Mobile Computing Attachment System for Dual-Device Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face challenges in managing multiple mobile computing devices due to their non-waterproof and non-shock-resistant nature, leading to concerns about damage from liquids and drops, as well as the inconvenience of multitasking with multiple devices simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

An attachment system for mobile computing devices that allows a main device to be securely attached to a secondary device or a surface, featuring attachment elements on both sides to protect the screens and enable hands-free use, including optional friction elements for stability and easy detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users carry multiple mobile computing devices simultaneously, then they can access multiple functions and devices, but the risk of damage from drops and liquids increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to access multiple devicesVSAvoiddevice safety from damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple mobile computing devices into a single attached configuration, where one device is securely mounted to another or to a surface. This merging approach allows users to access multiple devices simultaneously while protecting them from drops and liquid damage by keeping them stationary and connected rather than carried separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an attachment mechanism as an intermediary between mobile devices or between a device and a surface. This intermediary component enables secure connection and stable positioning, allowing users to multitask with multiple devices without directly holding or carrying them, thereby reducing the risk of accidental damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If users balance multiple mobile computing devices in hands, then they can manipulate and speak on both devices, but the complexity of operation increases and stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to manipulate multiple devicesVSAvoiddifficulty of managing multiple devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the operational burden by attaching one device to another or to a stable surface, separating the functions of device holding from device manipulation. This allows users to focus on operating each device independently without the added complexity of physically balancing and coordinating multiple handheld devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from horizontal handheld balancing to vertical or surface-mounted attachment, changing the spatial dimension of device positioning. By mounting devices to surfaces or to each other in a fixed configuration, users gain stability and freed hands, reducing operational complexity while maintaining access to multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If mobile computing devices are placed on surfaces with liquids, then hands are freed for other tasks, but the devices are at risk of liquid damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free capabilityVSAvoidliquid damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies protective measures beforehand by using attachment mechanisms that elevate devices above liquid surfaces or position them on liquid-resistant surfaces. The attachment system serves as a protective barrier, allowing hands-free operation near liquids while preventing direct contact between devices and harmful liquid environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Speed

If users continuously hold mobile computing devices, then they can quickly access functions, but fatigue and loss risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess speed to device functionsVSAvoiddevice security against loss

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-attaching devices to surfaces or to each other in predetermined positions. This allows users to quickly access device functions without continuously holding them, as the devices are already positioned and secured in optimal locations for frequent access while eliminating loss risk through secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9929766B1Mobile computing attachment device

Publication Date: 2018.03.27 GUZEK W JASON

AI summary

An attachment system is disclosed which employs a main set of attachment elements attached to a case for a mobile computing device, such as a mobile phone, computing tablet or other computing device which can be carried with the user. The attachment system may also be part of the mobile computing device. These attachment elements are designed to attach to attachment elements connected to, or built into another mobile computing device. This allows a user to keep track of a first phone while using a second phone. In alternative embodiments, the phone may be connected back to back to allow simultaneous use of both phones, front to back to protect the screen of one while using the other, or front to front to protect both screens when neither is being used. Also, it may be embodied as a docking structure which is fixed to a wall or other structure. The mobile computing device removeably attaches to the docking structure to hold the phone for use and/or storage.