Apple patents active fall protection system that shifts iPhones in midair

Apple has registered a patent in the United States Patent and Trademark Office that describes an innovative protection system for electronic devices. The document describes a mechanism by which such a system would be able to estimate the impact point of the device in case of fall and most surprising, correct the position in the air so that the absolute end hitting area for damage after the incident are minimized.

One of the most common causes of damage to a smartphone or tablet are falls, even though the devices are getting better protected. A clear example is the new glass Corning, Gorilla Glass 4 whose resistance to falls is far superior. Still, it is impossible to avoid that one of these times the terminal falls to the ground, do bad shape and finish breaking the screen or cause other damage.

Apple has the formula to solve this problem, or at least an idea that could prevent the vast majority of these incidents. The Cupertino company registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office a “mechanism of protection for an electronic device.” As impossible as it may seem, this system passing through the minds of some of Apple workers would be able to make an estimate of the portion of device to hit the ground, correcting the position during flight so that components like the camera or the screen itself is kept safe.

To carry it out, and this is the best, we would not need to include new parts but would use some of those already equipped smartphones and tablets today. Use sensors, accelerometer, gyroscope and GPS to know the initial position, these could easily join them as ultrasonic other specific resulting in improved results. The processor should monitor this information, so that your response will be swift and accurate if it occurs, the response time is crucial for everything to work properly.

The second part of the process would be more complex. When thanks to this system alert is detected that the device is free, fast fall on the speed, direction and estimated time of impact, comparing the data with a stored in the device memory resulting response references .

The example uses a motor eccentric mass to vary the position, but the fact is that the engine vibration includes all would suffice. This would be driven at a certain speed so that the camber angle is changed and possibly landing with the end or the back side, typically safer areas. It could even overprotective of these areas, so the risk is minimal. Great idea, but how hard will carry it out, will it be one of the surprises of the successor of iPhone 6?

Apple patents active fall protection system that shifts iPhones in midair