Extendable Socket Case for Cord Wrapping and Compact Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for portable media player cases that can perform multiple functions such as storing headphone cords, serving as stand legs, gaming grips, belt mounts, and allowing hands-free operation without significantly increasing the effective size of the player.
Innovation Solution
The development of portable media player cases with extendable sockets, known as 'accordions,' which include cylindrical or conical membranes with flexural hinges and feet at their ends, allowing cords to be wound around for tangling prevention, and collapsing to save space. These sockets can act as stand legs, grips, and belt mounts, and include buttons for secure attachment and decoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protective cases are added to portable media players, then protection from scratching and damage is improved, but the effective size of the player increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the case to include multiple sockets that can serve various purposes: protecting the player, storing headphone cords, forming stand legs, creating gaming grips, and providing belt mounting capabilities. This allows a single case to perform numerous functions that would otherwise require separate accessories, thereby providing comprehensive protection and utility without significantly increasing the player's effective size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional features are added to the case, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the case into multiple functional modules, each represented by a separate socket. Each socket can be independently configured to provide specific functions such as cord storage, stand legs, or mounting points. This modular approach allows versatility to be improved while managing complexity through standardized, replaceable components rather than a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies nesting by designing sockets that can contain other elements within them. For example, sockets can store headphone cords inside their hollow chambers, and the case can accommodate multiple sockets within its structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple functions to be integrated in a space-efficient manner, improving versatility without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extendable sockets are added to the case, then multiple functions are achieved, but the case size increases when sockets are extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing sockets that can change their state between retracted and extended positions. The sockets can be extended when specific functions are needed (such as forming stand legs or gripping surfaces) and retracted when not in use to maintain a compact profile. This dynamic capability allows the case to adapt its dimensions based on functional requirements, achieving multi-functionality while minimizing size during storage or transport.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1E
Figure 2
AI summary
Extending sockets (24), formed of accordions (2) generally with buttons (1) attached at their distal ends, for attaching to portable media players (200) or portable media player cases (100, 101). Cases having attached sockets serve purposes beyond protection of the player, such as managing a headset, attaching to belts (28) or the like, forming stand legs to prop the player at a desired angle, forming grips for gaming, forming a grip for securely holding and manipulating player with one hand, and forming extended legs for wedging players that are phones between the ear and shoulder. The sockets are structured to allow headset cords (27) to be wound around the accordions when the sockets are extended, to prevent the cords from tangling. Space (15) in an attached case may be provided so that the sockets may be partially or fully retracted with headphone cords wrapped around them to save space.