatus accessories are used, then they provide support functionality, but they necessitate fixing a user's fingers or hand in one position, restricting flexion
Solution Approach 1:
The supports are designed to be adjustable along the cap structure, allowing users to reposition them to accommodate different finger positions and gripping styles. This dynamic adjustability maintains finger and wrist flexion while providing secure holding positions, resolving the contradiction between support functionality and operational freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory structure is designed to accommodate multiple gripping configurations and use scenarios through its adjustable supports and modular components. The same basic structure can adapt to different user preferences and operational needs, providing universal support without restricting natural finger movement.
3Reliability
If traditional accessories are designed, then they provide support functionality, but they utilize components susceptible to premature wear or failure
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory utilizes a cap structure that provides both structural support and aesthetic functionality. The cap serves as both a protective covering for the base and supports, and a structural element that the supports attach to. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory merges multiple functions into integrated components: the base provides both attachment to the mobile device and structural foundation; the cap provides both structural support and a mounting surface for the supports; the supports provide both holding functionality and structural reinforcement. This merging reduces the number of separate components that could fail independently.
4Ease of operation
If one-size-fits-all accessories are used, then they simplify the accessory design, but they present a trade-off between comfort and security
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable supports allow users to customize the accessory to their specific hand size and gripping preferences. Users can reposition the supports to achieve both comfortable finger placement and secure holding positions, eliminating the trade-off between comfort and security that plagues one-size-fits-all designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory provides different levels of adjustability and support at different locations. The supports can be positioned at various heights and angles along the cap structure, allowing users to optimize the fit for their specific needs. This localized customization enables both comfort and security to be achieved simultaneously.
5Stability of the object's composition
If two-handed operation accessories are required, then they provide stable support, but they reduce the practical effectiveness for single-handed use
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable supports can be configured to provide stable holding positions that work for both single-handed and two-handed operation. Users can position the supports to create ergonomic gripping points that maintain device stability while allowing natural single-handed finger movement and wrist flexion.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory is designed to be universally effective for both single-handed and two-handed use scenarios. The modular structure and adjustable supports allow the same accessory to provide stable support whether the user is operating the device with one hand or two hands, eliminating the need for different accessories for different use cases.
6Adaptability or versatility
If mobile device size is increased, then more functionality is included, but there is little room for accommodating everyday carry items
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory components nest together efficiently: the base attaches to the mobile device surface, the cap couples to the base with the supports nested within or along the cap structure. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall volume occupied by the accessory while providing multiple functional elements that can accommodate everyday carry items alongside the mobile device.
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptive support accessory for providing improved handling, positioning, mounting, and adapting of a mobile device is disclosed. The accessory includes a structure and an attachment interface configured for attaching the structure to the mobile device. One or more magnetic attachment elements disposed in the structure may be configured to magnetically attach the accessory to the mobile device. An aperture may be formed in the center of the accessory and provide one or more engagement or attachment features configured for engaging one or more of a user's fingers, attaching two or more accessory components together, or mounting the accessory to another structure. One or more supports attached to the accessory may be configured to engage one or more of a user's fingers or to selectively position the accessory. One or more plugs, attachment features, or attachment elements may provide additional mechanisms for mounting, adapting, and augmenting the accessory.