Portable Device Case Handle Assembly With Friction Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable electronic device cases lack a stable and secure mechanism to maintain a handle in an extended position, especially when the device is in a standing orientation, leading to potential accidental retraction.
Innovation Solution
A case system with a handle assembly that includes a semi-rigid material and frictional resistant forces to prevent the handle from moving from an extended position to a retracted position, utilizing a first and second engagement component and a handle assembly with end portions that can be removably coupled, allowing the case to maintain a standing orientation with the handle contacting a horizontal surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle assembly is made movable between retracted and extended positions, then user convenience and device support are enhanced, but the handle may accidentally retract when the device is in standing orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism applies a preliminary force to maintain the handle in the extended position, creating a state of pre-tension that resists accidental retraction. The spring is pre-loaded to exert sufficient force to counteract gravitational and handling forces that might otherwise cause the handle to retract when the device is in standing orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic movable position, allowing it to be extended or retracted as needed. The spring mechanism enables this dynamic behavior while maintaining stability in the extended position through elastic forces, resolving the contradiction between movability and position stability.
2Reliability
If frictional resistant forces are applied to prevent handle movement, then position stability is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a simpler spring-based elastic force system. Instead of using multiple engagement components, latches, or friction-based mechanical locks, the invention uses the elastic properties of a spring to provide the necessary holding force, significantly reducing mechanism complexity while maintaining position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the handle assembly by introducing a spring with specific elastic properties. By selecting appropriate spring constants, pre-load forces, and material properties, the system achieves stable handle positioning without requiring complex mechanical structures, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
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 maintains the handle in an extended position, ensuring stability and preventing accidental retraction, even under moderate forces, enhancing user convenience and device support.
Implementation Method 1
at least one frictional resistant force is imparted on the first end portion of the handle assembly to at least in part oppose at least one force imparted on the center portion of the handle assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Systems involve implementations such as a case system for a portable electronic device a base, a handle assembly including first and second end portions slidably coupled with the base and a center portion positioned between the first and second end portions. The handle assembly is movable between a retracted first position and an extended second position. The case system can remain in a first standing orientation with a first portion of the case system and a portion of the handle assembly contacting a horizontal surface. The case system can remain in a second standing orientation with a second portion of the case system and a portion of the handle assembly contacting a horizontal surface. Other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.