3D Movable Accessory for Fall Impact Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices are prone to damage from falls, and existing protective measures either compromise the device's design, provide inadequate protection, or fail to sufficiently reduce the impact of a drop.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device system that includes a processor and an input/output interface to connect with a 3-dimensional movable accessory, which can be controlled to reduce the impact of a fall by generating lift force or altering the falling direction through sensors and commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protective case is used to prevent breakage of the electronic device, then the protection against breakage is improved, but the design of the electronic device is masked and the grip becomes uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against breakageVSAvoidgrip comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective system is divided into two independent parts: a thin protective case that provides basic protection without affecting design or grip, and a separate accessory (such as a propeller or wing structure) that provides additional fall protection. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other aspects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An accessory is introduced as an intermediary element between the electronic device and the ground during a fall. This accessory (such as a propeller that generates lift or a wing structure that increases air resistance) acts as a mediator to reduce falling speed and impact, thereby protecting the device without requiring a bulky protective case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a protective case is used, then protection against breakage is improved, but the cover glass may still be damaged if it collides with the ground

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against breakageVSAvoidimpact on cover glass

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory performs preliminary protective action before the cover glass can collide with the ground. By detecting the fall event and activating the accessory (such as rotating a propeller to generate lift or deploying a wing structure) during the fall, the system reduces falling speed and alters falling direction in advance, preventing the cover glass from impacting the ground.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The air resistance that was previously insufficient for protection is enhanced by the accessory structure (propeller or wing). The accessory converts the harmful falling motion into beneficial aerodynamic forces (lift or drag) that slow down the fall and redirect the device, transforming the potential damage into a protective mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If an accessory that reduces falling speed using air resistance is used, then some protection is provided, but the falling speed is not sufficiently reduced to prevent breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against breakageVSAvoidfalling speed reduction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory generates aerodynamic lift force that acts as a counterweight to gravity during the fall. The propeller or wing structure creates an upward lift force that counteracts the downward gravitational force, significantly reducing the net acceleration and falling speed, thereby providing sufficient protection against breakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory transitions from a static structure to a dynamic, active system during the fall. The propeller rotates or the wing structure adjusts its configuration in response to the fall event, dynamically generating aerodynamic forces that adapt to the falling conditions and maximize speed reduction and protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The system effectively reduces the falling speed and impact of an electronic device upon dropping, while also enabling customizable operations based on detected events, such as message notifications, by controlling the accessory to generate lift force or change the falling direction.

Implementation Method 1

an accessory that reduces the falling speed of an electronic device using an air resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLift force: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

an accessory that reduces the falling speed of an electronic device using an air resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir resistance: Drag

Data Source

PatentUS10725560B2Electronic device and method controlling accessory

Publication Date: 2020.07.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device includes an input/output interface capable of being electrically connected to a 3-dimensional movable accessory and a processor electrically connected to the input/output interface. The processor is configured to sense an event generated in the electronic device and to transmit a command to operate the accessory to the accessory through the input/output interface in response to the event.