Expandable Phone Grip Mechanism With Stable Push-Push 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 featuring a base with an expanding mechanism, such as foldable legs or a resilient member, that can be selectively moved between collapsed and expanded configurations, with optional locking devices to securely retain the configuration, allowing for easy manipulation and aesthetic customization through interchangeable buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex mechanism is used to transition between collapsed and expanded configurations, then the device can achieve stable configuration retention, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expanding mechanism is divided into multiple foldable elongated members (accordion folds) that can independently transition between extended and collapsed states. This segmentation allows the complex function of configuration retention to be achieved through simple, repetitive structural units rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses resilient materials that provide dynamic, automatic retention of configurations without requiring complex locking mechanisms. The resilient nature of the materials allows the device to naturally return to and maintain desired configurations through elastic deformation rather than mechanical locks.
2Ease of operation
If resilient materials are used for the expanding mechanism, then the device achieves ease of operation and automatic configuration retention, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies particular parameters for the resilient materials (elastic modulus, durometer hardness) to ensure consistent performance. By controlling these material parameters during manufacturing, the device achieves both ease of operation and configuration retention without requiring excessive manufacturing precision in the assembly process.
3Reliability
If locking devices are added to retain configurations, then the device achieves stable configuration retention, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient expanding mechanism automatically retains configurations through its own elastic properties without requiring separate locking devices. The material's natural tendency to return to its original shape provides self-service configuration retention, eliminating the need for additional locking components.
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 provides a user-friendly and adaptable solution for portable electronic devices, allowing easy transition between configurations while maintaining the chosen state due to the use of shape-retentive materials and locking mechanisms, enhancing functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
The expanding mechanism may be at least one foldable elongated member that is biased towards the second configuration. In other forms, the at least one foldable elongated member may be at least one accordion fold. In yet other forms, the expanding mechanism may be a foam member being biased towards the second configuration.
Data Source
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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.