Retractable Stylus Loop for Electronic Accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessory devices for electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, often lack a means to securely retain objects like styluses, leading to potential loss and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
An accessory device with a retractable loop feature made of stretchable material, magnetically coupled with the device, which can store and deploy to securely hold objects, ensuring they are always accessible and preventing tangling or protrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If accessory devices include a means for receiving objects, then object retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loop feature is nested within the accessory device, allowing it to be stored compactly when not in use and deployed when needed. This nesting approach enables object retention functionality without permanently increasing the device's external dimensions or visual complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop feature is designed to be retractable and flexible, transitioning between stored and deployed states. This dynamic design allows the accessory device to adapt its structure based on usage needs, providing object retention only when required while maintaining a sleek appearance at other times.
2Reliability
If the accessory device includes a retractable loop feature, then object retention is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The loop feature is constructed from flexible material that can bend and deform to accommodate objects of varying sizes and shapes. This flexibility allows the loop to conform to different objects while maintaining structural integrity, providing reliable retention without requiring complex mechanical fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical retention mechanisms (such as clips, latches, or screws) with a magnetic field-based retention system. The magnet embedded in the accessory device magnetically attracts ferromagnetic objects, providing secure retention without moving parts or complex mechanical structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the loop feature is made of stretchable material, then adaptability to different objects is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The loop feature is made from stretchable material that can change its physical dimensions (length, width, shape) to accommodate objects of varying sizes and forms. This parameter change capability allows a single loop design to universally retain different objects without requiring multiple specialized retainers or precise customization for each object type.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the accessory device magnetically couples with additional accessory devices, then device integration is improved, but the magnetic components increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet embedded in the accessory device serves multiple functions: it retains ferromagnetic objects through magnetic attraction and simultaneously enables magnetic coupling with additional accessory devices. This multi-functionality allows the same magnetic component to provide both object retention and device integration capabilities, reducing the need for separate mechanisms.
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 accessory device effectively retains objects of varying sizes and shapes, keeping them secure and accessible while maintaining a sleek design, preventing loss and ensuring smooth interaction with the electronic device.
Implementation Method 1
The panel may further include a magnet disposed in the flexible panel configured to magnetically couple the flexible panel with a second accessory device
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory device for use with an electronic device is disclosed. The accessory device may include multiple layers. One layer may be formed from a plastic. Other layers may include a fabric layer and a silicone layer. The accessory device may further include a retaining feature designed to hold or carry an object, such as a stylus for use with the electronic device. The accessory device may include a recessed region suited to receive the retaining feature. This allows the retaining feature to be stored in the accessory device when the retaining feature is not in use. Further, the retaining feature may be co-planar with an interior region of the accessory device such that the electronic device is not disturbed when positioned in the accessory device. In this manner, the retaining feature may be hidden. Also, the retaining feature may be deployed from the recessed region and receive the object.