Screen protection using actuated bumpers
US9571150B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 2014 |
| Grant date | Feb 14, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 14, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2250/12
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electronic device includes at least one screen. One or more bumpers are moveable between at least a stowed position where the bumper is flush or below the screen and a deployed position where at least a portion of the bumper projects above the screen. One or more sensors detect when the electronic device is subject to one or more drop events. When a drop event is detected, the bumper moves to the deployed position, protecting the screen. In various implementations, the bumper may be moveable by a push-push mechanism or a magnet assisted actuator mechanism. In other implementations, the bumper may include piezoelectric material to which voltage can be applied to move the bumper.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.