Elastomeric Cradle for Wearable Electronic Device Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current banded holders for portable electronic devices face issues with bulk, compatibility, and secure retention, as they often add weight and are not adaptable to various device sizes, leading to discomfort and potential device damage during exercise.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a flexible and adaptable cradle system with elongated bodies made of elastomeric materials and adjustable straps, allowing for secure attachment to different body parts and accommodating a range of device sizes through deformable openings and attachment mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid or semi-rigid cradle is used to hold an electronic device, then the device is retained effectively, but additional bulk and weight are added to the holder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible cradle made of elastomeric material that can deform to accommodate different device sizes while maintaining secure retention. The flexible nature of the material allows the cradle to conform to the device shape without requiring rigid structural support, thereby reducing bulk and weight while preserving device retention capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material properties are optimized to provide the right balance between flexibility and retention force. By adjusting the material's elastic modulus and other parameters, the cradle can effectively hold devices without requiring excessive material thickness or structural complexity, thus minimizing weight and bulk.
2Reliability
If a rigid or semi-rigid cradle is designed for a specific device, then the device is retained effectively, but compatibility with other device sizes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cradle design allows a single holder to accommodate multiple device sizes and types. The elastomeric material can deform to match the contours of different devices, enabling one cradle to serve multiple functions and be compatible with various electronic devices without sacrificing retention effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape. This dynamic capability allows the cradle to adjust to different device geometries, providing both secure retention and broad compatibility across various device sizes and forms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a closeable pocket is used instead of a cradle, then compatibility with various device sizes is improved, but devices may bounce and jostle during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cradle provides direct contact and support to the device, preventing bouncing and jostling that occur in loose pockets. The elastomeric material conforms to the device shape, creating a snug fit that secures the device in place while maintaining compatibility with various sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle is designed to copy or replicate the shape of the device it holds. This shape-matching approach ensures the device is securely retained without excessive movement, while the flexible nature allows the same cradle to copy different device shapes, providing both stability and compatibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a closeable pocket is used to hold a larger device, then compatibility is improved, but the device may not be retained securely
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cradle can expand and deform to accommodate larger devices while maintaining secure contact. The elastomeric material provides consistent retention force across different device sizes, ensuring that even larger devices are held securely without requiring a rigid or overly complex structure.
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
This solution provides a comfortable, secure, and versatile banded holder that minimizes device movement and accommodates various electronic devices, reducing strain and enhancing user experience during exercise.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of extended walls, retaining surface, and a portion of the elongated body define a cavity of the receptacle. Each opening is configured to receive and retain a respective end of the electronic device as well as ends of other electronic devices having a range of sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
A holder for an electronic device includes a body, a first receptacle, and a second receptacle. The body includes a surface, a first end portion, a second end portion, a medial portion, and an attachment mechanism configured for attaching the body to a wearable band. The attachment mechanism includes one or more deformable attachment protrusions configured for insertion into one or more corresponding attachment apertures of the wearable band. The first and second receptacles are each configured for removably retaining the electronic device to the body. The first and second receptacles each define a respective cavity bounded by a stretchable opening. Each opening is configured to receive and retain a respective end of the electronic device as well as ends of other electronic devices having a range of sizes.