Wearable Glove Receptacle for Touchscreen Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in operating mobile devices, such as taking photos, while engaging in motion-based activities like running, swimming, or using them underwater due to inconvenience in carrying and handling the device.

Innovation Solution

A wearable glove-type apparatus with a pocket and receptacle designed to securely hold a mobile device with a touchscreen, allowing users to interact with the screen while keeping the device protected and hands free.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mobile phone is carried in a traditional pocket or holder, then the device is protected from damage, but the user cannot easily operate the touchscreen during motion-based activities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of touchscreen operationVSAvoidcomplexity of wearable structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The glove is divided into multiple functional segments: a base glove structure for hand coverage, a separate receptacle component for device housing, and a transparent touchscreen interface layer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A transparent touchscreen interface layer acts as an intermediary between the user's fingers and the mobile device touchscreen. This intermediate layer transmits touch inputs while protecting the device and enabling operation during activities like swimming or running.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the receptacle is made opaque to protect the device, then device protection is improved, but the user cannot see or interact with the touchscreen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouchscreen visibility and interactionVSAvoiddevice exposure to damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The receptacle employs local quality variation by using a transparent or translucent material specifically at the touchscreen interface area, while other portions can be more opaque for protection. This localized transparency enables touchscreen interaction while maintaining overall device protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

A transparent touchscreen interface layer serves as an intermediary that allows visual access and tactile interaction with the touchscreen while the device remains enclosed and protected within the receptacle structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the glove material is thick to protect fingers, then finger protection is improved, but finger movement and touchscreen interaction are impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefinger movement flexibilityVSAvoidprotection level of glove material

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The glove uses varying material thicknesses and properties in different regions: thinner, more flexible material in finger areas for dexterity, and thicker, more protective material in palm and wrist areas. This local differentiation maintains protection while preserving finger movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The glove incorporates flexible, thin-film materials that provide adequate protection while maintaining finger dexterity. The thin film structure allows natural finger movement and bending while still offering protective coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of operation

If the receptacle is tightly sealed to protect the device underwater, then device protection is improved, but touchscreen interaction becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouchscreen operability underwaterVSAvoidwater ingress protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A transparent, water-resistant touchscreen interface layer acts as an intermediary that seals the receptacle against water ingress while simultaneously transmitting touch inputs from the user's fingers to the touchscreen beneath.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The touchscreen interface material is selected to have specific properties: transparency for visibility, water resistance for sealing, and touch sensitivity for interaction. These parameter changes enable the material to fulfill multiple contradictory requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9912366B2Mobile phone glove

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 SULLIVAN JAMES VINCENT

AI summary

A method and apparatus for managing a mobile phone. In one illustrative example, an apparatus comprises a garment having a glove-type shape, a pocket attached to a side of the garment, and a receptacle for holding a mobile device that has a touchscreen. The receptacle is attached to the garment through the pocket. The receptacle is comprised of a material that enables a user to interact with the touchscreen of the mobile device.