Movable Support Mechanism for Smartphone Grip Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The large and thin design of conventional smartphones and tablets makes taking selfies awkward and unstable, limiting maneuverability and increasing the risk of dropping the device, especially in dynamic or sporting situations.
Innovation Solution
A portable multimedia equipment gripping device with a slideable support mechanism integrated into a smart device cover, allowing for a secure grip and easy maneuverability, featuring a pocket with a movable support that can be angled for ergonomic handling and a snap-fit mechanism with elastic elements for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If smartphones and tablets are designed with large screens and reduced thickness, then portability and ease of handling in certain situations are improved, but stability and maneuverability during selfie mode deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt between a retracted position for portability and an extended position for stable selfie mode. The support can be deployed to provide additional stability when needed and retracted when not required, making the system dynamically responsive to different usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping device is divided into separate functional components: a base structure attached to the device, a movable support element, and finger engagement features. This segmentation allows the support to be independently positioned and adjusted to provide stability during selfies while maintaining the device's overall portability when the support is retracted.
2Reliability
If a fixed support structure is added to provide stable grip, then maneuverability during selfies is improved, but device thickness and portability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from a static, thickness-increasing element to a dynamic component that can be retracted into the device body. When deployed, it provides the necessary grip stability; when retracted, it minimizes the overall thickness profile, allowing the device to maintain its portable form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to nest within or attach to the existing device cover or case. When not in use, the support folds or retracts into the device body, utilizing the existing structural space. This nesting approach provides stability when needed without permanently increasing the device's external dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If one hand is used to hold the device for selfies, then portability is maintained, but maneuverability and accuracy in dynamic situations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure provides a stable base that allows the user's fingers to securely grip the device without exerting excessive force. This dynamic stabilization enables faster and more accurate selfie-taking in one hand, as the support compensates for hand movements and provides a steady platform for camera aiming.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure automatically stabilizes the device during use, reducing the need for user effort to maintain steady positioning. The mechanical design inherently provides stability through its geometry and engagement features, allowing the device to 'self-stabilize' during one-handed operation, thereby improving maneuverability without requiring additional user strength or effort.
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
Enables steady and fast handling of multimedia devices during selfies and other uses, allowing for comfortable operation in various conditions, including dynamic situations, while maintaining portability and protecting the device from damage.
Implementation Method 1
a movable support (4) which is movable, with respect to the slide (3), between at least one lowered position, in which the support is folded inside a seat (6) in the slide - so as to be completely contained within the thickness (H) thereof - and an operating position, in which the support is angled with respect to the slide and protrudes with respect thereto
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
Figure 8~10
AI summary
A portable multimedia device gripping device (1), comprising a pocket (2) inside which a slide (3) is slidably mobile, there being a support (4) hinged to the slide, the support (4) featuring at least one first opening (5A, 5B) to house at least one finger of a user, the support (4) being movable - with respect to the slide (3) - between at least one lowered position, in which the support (4) is folded inside a seat (6) in the slide so as to be completely contained within the thickness of the said slide, and an operative position in which the support (4) is angled with respect to the slide (3) and protrudes with respect thereto, between the slide (3) and the support (4), there being featured, optionally, a first elastic element (8), configured to push the support from the said lowered position towards the said operating position when the support (4) is completely outside the pocket (2), said slide being associated with a second elastic element (9) which pulls the slide (3) back inside the pocket (2).