Pivotable Finger Grip Wings for Mobile Device Case
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device cases fail to adequately protect devices from dropping and provide a comfortable grip for extended use, especially when consuming news on mobile devices, leading to a high risk of damage and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A retractable finger grip system integrated into a protective case that couples to the mobile device, featuring pivotable grip wings with undulated perimeters forming finger slots for secure engagement and optional soft inserts for comfort, which can also function as a kickstand for hands-free viewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a light grip is used on the device for comfort and easier movements, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of dropping the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grip wings are designed to be dynamically adjustable between a retracted position (when not needed) and an extended position (when grip is needed). This allows the device to transition from a sleek profile to a secure grip configuration, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and dropping risk by providing grip support only when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip wings act as an intermediary element between the user's hand and the mobile device. By providing finger slots that engage with the user's fingers, the grip wings mediate the interaction, allowing for a secure connection without requiring a tight grip on the device itself, thus maintaining ease of operation while reducing dropping risk.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective case is installed on the mobile device, then protection against damage is improved, but the risk of dropping remains inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The protective case is segmented to include movable grip wings that can independently extend from the base. This segmentation allows the case to provide both protection and active grip support, addressing the inadequacy of traditional static cases by adding a functional element that actively engages with the user's hand to prevent dropping.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip wings serve multiple functions: they provide structural protection as part of the case, offer secure finger engagement to prevent dropping, and can potentially serve as a stand. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the protective case actively contribute to dropping prevention rather than just passive protection.
3Reliability
If the grip wings extend perpendicularly from the base, then finger engagement and grip security are improved, but the device bulk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grip wings are designed to be dynamically deployable, extending perpendicularly only when needed for grip security. When retracted, they maintain a sleek profile that minimizes device bulk. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by allowing the device to have small bulk during normal use and provide maximum grip security when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip wings are nested within or integrated into the case structure when retracted, allowing them to be stored compactly. This nesting approach minimizes the device's overall bulk while maintaining the capability to extend the grip wings when finger engagement and grip security are needed.
4Ease of operation
If the grip wings are made with soft pliable materials for increased grip and comfort, then ease of operation is improved, but the structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The grip wings utilize composite material construction, combining soft pliable materials (such as rubber or silicone) with a rigid internal framework or core. This composite structure allows the outer surface to provide comfort and grip while the internal structure maintains the necessary structural strength, resolving the contradiction between grip comfort and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip wings exhibit local quality by having different material properties in different regions. The finger-contact surfaces are made of soft pliable materials for comfort and grip, while the internal structure and connection points use stronger materials to maintain structural integrity. This localized material differentiation resolves the contradiction between comfort and strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device case with extendable finger grips. The mobile device case couples to a mobile device and includes a pair of pivotable grip wings disposed on a back portion thereof. The grip wings pivot from a stored position that is generally parallel to the back surface of the case to an extended position that is generally perpendicular to the back surface. The grip wings each include a generally rigid frame with a more pliable, cushioned insert disposed therein. The insert provides a plurality of finger slots in which a user's fingers can be disposed to aid holding the mobile device while interacting with an input surface, e.g. a touch screen, using the thumbs. The grip wings can also be extended to support the mobile device in a propped up position on a surface for hands-free viewing.