Ipod Accessory

shape.shiftingbackcase This is a concept for a malleable and adaptable back case for the iPod Touch or iPhone. This will allow the user to make small temporary changes to the shape of the case to accommodate the position of the user’s palms and fingers. It will be made of two components: 1. a elastic pouch (ie. leather texture with latex elasticity) filled with 2. a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based silicone The case will seemingly involve the back and sides of the device (buttons will be covered but still clickable through the case) while leaving the iPod connector and headphone jack exposed.

1 - front

2 - back

The PDMS silicone displays viscoelastic properties which explains its long term behaviour as a viscous liquid but with a short term behaviour as a elastic solid. Examples of a PDMS silicone include Crayola’s Silly Putty and its competitors. This will allow the user to shape the case when in use and expect the case to return to the original shape when the device is left alone on a surface again. The case should provide at least equivalent level of protection as the current Jumpsuit cases while having the unique selling point of shapeshifting.

3 - back, squeeze&pinch

4 - back, fold between index and middle finger

 This case allows the user to adapt it into virtual infinite ways, according to its needs. In this example the user squeeze the silicone to the center area, pinched a fold to allow holding using only the index and middle finger, freeing the thumb for operation in landscape mode. One-hand operation is easy to accomplish in portrait mode but not in landscape mode.  Other possible shape would allow a different way of one-hand operation in landscape mode and a broader thumb movement across the screen.  For two hand operation in landscape (ie. during games) the silicone can be squeezed from the center to the sides.

 Once not in operation, the silicon will flow to the original shape, limited by the elastic pouch involving it.

Mario R Siqueira “Seekr” © 2008, Brunel University (0719547) Reference: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silly_putty | Contact: [email protected]