Multi-function sliding element for mobile device protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices with additional functionalities face issues of accidental activation and exposure to dirt due to the lack of protective covering, leading to unwanted operations and potential battery drain when not in use, especially when carried in a pocket or purse.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function sliding element that moves longitudinally within the device's footprint, allowing for the disabling or enabling of specific functionalities by changing positions, with a sensor and locking mechanism to prevent accidental activation and protect components, while maintaining the device's overall size and minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If functionalities are integrated within the mobile communication device, then device functionality is improved, but accidental activation and exposure to dirt increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a sliding element that can dynamically change position between a first position (covering the button) and a second position (exposing the button). This dynamic mechanism allows the device to switch between protected and accessible states, resolving the contradiction by providing both full functionality when needed and protection against accidental activation when not in use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If functionalities are integrated within the mobile communication device, then device functionality is improved, but exposure to dirt increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding element provides dynamic protection by covering sensitive components (button, camera lens, speaker) when in the first position and exposing them when in the second position. This resolves the contradiction between providing full device functionality and protecting components from dirt exposure.
3Reliability
If a protective covering is added to prevent accidental activation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the button from accidental activation, covers the camera lens and speaker from dirt, and can trigger functionality when moved. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the protective covering function with the button activation mechanism into a single sliding element. This consolidation reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate protective covers and activation mechanisms.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the device is placed in stand-by mode to save power, then energy consumption is reduced, but functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding element enables dynamic power management by allowing the device to be in stand-by mode (low power consumption) when the sliding element is in the first position, and fully functional when moved to the second position. This resolves the contradiction by providing user-controlled switching between power-saving and full-functionality states.
Data Source
AI summary
The application is directed at a mobile communication device comprising a body; and a sliding element, slidable longitudinally along the body; wherein the sliding element is slidable between a first and a second position, such that when said sliding element is in one of said first or second positions, an added device functionality is revealed to the user; and wherein when the sliding element is in the first or second position, a footprint of the mobile communication device is not changed.