Ergonomic Smartphone Accessory with Flexible Tether for Vertical Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
The frequent and prolonged use of portable hand-held electronic devices (PEDs) leads to musculoskeletal and nervous system health issues such as Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and 'Text Neck' due to improper gripping and viewing angles, which exacerbate strain on the hand, wrist, and neck.
Innovation Solution
An ergonomic accessory with flexible, compressible side-edge cushions and a tether element that securely attaches to the PED and the user's hand, distributing grip forces, reducing pressure on soft tissues, and allowing for a more vertical device orientation, thereby minimizing strain on the thumb and wrist.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a PED is held in a customary horizontal position for viewing and manipulation, then the screen is easily visible and accessible, but it causes extreme bending forward of the head and strain to the musculoskeletal system in the neck and shoulder/upper back area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical orientation dimension for the PED, allowing the device to be held upright rather than horizontally. This dimensional change enables the screen to be viewed at a more natural eye level, eliminating the need for extreme head bending while maintaining screen accessibility through the vertical arrangement of the device
2Reliability
If an excessively tight grip is used to secure the PED in the hand, then the device is held firmly and does not slip, but it leads to undue pressure on the soft tissue of the hand and digits, causing numbness and tingling sensations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible tether element that can adapt to the user's hand and digits without requiring excessive gripping force. This flexible component secures the PED to the hand while distributing pressure evenly, preventing soft tissue compression and numbness while maintaining reliable device security
Solution Approach 2:
The tether element acts as an intermediary between the hand and the PED, transferring the securing function from direct hand gripping to a distributed tether-based attachment. This mediator reduces the need for tight gripping while maintaining device security through the tether's connection to the hand or wrist
3Ease of operation
If the PED is held in a horizontal position requiring excessive thumb movement to reach all screen areas, then full screen access is achieved, but it exacerbates strain on the thumb and contributes to injuries such as arthritis and tendonitis
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning from horizontal to vertical device orientation, the patent repositions the screen in a dimension that reduces thumb travel distance. The vertical arrangement allows the thumb to operate within a more compact and ergonomic range, maintaining full screen access while minimizing repetitive thumb motion and associated strain
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a tether element is introduced to connect the hand to the PED, then grip forces are distributed and soft tissue pressure is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible tether element that can be integrated into existing case designs or added as a separate component. This flexible component distributes grip forces effectively while maintaining a simple, adaptable structure that does not significantly increase overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The tether element serves multiple functions: securing the PED to the hand, distributing grip forces, and providing a mounting point for optional wearable technology. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving comprehensive force distribution
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 ergonomic accessory reduces the risk of soft tissue injuries and strain by distributing grip forces, allowing for a more relaxed grip and reducing the need for excessive thumb movement, while enabling comfortable, vertical device use that mitigates 'Text Neck' issues.
Implementation Method 1
flexible, compressible side-edge cushions... distributing grip forces, reducing pressure on soft tissues
Implementation Method 2
an elastic tether element... securely attaches to the PED and the user's hand
Data Source
AI summary
Injury to the digits, hand and wrist are associated with the frequent usage of portable hand-held electronic devices ("PEDs"), including but not limited to smartphones. This is true as well for injury to the neck and shoulder areas. The potential for injury to the digits, hand and wrist in particular is anticipated to be exacerbated by the larger smartphones, and especially the tablet-like smartphones. The ergonomic accessory of the invention has several embodiments whose design is intended to ameliorate if not prevent such injuries. Certain embodiments are partially or fully case-like in form so that they envelope to a greater or lesser degree, such hand-held electronic devices. Another embodiment attaches to a PED through an element of the PED such as the charging socket. The accessory also removably attaches the hand of the user or provides a secure holding surface for the user.