Smartphone Retention System Using Mechanical Piston for Image Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current smartphone image capture devices are prone to instability and jitter due to their small size and weight, leading to suboptimal image quality, especially when handheld or subject to motion, with existing stabilization methods being either cumbersome, energy-intensive, or requiring post-processing that degrades image quality.

Innovation Solution

A portable, pocket-friendly retention system that securely mounts smartphones and tablets using a centered screw-based piston mechanism, providing pressure against opposing wings for stabilization and allowing versatile usage, including handheld, pocket carry, and desktop operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If electronic image stabilization systems are implemented in smartphones, then image stability is improved, but build cost and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage stabilityVSAvoidbuild cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic image stabilization systems with a purely mechanical retention system consisting of a clamp mechanism and grip structure. This mechanical approach provides physical stabilization without requiring complex electronic sensors, processors, or power consumption, thereby reducing build cost and energy usage while maintaining image stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention system uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components such as a clamp, grip structure, and mounting features that can be easily manufactured and integrated into smartphones. These basic mechanical elements provide effective stabilization without the high cost of electronic stabilization systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Stability of the object's composition

If electronic image stabilization systems are implemented in smartphones, then image stability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage stabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic image stabilization systems with a purely mechanical retention system consisting of a clamp mechanism and grip structure. This mechanical approach provides physical stabilization without requiring complex electronic sensors, processors, or power consumption, thereby reducing build cost and energy usage while maintaining image stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If gimbal, gyroscope, and Steadicam based systems are used, then image stability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex gimbal, gyroscope, and Steadicam systems with a simple mechanical clamp and grip structure. This simplified mechanical system provides adequate stabilization for smartphone use without requiring training or complex operation, making it accessible to average users while maintaining image stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention system is designed to be self-contained and easy to operate, requiring no external stabilization devices or complex adjustments. The clamp mechanism automatically secures the smartphone in place, and the grip structure provides inherent stabilization through its design, eliminating the need for user training or complex operational procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Stability of the object's composition

If post-processing stabilization is applied, then image stability is improved, but processing time increases and image quality degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage stabilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies stabilization through preliminary mechanical action during image capture rather than post-processing. The clamp mechanism and grip structure physically stabilize the smartphone at the moment of capture, preventing jitter and shake before the image is taken. This eliminates the need for time-consuming post-processing stabilization while preserving image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9992885B1Retention system
Publication Date: 2018.06.05 SMITH MARK
  • US9992885B1 patent drawing
  • US9992885B1 patent drawing
  • US9992885B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A screen retention system for mounting of smartphones, tablet computers and other flat screen displays. A screen display is held against the inner surfaces of the opening of a semi-rigid arc by a post extending from the inner surface of the arc toward the opening. A screen based device may be inserted into the arc and retained within the opening by contact between the pressure plate and the opposing ends, thereby securing the screen based device within the arc by three points of pressure, at least one point of pressure supporting the screen based device against the inside surfaces of the opposing ends.