Expandable Socket for Portable Media Players
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for alternative designs of collapsible grips and stands for portable media players that can efficiently transition between expanded and collapsed configurations, providing versatile functionality such as cord management and device support.
Innovation Solution
An expandable socket design featuring a base, a movable cover with a spring mechanism, and a lock system that allows the socket to securely switch between expanded and collapsed states, utilizing bistable springs or elastomeric skins to maintain configurations and facilitate easy transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the socket is designed to be expandable for versatile functionality (stands, grips, cord management), then the adaptability and versatility improve, but the device complexity increases due to multiple moving parts and mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is divided into multiple telescoping sections that can independently extend and retract. Each section contains its own spring mechanism and locking features, allowing the socket to be segmented into functional modules that can be used independently or combined, thereby managing complexity through modular design while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The socket is designed to perform multiple functions including standing the device upright, providing a grip handle, and managing cords. The same telescoping structure serves all these purposes by extending to different lengths and configurations, eliminating the need for separate components for each function and thus reducing overall device complexity
2Reliability
If the socket includes a lock mechanism to secure the collapsed position, then the reliability of the collapsed state improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking components
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the telescoping sections are pushed together into the collapsed position. The locking features on each section self-align and self-lock without requiring manual intervention or additional actuating components, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism replaces complex multi-component mechanical locks with simple geometric interlocking features and spring-loaded detents. The spring mechanisms provide automatic locking through elastic deformation rather than complex mechanical linkages, reducing the number of parts while ensuring reliable engagement
3Ease of operation
If the socket uses spring mechanisms to maintain expanded and collapsed configurations, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional spring components
Solution Approach 1:
The socket incorporates spring mechanisms that provide dynamic, automatic transition between expanded and collapsed states. The springs store and release mechanical energy to propel the telescoping sections outward when released and return them inward when compressed, enabling easy one-handed operation without requiring the user to manually overcome friction or mechanical resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanisms are extracted and integrated directly into the telescoping sections themselves rather than being separate external components. Each section contains its own spring, eliminating the need for a centralized complex spring system and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation
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 design enables adjustable stands and grips for portable media players, allowing for efficient cord management and versatile device support, while maintaining a compact profile when collapsed and expanding for use as a stand or grip.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arranged within the cover between the base and the button
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric skin coupled to the base and having a hollow shape, the skin including at least one folded section and being deformable between a collapsed position and an expanded position
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~3A
Figure 3B~3C
AI summary
An expandable socket (100) for attachment to a portable media player or a portable media player case. The expandable socket generally includes a base (106), a button (104), and a spring (112). The base is adapted to engage a portion of the portable media player or the portable media player case. The button is spaced from and movable relative to the base. The spring is disposed between the base and the button, the spring arranged to resist movement of the button toward the base.