Transformable Smartphone Wearable Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smartphones are inconvenient to carry in certain situations, such as during sports or when hands are occupied, and smartwatches have limited functionality and small screen sizes, making it uncomfortable to use them without removing from a pocket or bag.
Innovation Solution
A wearable smartphone with a flexible structure composed of tiles, an integrated view screen, and a bending apparatus that transforms from a flat to a curved configuration using a switch and actuator, allowing for adjustable and lockable configurations for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional smartphone is carried in a pocket or bag, then it provides full functionality, but it is inconvenient and uncomfortable during sports activities or when hands are occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The smartphone structure is made dynamic and transformable between flat and curved configurations. The bending apparatus with actuators allows the device to change its shape from a standard flat smartphone form to a curved wearable form that can be comfortably worn on the body, enabling adaptation to different usage situations and improving ease of operation during sports or hands-occupied activities
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the smartphone are changed by altering its curvature. The device transitions from a flat configuration (suitable for pocket carrying) to a curved configuration (suitable for wearable application), allowing the same device to adapt to different situational requirements and improve user convenience across various contexts
2Ease of operation
If smartwatches are worn on the body, then hands are freed, but the screen size is small and functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically changes its configuration based on usage needs. When worn on the body, it adopts a curved form factor that accommodates the wearable context while maintaining full smartphone functionality. The transformable structure allows the device to provide either a compact wearable experience or a full-featured smartphone experience, eliminating the functional limitations of traditional smartwatches
Solution Approach 2:
The smartphone is designed to perform multiple functions across different configurations. It can function as a standard smartphone when flat, and as a wearable device when curved, thereby providing universal functionality that covers both hands-free wearable usage and full-featured smartphone operations, making it adaptable to various user needs
3Adaptability or versatility
If a smartphone is made flexible and transformable, then it can be worn on the body, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smartphone is segmented into multiple rigid tiles that can be connected through hinges. This segmentation allows the device to achieve flexibility and transformability through the modular arrangement of discrete components rather than using a completely flexible structure, thereby managing complexity through modular design while enabling wearable functionality
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
Enables comfortable and convenient use in various situations by allowing the smartphone to be worn on the body, providing full functionality in different configurations, and securing the device to prevent loss or theft.
Implementation Method 1
the bending apparatus includes at least one string attached to at least one actuator, and wherein the actuator is configured to reversibly put tension on the at least one string, thereby transforming the smartphone from the flat configuration to the curved configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the current invention attempt to solve some or all above mentioned problems and/or tasks. An aspect of some embodiments of the invention, relates to a wearable smartphone e.g., that may be worn on one's wrist. According to some embodiments, the smartphone may be transformable between two or more configurations, e.g., from a flat smartphone form to a wearable form and/or vice versa. Optionally, a first configuration may be a flat form, and a second configuration may be a curved form. Optionally, the smartphone wearable form may be curved. Optionally, transformation between the two or more configurations may be reversible. In some embodiments, transformation is automatic, e.g., by pushing a button.