Expandable Phone Grip With Push-Lock Configuration Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expandable devices for portable electronic devices lack versatility and ease of use in transitioning between collapsed and expanded configurations, often requiring complex mechanisms or materials that do not effectively retain the desired configuration without user intervention.
Innovation Solution
An expandable device with a base and an expanding mechanism, such as foldable elongated members or foam members, that can be selectively moved between collapsed and expanded configurations, featuring a locking device to securely retain the configuration, allowing for easy manipulation between states and providing a button for user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex mechanism is used to transition between configurations, then the device can achieve reliable configuration retention, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expanding mechanism is divided into multiple foldable elongated members (first, second, third members) that can independently fold and unfold. Each member acts as a separate segment that contributes to the overall expansion and contraction, allowing the device to achieve reliable configuration retention through the coordinated action of simpler individual components rather than a single complex mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic foldable elongated members that can transition between extended and folded states. These members are designed to be flexible and movable, allowing the device to dynamically change between collapsed and expanded configurations. The dynamic nature of these members enables automatic retention of the desired configuration through their inherent folding mechanics rather than requiring complex locking mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If resilient materials are used for the expanding mechanism, then the device can automatically retain the last placed configuration, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of resilient materials by changing their physical state between compressed and expanded forms. The resilient members are designed to naturally return to their original shape after deformation, enabling automatic retention of configurations. This approach leverages the inherent elastic parameters of the materials rather than requiring precise mechanical adjustments, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The expanding mechanism employs flexible resilient members that can bend and deform elastically. These flexible components are designed to maintain their structural integrity while allowing repeated folding and expanding cycles. The flexibility of these members enables automatic configuration retention through elastic recovery, reducing the need for complex mechanical retention systems and lowering manufacturing precision requirements
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 device efficiently transitions between configurations, retaining the desired state due to the use of resilient materials and locking mechanisms, enhancing user convenience and durability by allowing automatic retention of the last placed configuration.
Implementation Method 1
The expanding mechanism may be at least one foldable elongated member that is biased towards the second configuration. In some forms, the at least one foldable elongated member may be at least one accordion fold. In other forms, the at least one foldable elongated member may be at least one elongated strip pivotably coupled to the base and the button. In yet other forms, the expanding mechanism may be a foam member being biased towards the second configuration.
Implementation Method 2
The first locking region may be a tab, and the second locking region may be a corresponding groove. The locking regions may be frictionally coupled to each other.
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable device includes a base having a top side and a bottom side, an expanding mechanism operably coupled to the base, and a button. The bottom side of the base is adapted to engage a portion of a portable electronic device. The button has a top side and a bottom side and is operably coupled to the expanding mechanism. The expanding mechanism is selectively movable between a first configuration whereby the button is disposed in a first, collapsed configuration and a second configuration whereby the button is disposed in a second, expanded configuration. Upon urging the button to the first configuration, the expandable device retains the button in the first configuration, and upon further urging the button towards the base, the button is released from the first configuration and moves to the second configuration.