Expandable Mobile Grip Stand With Bistable Membrane Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expandable accessories for mobile electronic devices lack a compact storage solution and efficient functionality transition between different usage modes, such as grips and stands, due to their fixed or non-adjustable designs.
Innovation Solution
An expandable accessory with a bistable elastomeric membrane and a button, featuring a plurality of linear wall segments that move between a collapsed and expanded position, allowing for adjustable positioning and compact storage, secured via a base that can be attached to the device or case using various coupling methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If expandable accessories are designed with fixed or non-adjustable structures, then manufacturing is simpler, but functionality transition between grips and stands is inefficient and compact storage is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory employs a dynamic membrane structure that can transition between expanded and collapsed states. The membrane includes multiple wall segments that can flex and reconfigure, allowing the accessory to transform from a compact form factor to an expanded functional state providing either grip or stand functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is divided into multiple wall segments that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the structure to collapse into a compact form while maintaining the ability to expand into functional configurations for gripping or propping the device.
2Ease of operation
If expandable accessories are designed to be always expanded, then functionality is available, but storage space is wasted and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory transitions dynamically between expanded functional states and collapsed storage states. When not in use, the membrane collapses to minimize volume, and when needed, it expands to provide grip or stand functionality, optimizing both portability and usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall segments of the membrane can nest within each other when collapsed, similar to a nested doll structure, allowing the accessory to occupy minimal space during storage while maintaining full functionality when expanded.
3Reliability
If expandable accessories use complex coupling mechanisms, then attachment security is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base is integrated directly with the membrane structure, combining the attachment mechanism and the functional element into a single unified component. This reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining secure attachment to the mobile device.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane itself serves as both the structural element and the coupling interface. The flexible nature of the membrane allows it to be directly coupled to the base without requiring additional complex fastening mechanisms, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring reliable attachment.
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
Enables versatile functionality, including adjustable stands and grips, while providing a compact storage option by allowing the accessory to transition seamlessly between expanded and collapsed states, enhancing user convenience and device protection.
Implementation Method 1
a bistable elastomeric membrane
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable accessory for attachment to a mobile electronic device. The expandable accessory includes a base, a membrane, and a button coupled to the membrane opposite the base. The membrane includes a plurality of linear wall segments. The membrane is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, and when the membrane is in the expanded position, the plurality of linear wall segments are arranged in a common conical plane.