Grip Shield With Downward Flange Prevents Phone Drops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell phone grip accessories, such as those with retractable accordion grips, often fail to prevent phone slippage and can lead to accidental drops due to 'fumble fingers' incidents.
Innovation Solution
A grip shield with a radially extending button, featuring a circular element with a downwardly extending flange and recesses for finger engagement, securely attaches to the phone's button, providing additional grip by enveloping the user's hand and protecting the button from entanglement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a retractable accordion grip element is attached to the cell phone, then grasping facilitation is improved, but phone slippage and accidental drops occur due to insufficient grip security
Solution Approach 1:
The grip shield extends the grip element into a new dimensional space by adding a circular component that protrudes beyond the lateral edges of the accordion element. This creates a shield-like structure that envelops the user's hand, providing grip security in a direction perpendicular to the original accordion element's orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip accessory is divided into distinct functional segments: the retractable accordion element for basic grip enhancement, and the added circular grip shield component with lateral extensions that provide additional hand envelopment. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function independently.
2Reliability
If the button extends laterally past the edges of the accordion element, then hand envelopment and grip security are improved, but the button catches on pockets or purse paraphernalia
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the button laterally outward to achieve hand envelopment, the invention reverses the approach by adding a circular shield that extends laterally beyond the button's edges. This inverted structure provides the necessary hand coverage while the button itself remains contained within the shield's perimeter, preventing it from catching on external objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The circular grip shield acts as an intermediary element between the button and the user's hand/environment. It provides the lateral extension needed for hand envelopment while serving as a protective barrier that prevents the button from directly contacting and catching on pockets or purse paraphernalia.
3Ease of operation
If the button is extended to improve grip, then grasping facilitation is improved, but the button becomes more susceptible to catching on external objects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention reverses the traditional approach by containing the button within a larger circular shield structure. The shield extends laterally beyond the button edges, providing the necessary grip enhancement while preventing the button itself from protruding and catching on external objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The circular grip shield serves as a protective intermediary that allows the button to maintain its extended position for grip facilitation while shielding it from direct contact with external objects that could cause entanglement.
Data Source
AI summary
A grip shield is provided for a cell phone accessory to enhance its functionality. The grip shield is secured to a rim of an extendible accordion accessory to provide a backstop for the user's hand, a downwardly extending flange for reducing catching on pockets and pocketbook items, as well as enhancing the aesthetics of the device.