Apple invention integrates floaties into retractable iPhone bumper
As a result of continued research into device protection technologies, Apple has developed an automated bumper system that doubles as a floatation device, protecting iPhones from drops and large bodies of water.
Published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Thursday, Apple's application for an "Electronic device housing" details an iPhone security system that automatically deploys protective shock absorbers when onboard sensors detect a potential impact. The claims are similar those offered in a separate Apple invention revealed last month describing an automated screen protector, but employ cushions made from a buoyant material instead of retractable tabs.
Apple first makes contingencies for drops on hard surfaces. Onboard sensors, including accelerometers, gyroscopes, cameras, microphones (in conjunction with a speaker for echolocation) and more, are configured to monitor device motion for changes in velocity, acceleration and other movement characteristic of a drop event.
When a free fall is detected, the system triggers spring loaded shock absorbers that shoot out from the device housing. Depending on the implementation, bumper cushions made of foam, plastic, rubber or other suitable material are integrated with the shock absorber mechanism to slide out on specialized support rods. These cushions can also be replaced after a drop or deterioration, a particularly useful feature if the system is designed to disperse kinetic energy by failing.
Because they are buoyant, the bumper cushions also serve as a precautionary measure against accidents involving water or other liquids. Users have been known to drop their iPhone in pools, puddles and even toilets. In some cases retrieval is difficult or impossible, as iPhones can quickly sink to unreachable depths or go missing in murky shallows. As many iPhone and iPad owners know, recovering and repairing a water-damaged device is usually less costly than replacing it.
Strategically placed at an iPhone's four corners, or along its display edges, Apple's cushion system and accompanying support structures effectively act as water wings. The document points out that an iPhone might be able to float above a liquid's surface, though such a scenario would require a perfect combination of bumper support structure extension, positive inherent buoyancy and device orientation. It should be noted that the shock absorber system does not need to deploy in order to function as a float.
Considering current iOS device design, Apple is unlikely to implement its shock absorber/floatie invention anytime soon. A more sensible approach might be the inclusion of buoyant chassis materials, or sealing internal cavities to displace external fluid, but costs associated with such designs are likely prohibitive.
Apple's iPhone floatie patent application was first filed for in May 2014 and credits Minhyung (Kevin) Moon as its inventor.
Published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Thursday, Apple's application for an "Electronic device housing" details an iPhone security system that automatically deploys protective shock absorbers when onboard sensors detect a potential impact. The claims are similar those offered in a separate Apple invention revealed last month describing an automated screen protector, but employ cushions made from a buoyant material instead of retractable tabs.
Apple first makes contingencies for drops on hard surfaces. Onboard sensors, including accelerometers, gyroscopes, cameras, microphones (in conjunction with a speaker for echolocation) and more, are configured to monitor device motion for changes in velocity, acceleration and other movement characteristic of a drop event.
When a free fall is detected, the system triggers spring loaded shock absorbers that shoot out from the device housing. Depending on the implementation, bumper cushions made of foam, plastic, rubber or other suitable material are integrated with the shock absorber mechanism to slide out on specialized support rods. These cushions can also be replaced after a drop or deterioration, a particularly useful feature if the system is designed to disperse kinetic energy by failing.
Because they are buoyant, the bumper cushions also serve as a precautionary measure against accidents involving water or other liquids. Users have been known to drop their iPhone in pools, puddles and even toilets. In some cases retrieval is difficult or impossible, as iPhones can quickly sink to unreachable depths or go missing in murky shallows. As many iPhone and iPad owners know, recovering and repairing a water-damaged device is usually less costly than replacing it.
Strategically placed at an iPhone's four corners, or along its display edges, Apple's cushion system and accompanying support structures effectively act as water wings. The document points out that an iPhone might be able to float above a liquid's surface, though such a scenario would require a perfect combination of bumper support structure extension, positive inherent buoyancy and device orientation. It should be noted that the shock absorber system does not need to deploy in order to function as a float.
Considering current iOS device design, Apple is unlikely to implement its shock absorber/floatie invention anytime soon. A more sensible approach might be the inclusion of buoyant chassis materials, or sealing internal cavities to displace external fluid, but costs associated with such designs are likely prohibitive.
Apple's iPhone floatie patent application was first filed for in May 2014 and credits Minhyung (Kevin) Moon as its inventor.
Comments
What does that last illustration show? A guy with a 1980s haircut (or a contemporary soccer player) taking a selfie while having a piss? Not sure this is a huge market... :-)
It's obviously a rap star touring Black Mesa who got attacked by a head crab.
This is one thing that will never see the light of day.
Actually, I can think of five different, adorable, and very frustrating young ladies among my close friends/family members who'd hugely benefit from this.
I thought it might be throwback-Bono
The guy took his iPhone out of his front pocket in case he gets some splashback and his iPhone case kicks him in the nuts... Sometimes you have to watch out for the boys...
Falling is the leading cause of unintentional injury at home among Americans 65 and older. Older people sustain such injuries by stumbling on stairs; slipping in bathtubs; falling off ladders and step stools; and tripping over garden hoses, dog leashes, and household appliance cords.
"In case of an emergency, please fold seat trays into the upright position and use your iPhone as a floatation device"
What does that last illustration show? A guy with a 1980s haircut (or a contemporary soccer player) taking a selfie while having a piss? Not sure this is a huge market... :-)
Correction: It isn't a huge market...yet!
Once Apple releases it? Whole new product segment - just like iPad & ?Watch.
Point is: it would seems that we are still in the "brass" era at Apple. There is really no need for such inventions as these, really, once Apple makes the jump to plastics. With polymer technology and digital printing of 3 dimensional objects, an iPhone should cost way less than it does now, be practically indestructible and light as a feather. No need for protective cases. It's waterproof, drop proof, and easily replaced. Seems like a no brainer, huh?
patent drawings dont represent aesthetic product design. you know that, right?
yeah man. it's that easy. if only apple weren't so greedy, dumb, yada yada...
Are you just making a comment to make a comment. A looser comment....Crawl back in your hole....
When the bumpers activate, the iPhone expands to 3’ tall and walks away from the danger.
Wow, so much negativity today. You should consider yoga classes