Ergonomic Grip with Annular Loops for Mobile Device Hold

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aftermarket accessories for mobile electronic devices do not adequately provide both protection and an enhanced firm hold and grip, lacking innovative features to address user needs effectively.

Innovation Solution

An ergonomic grip design featuring a planar plate with a hingedly coupled grip element, comprising integrally molded annular loops for finger through holes, and additional phalanx braces and rests for improved grip, constructed from lightweight and rigid materials, allowing for secure attachment and adjustable positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional protective cases are used, then device protection is provided, but grip enhancement is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip strengthVSAvoidease of holding
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The grip element is divided into multiple finger receiving portions (first, second, third, and fourth finger receiving portions) that can be segmented and positioned independently. Each portion corresponds to a specific finger, allowing customized grip positioning while maintaining overall structural integrity for device protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grip element extends from the rear surface of the protective case into a third dimension, protruding outward to create finger receiving portions. This dimensional extension transforms the flat protective case into a three-dimensional grip-enhancing structure that accommodates multiple fingers at different positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If grip elements are added to protective cases, then grip is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of holdingVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grip element is integrally formed with the protective case as a single unified structure. The integrally molded construction merges the protective case body and the grip element with multiple finger receiving portions into one piece, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing structural complexity despite the enhanced grip functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple finger receiving portions are created, then grip customization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The grip element with multiple finger receiving portions is integrally molded with the protective case in a single manufacturing process. This merging of structures allows the complex multi-portion grip design to be produced without additional assembly steps, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving high grip adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The grip element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides protection for the device, enhances grip for multiple fingers, and offers customizable positioning for different hand sizes and gripping preferences. This multi-functionality is achieved through the integrally molded design that combines protective and ergonomic features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12178309B1Ergonomic grip for a mobile electronic device
Publication Date: 2024.12.31 NICHOLSON KYLE T
  • US12178309B1 patent drawing
  • US12178309B1 patent drawing
  • US12178309B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An aftermarket accessory in the form of an ergonomic grip for a mobile electronic device. The ergonomic grip includes a grip element hingedly coupled to a planar plate. The grip element includes a plurality of integrally molded annular loops forming a plurality of finger through holes. The ergonomic grip is attached superjacent the verso surface of a mobile electronic device or mobile electronic device cover via a suitable adhesive.