Strain Gauge Alert System for Portable Device Pocket Damage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices are prone to damage when stored in back pockets, as they experience strain from opposing forces that can lead to deformation and potential permanent damage, especially with larger display screens.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a detection device attached to the enclosure of the device, which generates an electronic signal in response to external strain, triggering an alert mechanism to notify the user of deformation, thereby allowing them to remove the strain and prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the device is stored in a back pocket for convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but the device experiences harmful strain that can cause deformation and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of storageVSAvoidstrain from opposing forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The strain gauge detects deformation before it causes permanent damage to the device. The system proactively monitors the enclosure for strain and triggers an alert mechanism to notify the user to remove the device from the pocket, preventing harmful deformation from occurring in the first place

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device continuously monitors the enclosure for strain and provides real-time feedback through an alert mechanism (visual, auditory, or haptic) when deformation is detected. This feedback loop enables the user to immediately respond by removing the device, resolving the contradiction between convenient storage and harmful strain exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If larger display screens are used to improve functionality, then adaptability is improved, but the surface area vulnerable to strain increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay functionalityVSAvoidvulnerable surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The strain monitoring system divides the enclosure into multiple measurement zones using separate strain gauges positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the system to monitor specific high-risk areas (such as around larger displays) independently, enabling targeted protection where the vulnerable surface area is greatest while maintaining overall device functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If strain monitoring is implemented to prevent damage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional detection components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage preventionVSAvoiddetection device components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical protection mechanisms (such as reinforced enclosures or movable protective components) with a simple strain gauge-based detection system. The strain gauge provides electronic monitoring of enclosure deformation, triggering software-based alerts that guide user behavior, thereby achieving reliable damage prevention with minimal additional hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system effectively alerts users to remove strain from their devices, preventing deformation and potential damage by providing timely notifications through vibration, audible sounds, or text messages, thus extending the device's lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

The detection device may include a substrate, a first terminal and a second terminal electrically connected to a metal foil arranged in a grid pattern... an electrical resistance of the metal foil may correspond to an amount of strain on the detection device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoresistive Effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9692860B2One layer metal trace strain gauge

Publication Date: 2017.06.27 APPLE INC

AI summary

A portable electronic device having a detection device is used to alert a user when the portable electronic device in undergoing a strain or deformation which could damage the portable electronic device. The alert includes an audible sound and/or a vibration event which signal to the user to remove the strain or deformation from the portable electronic device. The detection device may include a strain gauge attached to an enclosure of the portable electronic device. The strain gauge may output a change in electrical resistance in response to strain or deformation on the enclosure.