Spring-Loaded Holster With Flexible Cushions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holsters for portable electronic devices often fail to securely hold devices of varying sizes and with protective cases, and lack versatility in orientation and mounting options.
Innovation Solution
A holster design featuring flexible, collapsible cushions made from materials like silicone or thermoplastic elastomer that provide a spring-like effect, allowing secure holding of devices with or without protective cases, and can be used in various orientations, with nonslip surfaces and protruding cushions acting as stand feet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid holsters are used to securely hold devices, then device retention is improved, but adaptability to different device sizes and protective cases deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible cushions made of elastomeric material that can deform and conform to different device shapes and sizes. These cushions are integrated into the holster structure to provide both secure retention and adaptability to various device configurations, including those with protective cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion material properties are specifically designed to change under compression - the elastomeric material becomes more rigid when compressed during device insertion and then provides spring-like resistance to hold the device securely. This parameter change enables the same structure to accommodate different device sizes while maintaining reliable retention.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed orientation holsters are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but versatility in orientation and mounting options deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holster is designed to perform multiple functions: it can hold devices in various orientations (vertical, horizontal, angled), serve as a stand when cushions protrude, and accommodate different device types. This multi-functionality is achieved through the flexible cushion design rather than multiple separate structures, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while increasing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cushions allow the holster to dynamically adapt to different device orientations and positions. The cushions can compress and expand, bend and flex, enabling the same holster structure to securely hold devices in various orientations without requiring multiple fixed-position structures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If cushions protrude through the bottom surface to provide nonslip feet, then stability as a stand is improved, but device insertion complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cushions are pre-positioned within the holster structure in a compressed state, ready to expand and provide the necessary grip and stability. This preliminary positioning allows the cushions to immediately provide nonslip functionality when the device is inserted, without requiring additional assembly steps or complex insertion maneuvers.
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 holster effectively accommodates multiple device sizes and orientations, ensuring secure retention and versatile mounting, including as a stand, while maintaining comfort and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The cushions may be flexible enough to allow the device to be held in the holster both with and without a protective cover over the device
Implementation Method 2
The cushions may have a hollow portion that collapses when compressed during insertion of the device
Implementation Method 3
The cushion material may be a molded silicone that may have a nonslip surface finish
Implementation Method 4
the cushion may protrude through a bottom surface of the holster to provide a nonslip foot when the holster is used as a stand support for the device
Data Source
AI summary
A holster for an electronic device may have a pair of flexible hollow cushions that may hold the device in the holster. The cushions may be flexible enough to allow the device to be held in the holster both with and without a protective cover over the device. The cushions may have a hollow portion that collapses when compressed during insertion of the device. The cushion material may be a molded silicone that may have a nonslip surface finish. In some embodiments, the cushion may protrude through a bottom surface of the holster to provide a nonslip foot when the holster is used as a stand support for the device.