Collapsible Device Grip With Sliding Strips for Secure Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices are susceptible to damage from forces such as dropping, impact, and scratching, and there is a need for improved apparatuses and techniques to protect and securely hold these devices as they are used in a variety of situations and environments.
Innovation Solution
A grip apparatus comprising a base, extension arms, and a cap, where the arms are made of semi-rigid bendable material that can slide within channels or slots to extend and retract, with a stop mechanism to set a maximum length, and a cap that assists in holding the device, allowing for both secure grip and stowable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the grip apparatus is made extendable to provide secure holding, then the holding capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grip apparatus employs dynamic extension arms that can transition between retracted and extended states. The arms are made of semi-rigid bendable material that allows controlled movement along linear channels, enabling the grip to adapt its shape and size based on usage requirements while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The grip is divided into modular components including the base, multiple extension arms, and a cap. Each arm can independently extend or retract along its designated linear channel, allowing selective activation of grip segments to achieve secure holding without requiring the entire structure to be complex
2Ease of operation
If the extension arms are made bendable to facilitate extension, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The extension arms are constructed from semi-rigid bendable material that provides flexibility for easy extension and retraction while maintaining sufficient structural stability. This material property allows the arms to bend and flex during operation without compromising their ability to provide secure holding when extended
Solution Approach 2:
The arms transition from a stable, compact state when retracted to a flexible, extended state during operation. The semi-rigid material enables this dynamic transition, providing structural stability when needed while allowing ease of operation during extension and retraction movements
3Ease of operation
If the grip apparatus is made stowable to minimize interference, then the ease of operation is improved, but the holding capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The grip apparatus dynamically transitions between a compact stowed configuration that minimizes interference and an extended configuration that provides secure holding. The extension arms can be deployed from the retracted position to achieve the required holding capability while maintaining a low-profile stowed state when not in use
Data Source
AI summary
A grip system comprises a protective case and a grip apparatus. The grip apparatus is removably attachable to a back surface of the protective case. The grip apparatus includes a base, two flexible strips or straps, and a cap. The base is configured to be removably inserted into the recess in the back of the protective case. The two flexible strips are each attached to the base. The cap is proximate a top surface of the base when in a stowed position and extendable away from the top surface of the base when the cap is pulled outward to an extended position. Each flexible strip is configured or adapted to slide within a slot or channel in the cap. Each flexible strip slides into the slot when the grip apparatus is transitioned to the stowed position and slides out of the slot when transitioned to the extended position.