Stretchable Cord Gripping Apparatus for Handheld Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping apparatuses for handheld electronic devices fail to securely grip the device with two fingers, often leading to instability and risk of dropping, and lack adjustable tension and versatile usage such as a stand.
Innovation Solution
A gripping apparatus with a base element and a gripping element connected by a stretchable cord, allowing for automatic adjustment of grip tightness based on finger thickness and enabling secure grip, as well as conversion into a stand for angled display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user grips the device with one hand using conventional methods, then the device can be held, but the user cannot easily manipulate the device or access the touchscreen with the same hand
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping apparatus divides the gripping function into two separate elements: a base element attached to the device and a gripping element that contacts the user's fingers. This segmentation allows the device to be securely held while the user's fingers remain free to manipulate the device or access the touchscreen.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretching element acts as an intermediary between the base element and the gripping element, transmitting force while allowing relative movement. This enables the gripping element to maintain contact with the user's fingers while the base remains attached to the device, facilitating both secure holding and device manipulation.
2Reliability
If existing gripping apparatuses are used, then the device can be held with one hand, but the grip is not secure and the device may be dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The stretching element provides dynamic adjustment of the gripping force based on the user's finger insertion. When fingers are inserted, the stretching element contracts to provide a secure grip; when fingers are removed, the element extends to release the grip. This dynamic behavior ensures both device security and user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping apparatus changes the physical state of the stretching element (extended vs. contracted) to control the gripping force. This parameter change allows the system to transition between a secure gripping state and a release state, ensuring device security when needed and comfort when not in use.
3Reliability
If a rigid gripping structure is used, then the device can be held securely, but the user's fingers cannot move freely and the grip is uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The stretching element functions as a flexible connector between the base element and the gripping element. This flexibility allows the gripping element to move independently to accommodate the user's fingers while maintaining a stable connection to the device, providing both grip stability and finger movement freedom.
4Ease of operation
If the gripping apparatus is always extended for finger insertion, then the user can grip the device, but the apparatus occupies excessive space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping element can be nested within or adjacent to the base element when not in use, minimizing the overall volume occupied by the apparatus. The stretching element allows the gripping element to be retracted close to the base element, reducing the apparatus size while maintaining accessibility when needed.
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
Provides a secure and comfortable grip for handheld devices with adjustable tension, reducing the risk of dropping and allowing versatile usage as a stand for different orientations.
Implementation Method 1
a stretchable cord connecting the base element and the gripping element... sufficiently elastic to allow the gripping element to be extended away from the base element... and to snap back against the base element
Data Source
Figure 1A~2C
Figure 3
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AI summary
An apparatus for assisting a user in gripping a portable electronic device has a base element adapted to be attached to the portable electronic device, wherein the base element has a top surface with an attachment region and a bottom surface configured to mount the base element onto the portable electronic device; a gripping element, wherein the gripping element has a bottom surface with an attachment region; and a stretchable cord connecting the base element and the gripping element at the respective attachment regions thereof; wherein the attachment regions of the base element and of the gripping element have respective corresponding engaging elements that cooperate with one another to permit the base element and the gripping element to be secured against or engaged with one another.