Self-Retracting Elastomeric Band for Phone Case Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell phone cases lack versatility in attachment options, security for accessories, and protection for cards, often leading to unsafe handling while driving, theft, or loss of cards, and do not allow for flexible hanging positions or concurrent mounting of multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A housing with a flexible elastomeric band and rotatable pulleys that can form a continuous loop for hands-free use or as a carrying strap, integrated with a kickstand and card holder, allowing the phone to hang vertically, horizontally, or upside down, and enabling secure attachment of accessories using a mounting plate with rails and clips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cell phone is held in one hand while driving, then the user can access the phone, but the user safety and surrounding motorist safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary carrying system (bag with strap or apparatus with elastomeric band) that mediates between the user and the phone. Instead of directly holding the phone in hand while driving, the phone is secured in a carrying device that can be safely positioned, eliminating the need for manual handling during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional carrying strap with buckle is used, then the strap length can be adjusted, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric band utilizes its own elastic properties to provide self-adjusting functionality. The band can be stretched to different lengths and maintains tension automatically without requiring external adjustment mechanisms like buckles, clips, or fasteners, thereby eliminating device complexity while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the band from rigid to elastomeric, allowing length adjustment through elastic deformation rather than mechanical adjustment mechanisms. The band's elasticity enables continuous length variation without discrete adjustment steps or additional components.
3Ease of operation
If cards are secured on the outside of the case, then card accessibility is improved, but the risk of theft or loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the card holder is positioned within the case body rather than on the exterior. Cards are stored in a recessed compartment that is accessible from the outside through an opening or slot, allowing the card holder to be both accessible and protected by the case structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a kickstand is added to the case, then the phone can stand at an angle, but the device complexity and space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The kickstand function is merged with the existing case structure rather than being added as a separate component. The case body itself is shaped or configured to provide the standing surface and angle, eliminating the need for a distinct kickstand mechanism and reducing overall device complexity.
5Adaptability or versatility
If multiple accessories are mounted to the back of the case concurrently, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity and mounting difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal mounting system with standardized attachment points and interfaces that can accommodate multiple different accessory types. The case includes integrated mounting features (such as loops, clips, or adhesive areas) that provide consistent attachment methodology for various accessories, simplifying the mounting process while enabling versatile accessory configuration.
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 safe, versatile, and secure way to use a cell phone while driving, prevents card theft or loss, and allows for flexible positioning of the phone with accessories attached, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomeric band may wrap around the outer case to enable the case to hang selectively vertically, upright, or horizontally
Implementation Method 2
each rotatable pulley having a periphery contacting and frictionally engaging the elastomeric band to support the elastomeric band in tension
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus selectively attachable to the outer case of a cellular telephone or other similarly sized portable device. The apparatus desirably includes a housing containing an elastomeric band that is principally disposed inside the housing when the apparatus is not in use. The apparatus may include a kickstand and a cardholder. The elastomeric band can be used as a selectively retractable carrying strap when the cell phone or other similar device is not in use. Alternatively, the flexible continuous loop can be used, for example, to support the cell phone around a user's neck for hands-free use when the user is engaged in other activities.