Apple Patents Method for Adjusting the iPhone's Position in Mid-Air

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Posted March 21, 2013 at 2:15pm by iClarified | Please help us and submit a translation by clicking here | 9814 views

Apple has patented a method for adjusting the position of the iPhone while in freefall. The patent entitled, 'Protective Mechanism for an Electronic Device', aims to minimize damage to your device when dropped.

Examples of the disclosure may take the form of a method for protecting a vulnerable area of an electronic device during a freefall. The method may include detecting a freefall of the device by a sensor. Then, determining via at least one sensor an orientation of the device. After the orientation of the device has been determined, estimating an impact area of the device. Then, selectively changing the orientation of the device via a protective mechanism, depending on the estimated impact area of the device.

Apple details several protective mechanisms. For example, the angular momentum could be altered via rotating or linearly sliding a mass. A thrust mechanism such as a gas canister could produce a thrust force in one or multiple directions to reorient the device. Other protective mechanisms include an air foil, retracting buttons, and even the ability to grip to headphones if they are inserted.

Read More [via AppleInsider]

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Comments (12)

Suka - March 22, 2013 at 4:28pm

Oops. iPhone with iParachute.

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Peter H - March 21, 2013 at 8:45pm

How about a mechanism to detect when the device is in freefall and then triggers a series of inflatable pouches within the device casings to protect the device on impact. The mechanism will exist entirely within a detachable case for the device as to enable the user of the device to dispose of the protective case after deployment and replace with a new or refurbished protective case. ??? Profit.

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Wale SANNI - March 21, 2013 at 7:24pm

This is utter abuse of the flawed patent laws in the US. Did they display a working prototype? You simply whip up some schematic-esque drawings and label them with dimensions. Add some vague blanket hubbub with some technical terms and phrases and you've got yourself a valid patent application.

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DavidG - March 21, 2013 at 3:36pm

The more haters of iPhone the more highly it speaks of it. Just a like a person, if they have no enemies or haters it means they're not doing something right. I can't believe how many people Samsung pays to come on here. Poor bastards. I can't wait for the next iPhone again. No need to change something that works so well. However, they do perfect the crap others might have tried to make work and release I little by little. Sometimes one good wife is all you need. The starter can be the forever one. Cry babies. Boo hoo hoo. Long live iPhone and apple.

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Keith - March 21, 2013 at 9:18pm

Wow, that had zero to do with the topic. Good job fella.

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Steve Jobs - March 21, 2013 at 3:17pm

Nice idea, shame you will never see it in your lifetime may be something for Samsung todo?

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ratGT - March 21, 2013 at 4:21pm

If Samsung is willing to pay royalties for Apple's patent, then yes, you might see it embedded on a Samsung device...

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