Apple has filed a patent for a new system which will be built into the iPhone that is designed to protect the device when it is dropped. The system will apparently reposition your iPhone in mid-air.
The patent for a “Protective mechanism for an electronic device,” was recently awarded to Apple, and the system can apparently detect which part of your iPhone will land on the ground, and then move it so it lands on another part.
How the System Works
This certainly sounds like an interesting system, and it could be used to protect an iPhone from landing on its display when it is dropped. Instead, the mechanism could change the device to land on another part, such as its edges or back, which are generally more durable than the screen.
Whilst this may sound a bit far-fetched, the new patent could actually use existing technology in Apple’s iPhone to control where the device lands if it is dropped. It will apparently make use of the vibration motor in the handset. The vibration motor, which is typically used to alert users of notifications, could be repurposed to shift the phone’s center of gravity during a fall, thereby altering its trajectory.
The system might also incorporate other sensors already present in the iPhone, such as the accelerometer and gyroscope. These sensors can detect the orientation and speed of the falling device, providing the necessary data to the system to make real-time adjustments.
Potential Benefits and Applications
The potential benefits of such a system are significant. Screen repairs are one of the most common and costly fixes for smartphones. By reducing the likelihood of the screen hitting the ground first, this protective mechanism could save users a considerable amount of money and inconvenience. Additionally, it could extend the overall lifespan of the device, making it a more sustainable option for consumers.
Moreover, this technology could be adapted for use in other devices beyond the iPhone. Tablets, laptops, and even wearable technology like smartwatches could benefit from similar protective mechanisms. The broader application of this technology could revolutionize how we think about device durability and protection.
As yet, there are no details on whether Apple plans to use this anti-drop system in their future iPhones. However, given Apple’s history of innovation and commitment to improving user experience, it wouldn’t be surprising to see this technology integrated into upcoming models. As soon as we get some more details, we will let you guys know.
In the meantime, it’s worth considering how this technology could influence the smartphone market as a whole. If Apple successfully implements this system, it could set a new standard for device protection, prompting other manufacturers to develop similar technologies. This could lead to a new era of more resilient and durable electronic devices.
Source Apple Insider, TechCrunch
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