Magnetic Strap Accessory for Mobile Device Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communications devices are prone to breakage and have difficulty being viewed and interacted with when lying flat, necessitating a secure holding and adjustable viewing solution.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically configurable strap accessory with a strap and base, featuring multiple magnets and a retractable sleeve, allowing the strap to be held in a flat or arched position for secure handholding and adjustable viewing angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device is held securely in the hand, then usability and security are improved, but the profile size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strap is nested within the base structure when not in use, allowing the accessory to minimize its profile size while maintaining secure holding capability when deployed. The strap can be retracted into the base, creating a compact form factor that does not significantly increase the overall volume of the accessory.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory transitions from a static compact form to a dynamic extended form when the strap is deployed. The magnetic configuration allows the strap to be positioned in different states (retracted or extended) based on usage requirements, enabling the device to adapt its profile size according to whether security is needed or storage is prioritized.
2Reliability
If the strap is extended to form a loop for secure holding, then device security is improved, but the profile size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strap nests within the base contour when retracted, maintaining a sleek profile. When extended to form a loop for secure holding, the strap emerges from this nested state, providing the necessary structural form while minimizing the overall profile when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory is segmented into functional components (base, strap, magnets) that can be independently positioned. The strap can be segmented from the base state and repositioned to form a loop when security is needed, while returning to a compact integrated state when storage is prioritized.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple magnets are used to hold the strap in position, then strap positioning stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple magnets are merged into a single integrated base structure, working together to hold the strap in position. The magnets are combined within the base rather than being separate components, reducing overall complexity while maintaining the stability needed for secure strap positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic holding mechanism replaces more complex mechanical fastening systems. Instead of using clips, screws, or other mechanical components to secure the strap, the patent uses magnetic attraction, which simplifies the overall device complexity while providing stable positioning.
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
Provides enhanced security and usability by allowing the device to be securely held in the hand and positioned for better viewing angles, while minimizing profile for easy storage.
Implementation Method 1
the strap is held in a substantially flat position against the base by way of magnetic attraction between the first strap magnet and the first base magnet and magnetic attraction between the second strap magnet and the third base magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetically configurable strap accessory for a mobile communications device and method of using the same is disclosed. The magnetically configurable strap accessory includes a strap and a base. The strap includes a first strap magnet and a second strap magnet. The base includes a first base magnet, a second base magnet, a third base magnet, and a sleeve disposed at a first end of the base into which a portion of the strap can be retracted when the accessory is in a closed position and from which a portion of the strap can be extended when the accessory is in an open position; wherein, in the closed position, the first strap magnet is positioned in proximity to the first base magnet and the second strap magnet is positioned in proximity to the third base magnet such that the strap is held in a substantially flat position against the base by way of magnetic attraction between the first strap magnet and the first base magnet and magnetic attraction between the second strap magnet and the third base magnet; and wherein, in an open position, the first strap magnet is positioned in proximity to the second base magnet such that the strap is held in a substantially arched position with respect to the base by way of magnetic attraction between first strap magnet and the second base magnet thereby forming a loop between the base and the strap.