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

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Posted March 21, 2013 at 2:15pm by Shalom Levytam

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]

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

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Suka - March 22, 2013 at 4:28pm

Oops. iPhone with iParachute.

Keith - March 21, 2013 at 9:18pm

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

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.

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.

dark_destroyer - March 21, 2013 at 3:17pm

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

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...

armando - March 21, 2013 at 2:43pm

hope to use something like this to prevent heart when it's about to freefall or fall in the ground....

ko - March 21, 2013 at 2:31pm

nfikhou

apple fan boy... - March 21, 2013 at 2:22pm

when r we going to see this? iphone 20? lol

Stevenk - March 21, 2013 at 2:49pm

Correction. iPhone20S. You will think it would launch in iPhone 20, but then apple will shock every one by holding it back and announcing it in iPhone 20S (Their most innovative phone they ever built up until then).

Curtix - March 21, 2013 at 6:40pm

This is the funniest thing I've read in a while.