Foldable Electronic Device Accessory With Shape-Changing Grip Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accessories for electronic devices do not provide a stable pedestal or easy grip, limiting user convenience and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An accessory comprising a first and second housing connected by a hinge cover, with a connector that changes shape between unfolded and folded states, and includes a holder for user interaction, allowing easy grip and stable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a connector is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then strength is improved, but adaptability to different device states (folded/unfolded) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a deformable portion that can dynamically change its shape between a first shape (when the electronic device is unfolded) and a second shape (when the electronic device is folded). This dynamic adaptability allows the rigid connector to maintain structural strength while adapting to different device configurations, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
2Ease of manufacture
If accessory structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then ease of manufacture is improved, but functionality (stable pedestal and easy grip) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory is segmented into multiple functional components: a holder portion for providing easy grip, a connector portion for attaching to the electronic device, and a deformable portion that enables shape transformation. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with simple processes while collectively providing the full functionality of stable pedestal and easy grip features.
3Ease of operation
If the holder is made larger for better grip, then ease of operation is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder portion is designed as a thin, flexible structure that can be deformed to fit the user's hand grip. This flexible shell design provides comfortable grip and handling (improving ease of operation) while maintaining a compact form factor that does not significantly increase the overall volume of the accessory.
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
Enhances user convenience by providing a stable pedestal and easy grip for electronic devices, improving handling and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the connector is configured to have a first shape in an unfolded state of the electronic device, and have a second shape different from the first shape in a folded state of the electronic device, and wherein at least a portion of the connector is deformed in the second shape
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2B
AI summary
An accessory according to an example embodiment may be for an electronic device including a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge cover connecting the first housing to the second housing, and may include a first cover to cover the first housing, a second cover to cover the second housing, a holder configured to receive a body part of a user to hold the electronic device, and a connector to connect the holder to the first cover and the second cover. The connector may be configured have a first shape in an unfolded state of the electronic device, and have a second shape different from the first shape in a folded state of the electronic device. At least a portion of the connector may be deformed in the second shape. Other embodiments are also possible.