Phone Case Strap Rotation Mechanism for Grip Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern cell phones with smooth outer cases often slip out of users' hands, and existing phone cases do not effectively allow for secure and comfortable rotation of the phone without requiring the user to release it.
Innovation Solution
A phone case design featuring a case body with walls or clips for securing the phone, an elastic strap that extends through arcuate slots, allowing for easy rotation while maintaining grip, and adjustable holes for different finger sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a smooth outer case is used on the phone, then the phone appearance is sleek and modern, but the phone slips out of the user's hand
Solution Approach 1:
The phone case is segmented into a smooth outer shell for aesthetic appearance and a separate strap component with textured grip surfaces for secure holding. The strap is further segmented with multiple slots to accommodate different finger configurations, allowing the user to segment their grip across different portions of the strap.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap acts as an intermediary element between the user's hand and the smooth phone case. It provides the necessary friction and grip security while allowing the phone case itself to maintain its sleek, smooth appearance. The strap mediates the interaction between the user and the device, solving the contradiction between aesthetics and grip security.
2Reliability
If the phone is securely held in the hand, then the phone does not slip, but the user cannot rotate the phone without releasing it
Solution Approach 1:
The strap incorporates dynamic elements including elastic material that can stretch and relax, and multiple slots that allow the strap to shift and reconfigure. When the user needs to rotate the phone, they can temporarily relax their grip, allowing the strap to slide through the slots and reposition. After rotation, the elastic strap automatically re-tensions to maintain secure holding, providing both security and rotational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap's physical parameters change during use - the elastic material stretches and relaxes, the position of the strap relative to the slots changes, and the tension varies. These parameter changes enable the strap to transition between a secure locked-in position and a more flexible state that allows rotation, then return to the secure state automatically.
3Reliability
If the strap is tightly secured to prevent slipping, then the phone holds securely, but the user experiences hand fatigue during extended use
Solution Approach 1:
The strap is divided into multiple sections with different functions - some portions provide primary grip security while others offer comfort and breathability. The segmented design with slots allows different parts of the user's fingers to engage with different portions of the strap, distributing the mechanical load across multiple contact points rather than concentrating it in one area, thereby reducing fatigue during extended use.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap utilizes flexible, thin elastic material that can conform to the user's fingers and adjust to different grip positions. This flexibility allows the strap to maintain secure holding with minimal tension, reducing the force required to prevent slipping. The thin film structure also allows for breathability and comfort during extended wear, addressing the duration of action requirement.
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 secure holding and easy rotation of the phone relative to the user's hand, reducing the likelihood of dropping the phone and minimizing hand fatigue during extended use, such as taking photos or playing games.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic strap extends from a strap connector on the inside of the case body proximate the phone
Data Source
AI summary
A phone case designed to secure a phone to a user's hand while permitting the user to readily rotate the phone and case relative to his hand without requiring the user to release the phone from his hand. A case body has at least one slot, a portion of which is arcuate. A strap extends from a strap connector on the inside of the case body, outwardly through one of the slots, across a portion of the outside of the case body, inwardly through a slot, and to a strap connector on the inside of the case body. The size of the strap permits a user to slide one or more fingers between the strap and the outside of the case body. The strap slides within the slot(s) when the phone case is rotated relative to a user's hand.