PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10315828-B2
Application Number: US-201615181615-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Active surface protection for portable electronic devices

Abstract:
A portable electronic device includes one or more bumpers that are operable to transition between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the bumpers may be proud of one or more surfaces of the portable electronic device that the bumpers are not proud of in the stowed position. The bumpers may protect the surfaces from impact when proud of those surfaces if the portable electronic device contacts a surface, such as when the portable electronic device is dropped. The bumpers may form portions of side corners or other portions of the portable electronic device in the stowed position. In transitioning from the stowed position to the deployed position, the bumpers may rotate and/or translate.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a first surface; 
 a second surface opposite the first surface; 
 a side surface positioned between the first surface and the second surface; 
 a bumper, coupled to the side surface, operable to transition between a stowed position in which the first surface is proud of the bumper and a deployed position in which a portion of the bumper is proud of the first surface, wherein an additional portion of the bumper is proud of the second surface in the deployed position; and 
 an activator mechanism assembly that rotates the bumper and translates the bumper away from the side surface while transitioning the bumper from the stowed position to the deployed position, wherein the activator mechanism assembly rotates the bumper more than 45 degrees about an axis parallel to the first surface. 
 
     
     
       2. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a first surface; 
 a second surface opposite the first surface; 
 a side surface positioned between the first surface and the second surface; 
 a bumper, coupled to the side surface, operable to transition between a stowed position in which the first surface is proud of the bumper and a deployed position in which a portion of the bumper is proud of the first surface, wherein the second surface is proud of the bumper in the stowed position and the deployed position; and 
 an activator mechanism assembly that rotates the bumper and translates the bumper away from the side surface while transitioning the bumper from the stowed position to the deployed position, wherein the activator mechanism assembly is operable to rotate the bumper more than 90 degrees about an axis transverse to the first surface. 
 
     
     
       3. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the activator mechanism assembly comprises:
 a restraining mechanism; and 
 a torsion spring operable to move the bumper when the restraining mechanism releases the torsion spring. 
 
     
     
       4. The portable electronic device of  claim 3 , wherein the activator mechanism assembly further comprises:
 a cam coupled to the bumper; and 
 a cam follower; wherein the cam is operable to move along the cam follower to translate the bumper when the bumper is rotated. 
 
     
     
       5. The portable electronic device of  claim 3 , wherein the restraining mechanism includes:
 a first magnet coupled to the torsion spring; 
 an electronically controllable electromagnetic coil; and 
 a second magnet coupled to the electronically controllable electromagnetic coil; wherein 
 the electronically controllable electromagnetic coil is operable to alter magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet in order to release the torsion spring. 
 
     
     
       6. The portable electronic device of  claim 3 , wherein the restraining mechanism includes:
 a catch component coupled to the torsion spring; and 
 a detent that is biased to engage the catch component; wherein 
 the torsion spring is released when the detent disengages from the catch component. 
 
     
     
       7. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a surface; 
 a bumper; 
 a flexible protector that forms a part of the surface and is operable to transition between a first state where the flexible protector is flush with the surface or recessed with respect to the surface and a second state where at least a portion of the flexible protector projects above the surface, wherein the flexible protector is a membrane that covers the bumper; and 
 an activator mechanism assembly operable to move the bumper and to transition the flexible protector between the first and second states. 
 
     
     
       8. The portable electronic device of  claim 7 , wherein the activator mechanism assembly comprises:
 a moving component operable to slide along a ramp, thereby transitioning the flexible protector between the first and second states; 
 a magnet; and 
 an electronically controllable electromagnetic coil; wherein 
 the moving component slides along the ramp in response to a change in magnetic force between the magnet and the electronically controllable electromagnetic coil. 
 
     
     
       9. The portable electronic device of  claim 7 , wherein the surface includes a cover glass and the flexible protector is positioned within an area defined by the cover glass. 
     
     
       10. The portable electronic device of  claim 7 , wherein the surface includes a cover glass and the flexible protector is positioned outside the cover glass. 
     
     
       11. The portable electronic device of  claim 7 , wherein the activator mechanism assembly comprises:
 a pump; and 
 an electrically-operated cylinder coupled to the flexible protector via a piston; 
 wherein the flexible protector transitions: 
 from the first state to the second state when the pump causes the electrically-operated cylinder to extend the piston; and 
 from the second state to the first state when the electrically-operated cylinder retracts the piston. 
 
     
     
       12. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a first surface; 
 a second surface adjacent to the first surface; 
 a protector configured to rotate on the second surface between a retracted position in which the first surface is proud of the protector and an extended position in which at least part of the protector is proud of the first surface; and 
 an activator operable to rotate the protector between the retracted position and the extended position, wherein the activator comprises a magnet and an electromagnetic coil configured to change polarity, and wherein the activator is configured to rotate when the electromagnetic coil changes polarity. 
 
     
     
       13. The portable electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the protector forms a portion of the second surface in the retracted position. 
     
     
       14. The portable electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein the protector forms a corner of the portable electronic device in the retracted position. 
     
     
       15. The portable electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the electronically controllable electromagnetic coil is operable to alternate polarity to rotate the protector. 
     
     
       16. The portable electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the protector comprises metal.

Description:
FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to protecting portable electronic devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to active mechanisms for protecting portable electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Advances in electronic devices have allowed many electronic devices to be portable. Such portable electronic devices may include smart phones, tablet computing devices, mobile computing devices, and so on. This is convenient for users as the users may take such portable electronic devices with them rather than having to go to a particular location for access. 
     However, portable electronic devices are, by their nature, subject to an increased risk of damage. For example, because portable electronic devices are commonly carried, they are relatively frequently dropped. Impacts from being dropped may damage sensitive components, such as cover glasses or other display elements, housings, batteries, and so on. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to active protection mechanisms for portable electronic devices. A portable electronic device includes one or more bumpers that are operable to transition between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the bumpers may be proud of one or more surfaces of the portable electronic device that the bumpers are not proud of in the stowed position. The bumpers may protect the surfaces from impact when proud of those surfaces if the portable electronic device contacts a surface, such as when the portable electronic device is dropped. The bumpers may form portions of side corners or other portions of the portable electronic device in the stowed position. In transitioning from the stowed position to the deployed position, the bumpers may rotate and/or translate. 
     In various embodiments, a portable electronic device includes a first surface; a second surface opposite the first surface; a side surface positioned between the first surface and the second surface; a bumper, coupled to the side surface, operable to transition between a stowed position where the first surface is proud of the bumper, and a deployed position where a portion of the bumper is proud of the first surface; and an activator mechanism assembly operable to rotate the bumper and translate the bumper away from the side surface while transitioning the bumper from the stowed position to the deployed position. 
     In some examples, the activator mechanism assembly is operable to rotate the bumper more than 45 degrees about an axis parallel to the first surface. In these examples, an additional portion of the bumper may be proud of the second surface in the deployed position. In other examples, the activator mechanism assembly is operable to rotate the bumper more than 90 degrees about an axis transverse to the first surface. In these examples, the second surface may be proud of the bumper in the stowed position and the deployed position. 
     In numerous examples, the activator mechanism assembly includes a restraining mechanism and a torsion spring operable to move the bumper when the restraining mechanism releases the torsion spring. In these examples, the activator mechanism assembly may further include a cam coupled to the bumper and a cam follower wherein the cam is operable to move along the cam follower to translate the bumper when the bumper is rotated. In some implementations of these examples, the restraining mechanism may include a first magnet coupled to the torsion spring, an electronically controllable electromagnetic coil and a second magnet coupled to the electronically controllable electromagnetic coil wherein the electronically controllable electromagnetic coil is operable to alter magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet in order to release the torsion spring. In other implementations of these examples, the restraining mechanism may include a catch component coupled to the torsion spring and a detent that is biased to engage the catch component wherein the torsion spring is released when the detent disengages from the catch component. 
     In some embodiments, a portable electronic device includes a surface, a flexible protector that forms a part of the surface and is operable to transition between a first state where the flexible protector is flush with the surface or recessed in the surface and a second state where at least a portion of the flexible protector projects above the surface, and an activator mechanism assembly operable to transition the flexible protector between the first and second states. 
     In various examples, the portable electronic device further includes a bumper. In such examples, the flexible protector is a membrane covering the bumper and the bumper is operable by the activator mechanism assembly to project the portion of the flexible protector above the surface. 
     In numerous examples, the activator mechanism assembly includes a moving component operable to slide along a ramp, thereby transitioning the flexible protector between the first and second states; a magnet; and an electronically controllable electromagnetic coil. In these examples, the moving component slides along the ramp in response to a change in magnetic force between the magnet and the electronically controllable electromagnetic coil. In other examples, the activator mechanism assembly includes a pump and an electrically-operated cylinder coupled to the flexible protector via a piston. In these other examples, the flexible protector transitions from the first state to the second state when the pump causes the electrically-operated cylinder to extend the piston and from the second state to the first state when the electrically-operated cylinder retracts the piston. 
     In various examples, the surface includes a cover glass, and the flexible protector is positioned within an area defined by the cover glass. In other examples, the surface includes a cover glass, and the flexible protector is positioned outside the cover glass. 
     In numerous embodiments, a portable electronic device includes a vulnerable surface, a surface adjacent the vulnerable surface, a protector operable to rotate on the surface between a retracted position where the vulnerable surface is proud of the protector and an extended position where at least part of the protector is proud of the vulnerable surface, and an activator operable to rotate the protector between the retracted position and the extended position. 
     In various examples, the protector forms a portion of the surface in the retracted position. In some examples, the protector forms a corner of the portable electronic device in the retracted position. In various examples, the protector includes metal. 
     In numerous examples, the activator includes a magnet and an electronically controllable electromagnetic coil. The electronically controllable electromagnetic coil is operable to alternate polarity to rotate the protector. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements. 
         FIG. 1A  depicts an environment in which a user is holding a first example of a portable electronic device above a structure. 
         FIG. 1B  depicts the environment of  FIG. 1A  after the user drops the first example portable electronic device and the bumpers transition to a deployed position to protect the surfaces of the portable electronic device from impacting the structure. 
         FIG. 1C  depicts a partial close-up view of the portable electronic device showing one of the bumpers in a stowed position. 
         FIG. 1D  depicts the portable electronic device of  FIG. 1C  when the bumper transitions to a deployed position. 
         FIG. 1E  depicts a first example cross-sectional view of an electronic device, taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1C , depicting a first example activator mechanism assembly in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 1F  depicts the first example portable electronic device of  FIG. 1E  after the first example activator mechanism assembly rotates and translates the bumper away from the side surface. 
         FIG. 1G  depicts another view of the shaft, the cam, and the cam follower in isolation with the shaft shown in outline for clarity. 
         FIG. 1H  depicts the view of  FIG. 1G  after rotation of the shaft and the cam. 
         FIG. 1I  depicts a second example cross-sectional view an electronic device, taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1C , depicting a second example activator mechanism assembly in accordance with further embodiments. 
         FIG. 1J  depicts a third example of a cross-sectional view of an electronic device, taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1C , depicting a third example activator mechanism assembly in accordance with further embodiments. 
         FIG. 2A  depicts a side view of a second example portable electronic device showing a bumper in a stowed position. 
         FIG. 2B  depicts the second example portable electronic device of  FIG. 2A  with the bumper in the deployed position. 
         FIG. 2C  depicts a partial view of the second example portable electronic device of  FIG. 2A  with the bumper in the stowed position. 
         FIG. 2D  depicts a partial view of the second example portable electronic device of  FIG. 2C  with the bumper in the deployed position. 
         FIG. 3A  depicts a partial side view of a third example portable electronic device showing a bumper in a stowed position. 
         FIG. 3B  depicts a partial side view of the third example portable electronic device of  FIG. 3A  with the bumper in the deployed position. 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a partial view of a fourth example portable electronic device showing a bumper in a stowed position. 
         FIG. 4B  depicts a partial view of the fourth example portable electronic device of  FIG. 4A  with the bumper in the deployed position. 
         FIG. 5A  depicts a partial view of a fifth example portable electronic device showing a bumper in a stowed position. 
         FIG. 5B  depicts a partial view of the fifth example portable electronic device of  FIG. 5A  with the bumper in the deployed position. 
         FIG. 6A  depicts a partial view of a sixth example portable electronic device showing a bumper in a stowed position. 
         FIG. 6B  depicts a partial side view of the sixth example portable electronic device with the bumper in the stowed position. 
         FIG. 6C  depicts a partial side view of the sixth example portable electronic device of  FIG. 6B  with the bumper in the deployed position. 
         FIG. 6D  depicts an example cross-sectional view of an electronic device, taken along line B-B of  FIG. 6B , depicting an example activator mechanism assembly in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 6E  depicts the sixth example portable electronic device of  FIG. 6D  after the example activator mechanism assembly transitions the bumper to the deployed position. 
         FIG. 7A  depicts a partial view of a seventh example portable electronic device showing a bumper in a stowed position. 
         FIG. 7B  depicts a partial view of the seventh example portable electronic device of  FIG. 7A  with the bumper in the deployed position. 
         FIG. 8A  depicts a partial view of an eighth example portable electronic device showing a bumper in a stowed position. 
         FIG. 8B  depicts a partial view of the eighth example portable electronic device of  FIG. 8A  with the bumper in the deployed position. 
         FIG. 8C  depicts a partial side view of the eighth example portable electronic device of  FIG. 8A  with the bumper in the stowed position. 
         FIG. 8D  depicts a partial side view of the eighth example portable electronic device of  FIG. 8C  with the bumper in the deployed position. 
         FIG. 8E  depicts an example cross-sectional view of an electronic device, taken along line C-C of  FIG. 8C , depicting an example activator mechanism assembly in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 9A  depicts a partial view of a ninth example portable electronic device showing a bumper in a stowed position. 
         FIG. 9B  depicts a partial view of the ninth example portable electronic device of  FIG. 9A  with the bumper in the deployed position. 
         FIG. 10A  depicts a partial view of a tenth example portable electronic device showing a bumper in a stowed position. 
         FIG. 10B  depicts a partial view of the tenth example portable electronic device of  FIG. 10A  with the bumper in the deployed position. 
         FIG. 11A  depicts a partial side view of an eleventh example portable electronic device showing a bumper in a stowed position. 
         FIG. 11B  depicts a partial side view of the eleventh example portable electronic device of  FIG. 11A  with the bumper in the deployed position. 
         FIG. 11C  depicts an example cross-sectional view of an electronic device, taken along line D-D of  FIG. 11B , depicting an example activator mechanism assembly in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 12A  depicts a partial view of a twelfth example portable electronic device showing a bumper in a stowed position. 
         FIG. 12B  depicts a partial view of the twelfth example portable electronic device of  FIG. 12A  with the bumper in the deployed position. 
         FIG. 13  depicts a view of a thirteenth example portable electronic device having passive bumpers. 
         FIG. 14  depicts a block diagram illustrating example components and functional relationships of an example portable electronic device. The example portable electronic device may be one or more of the example portable electronic devices of  FIGS. 1A-12B . 
         FIG. 15  depicts a flow chart illustrating an example method for protecting a surface of a portable electronic device using an active protection mechanism. This example method may be performed by one or more of the example portable electronic devices of  FIGS. 1A-12B and 14 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The description that follows includes sample apparatuses, systems, and methods that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein. 
     The following disclosure relates to active protection mechanisms for portable electronic devices. A portable electronic device uses an activator mechanism assembly to deploy bumpers upon detection of a drop event, free fall, or impact. Typically, the bumpers are proud of one or more surfaces of the electronic device when deployed (e.g., activated), but not when stowed (e.g., unactivated). Thus, the bumpers may protect one or more surfaces of the portable electronic device by preventing the surface from impact. Further, by preventing or cushioning impact, the bumpers may protect internal components of the portable electronic device. For example, the bumpers may prevent internal components from moving and/or jostling. This may prevent internal components from moving and damaging other components, preventing connectors from disconnecting, preventing attachment mechanisms from detaching, and so on. The bumpers may form sides, corners, or portions of other surfaces of the portable electronic device in the stowed position. When moving from the stowed position to the deployed position, the bumpers may rotate and/or translate. In some implementations, the bumpers may be covered or underlaid by a membrane that blocks passage of contaminants from an external environment. 
     In various embodiments, the activator mechanism assembly includes a torsion spring operable to rotate the bumpers when they are not restrained by a restraining mechanism. In some examples of such embodiments, the restraining mechanism may include magnets and an electronically controllable electromagnetic coil operable to alter magnetic force between the magnets, thereby releasing the torsion spring. In other examples of such embodiments, the restraining mechanism may include a catch component having a notch and a detent. The torsion spring is released when the detent disengages from the notch. In other embodiments, an electronically controllable electromagnetic coil may interact with magnets to rotate the bumpers, rather than the torsion spring. 
     In numerous embodiments, the activator mechanism assembly includes a cam coupled to the bumper. The cam may slide along a cam follower to translate the bumper when the bumper is rotated. 
     In some embodiments, the activator mechanism assembly includes a moving component operable to slide along a ramp coupled to a bumper, to transition the bumper between the stowed position and the deployed position. The moving component may slide along the ramp due to magnetic force between a magnet and an electronically controllable electromagnetic coil. In other embodiments, the activator mechanism assembly may include a pneumatic, hydraulic, or other type of cylinder operable to extend and/or retract a piston as air, liquid, or other material is pumped in and/or out of the cylinder. Movement of the piston may transition the bumper between the stowed position and the deployed position. In still other embodiments, a solenoid may transition the bumper between the stowed position and the deployed position. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-15 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1A  depicts an environment  100  in which a user  102  is holding a first example of a portable electronic device  101  above a structure  108 . The portable electronic device  101  includes a first surface  103  (e.g., a first vulnerable surface, shown as a touch display screen), a second surface  104  (e.g., a second vulnerable surface, shown as a back surface adjacent to which one or more batteries may be positioned inside the portable electronic device  101 ) opposite the first surface  103 , and side surfaces  105  positioned between and adjacent to the first and second surfaces  103 ,  104 . The portable electronic device  101  also includes one or more bumpers  106  or protectors. The first, second, and/or side surfaces  103 ,  104 ,  105  may be vulnerable to damage from impacting an object, such as when a drop event or free fall causes the portable electronic device  101  to impact an object such as the structure  108 . The bumpers  106  may protect one or more of the first, second, and/or side surfaces  103 ,  104 ,  105  from such an impact. Protecting the first, second, and/or side surfaces  103 ,  104 ,  105  from impact may also protect internal components from consequences of the impact. 
     The bumpers  106  are shown in a stowed position (e.g., retracted position) in  FIG. 1A . In this example, the bumpers  106  are flush with the side surfaces  105  and not proud of either the first surface  103  or the second surface  104 . When stowed, the bumpers  106  are contiguous with the side surfaces  105  and may function as the corners of the portable electronic device  101 . 
       FIG. 1B  depicts the environment  100  of  FIG. 1A  after the user  102  drops the first example portable electronic device  101 . The bumpers  106  were transitioned to a deployed position (e.g., extended position) in order to protect surfaces of the portable electronic device  101  from impacting the structure  108 . In this example, portions of the bumpers  106  may be proud of the first and/or second surface  103 ,  104 . Such proud portions may prevent the first and/or second surface  103 ,  104  from impacting the structure  108  and/or absorb at least a portion of the energy of the impact. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the bumpers  106  may rotate (e.g., rotate on the side surfaces  105 ) to transition between the stowed and deployed positions. The bumpers may also translate in a direction away from the side surfaces  105  of the portable electronic device  101  while transitioning between the stowed and deployed positions. 
     The portable electronic device  101  may use one or more activator mechanism assemblies to transition the bumpers  106  from the stowed position to the deployed position, for example upon detection of a free fall or drop event. The portable electronic device  101  may detect a free fall or drop event by periodically, continuously, intermittently, or otherwise monitoring one or more sensors. Sample sensors are one or more of accelerometers, inertial sensors, cameras, magnetometers, position tracking systems (such as a global positioning system), and so on. The portable electronic device  101  may also use the one or more various activator mechanism assemblies to transition the bumpers  106  from the stowed position to the deployed position upon detection of an impact related to such a free fall or drop event, to prevent damage to a vulnerable surface, such as a cover glass of a display, caused by a secondary impact (e.g., a second part of the portable electronic device  101  striking the structure  108  due to a first part of the portable electronic device  101  striking the structure  108  and reorienting the portable electronic device  101  to cause the secondary impact). This may prevent damage to vulnerable surfaces. 
       FIG. 1C  depicts a partial close-up view of the portable electronic device  101 , showing one of the bumpers  106  in a stowed position. In this example, both the first surface  103  and the second surface  104  are proud of (or flush with) the bumper  106 . The side surfaces  105  and the bumper  106  may form a contiguous surface, the bumper  106  being flush with the side surfaces  105 , where the bumper  106  functions as the corner between side surfaces  105 . 
       FIG. 1D  depicts the portable electronic device  101  of  FIG. 1C  when the bumper  106  transitions to a deployed position. The bumper  106  includes a shaft  107  that rotates approximately 90 degrees (though other amounts of rotation are possible, such as 30 degrees, more than 45 degrees, 75 degrees, 110 degrees, and so on) and translates in a direction  109  away from the side surfaces  105 . This causes the bumper  106  to move out of a recess  110  in the side surfaces  105  and the first portion of the bumper  106  to be proud of the first surface  103 , while the additional portion of the bumper  106  is proud of the second surface  104 . 
       FIG. 1E  depicts a first example cross-sectional view of an electronic device  101 , taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1C , depicting a first example activator mechanism assembly in accordance with various embodiments. In this example, the activator mechanism assembly may include a torsion spring  111 , a restraining mechanism (shown as including a first magnet  112 , a second magnet  113 , and an electromagnetic coil  114 ), a rotational mount  117 , a cam  118 , and a cam follower  119 . The shaft  107  may be mounted to the rotational mount  117  such that the shaft  107  is operable to rotate and translate. The torsion spring  111  may be biased to rotate the shaft  107 , when the torsion spring  111  is not restrained by the restraining mechanism. 
     When the restraining mechanism releases the torsion spring  111 , the torsion spring  111  may rotate the shaft  107  (and thus the bumper  106 ) from the stowed position to the deployed position. The shaft  107  and bumper  106  may rotate about an axis parallel to the first surface  103  (e.g., along line  109  of  FIG. 1D ). This rotation also causes the cam  118  to slide along the cam follower  119 , translating the shaft  107  such that the bumper  106  translates away from the side surface  105 . 
       FIGS. 1G and 1H  are additional views of the shaft  107 , the cam  118 , and the cam follower  119  in isolation with the shaft shown in outline for clarity.  FIGS. 1G and 1H  illustrate how the shape of the cam  118  forces the cam  118  to slide along the cam follower  119  during rotation.  FIG. 1G  shows the cam  118  and the cam follower  119  positioned when the shaft is retracted as shown in  FIG. 1E . As the shaft  107  rotates to the translated position shown in  FIG. 1F , the cam  118  rotates along with the shaft  107 . This rotation causes more of the shape of the cam  118  to be positioned between the shaft  107  and the cam follower  119 . Due to the fixed distance between the shaft  107  and the cam follower  119 , positioning more of the shape of the cam  118  between the shaft  107  and the cam follower  119  forces the cam  118  to slide down the ramp formed by the cam follower  119 , as shown in  FIG. 1H . This translates the shaft  107  in the direction shown in  FIG. 1F . 
     As described above, the restraining mechanism includes a first magnet  112 , a second magnet  113 , and an electromagnetic coil  114 . The first magnet  112  is coupled to the torsion spring  111  and is operable to rotate with the shaft  107 . Magnetic force between the first magnet  112  and the second magnet  113  restrains the torsion spring  111 . The electromagnetic coil  114  may be electronically controllable by a controller  116  (such as a processing unit) coupled to the electromagnetic coil  114  by a flex  115  and/or other electrical connection. The controller  116  may electronically control the electromagnetic coil  114  to alter magnetic force between the first magnet  112  and the second magnet  113 , restraining and/or releasing the torsion spring  111 . 
     For example, the first magnet  112  may magnetically attract the second magnet  113 , thereby restraining the torsion spring  111 . The electromagnetic coil  114  may alter the magnetic field such that the first and second magnets  112 ,  113  repel or no longer attract, thereby releasing the torsion spring  111 . By way of another example, the first and second magnets  112 ,  113  may repel (or not attract one another) except when the electromagnetic coil  114  alters the magnetic force. In such an example, current flow through the electromagnetic coil  114  may cease, or reverse, thus releasing the torsion spring  111 . 
       FIG. 1F  depicts the first example portable electronic device  101  of  FIG. 1E  after the first example activator mechanism assembly rotates and translates the bumper  106  away from the side surface  105 . Thus, the bumper  106  transitions from the stowed position to the deployed position. 
     Although  FIGS. 1A-1F  show the bumper  106  emerging from the recess  110  and translating away from the side surface  105 , it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the portion of the side surface  105  forming the recess  110  may translate along with the bumper  106 . This allows the bumper  106  to translate while preventing dirt or other contaminants from getting lodged in the recess  110 . 
       FIG. 1I  depicts a second example cross-sectional view of the portable electronic device  101 , taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1C , depicting a second example activator mechanism assembly. In this second example, the activator mechanism assembly includes a torsion spring  111  that is operable to rotate the shaft  107 , a catch component  120  that defines a notch coupled to the torsion spring  111 , and a detent  121  that includes a pivot mount  122  and a spring  123 . 
     The detent  121  may rotate with or about the pivot mount  122  and be spring biased by the spring  123  to engage the notch of the catch component  120 , thereby restraining the torsion spring  111 . However, the detent  121  may rotate with or about the pivot mount  122  against the biasing force of the spring  123  to disengage from the notch. For example, force from a primary impact to the portable electronic device  101  may compress the spring  123  such that the detent  121  disengages from the catch component  120 . This may release the torsion spring  111  and allow it to rotate, thereby deploying the bumper  106  to protect part of the portable electronic device  101  against a secondary impact. 
     As such, this second example activator mechanism assembly may operate mechanically without sensors or electronic controllers. Detection of a free fall, drop event, or impact based on sensor data may thus be omitted. 
       FIG. 1J  depicts a third example of a cross-sectional view of the portable electronic device  101 , taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1C . In this third example, the activator mechanism assembly includes one or more magnets  125  mounted to the shaft  107 . An electromagnetic coil  114  is controlled by the controller  116 . The controller  116  may alternate a polarity and/or strength of a magnetic field of the electromagnetic coil  114 , for example, by varying a current through the electromagnetic coil  114 . The alternating polarity and/or strength of the magnetic field may attract and/or repel the magnets  125 . Dynamically changing the magnetic force and/or polarity of the electromagnetic coil  114  may cause the magnets  125  to rotate the shaft  107  because the magnets  125  are coupled to the shaft  107 . This rotation may deploy the shaft  107  and bumper  106  and/or cause the shaft  107  to extend, such as via the cam  118  and cam follower  119  discussed above. 
     As illustrated and described above, the activator mechanism assemblies of  FIGS. 1E, 1F, 1I, and 1J  may transition the bumpers  106  from the stowed position to the deployed position. In some implementations, such activator mechanism assemblies may not also be operable to transition the bumpers  106  from the deployed position to the stowed position. Instead, the user  102  may manually translate and rotate the bumpers  106  to transition the bumpers  106  from the deployed position to the stowed position. 
     However, in various implementations, such activator mechanism assemblies also may transition the bumpers  106  from the deployed position to the stowed position. For example, the activator mechanism assembly of  FIG. 1J  may alternate the polarity of the magnetic field of the electromagnetic coil  114  so as to rotate the magnets  125  and the associated shaft  107  in an opposite direction to that used to deploy the bumper  106 , transitioning the bumper  106  from the deployed position to the stowed position. Various configurations are possible and contemplated. 
     In various examples, the bumpers  106  may be formed from a hard material such as steel or another metal. Forming the bumpers  106  from a hard material may allow the bumpers  106  to absorb more of the energy of an impact than if the bumpers  106  were formed from a soft material such as rubber, a polymer, and so on. Further, forming the bumpers  106  from a hard material may prevent the bumpers  106  from deforming due to impact. Accordingly, the first or second surfaces  103 ,  104  may still contact a structure  108  even if dropped repeatedly, rather than deforming due to exposed vulnerable areas. Additionally, bumpers  106  formed from a hard material rather than a soft material may be more durable and may not themselves be damaged by impacts. 
       FIG. 2A  depicts a side view of a second example portable electronic device  201 , showing a bumper  206  or protector in a stowed position (e.g., retracted position).  FIG. 2B  depicts the portable electronic device  201  of  FIG. 2A  with the bumper  206  in the deployed position (e.g., extended position). Similar to the portable electronic device  101  of  FIGS. 1A-1B , the first and second surfaces  203  and  204  (e.g., first and second vulnerable surfaces) are proud of the bumper  206  and the side surfaces  205  are flush with the bumper  206  when the bumper  206  is stowed. By contrast, a first portion of the bumper  206  is proud of the first surface  203  and an additional portion of the bumper  206  is proud of the second surface  204  when deployed. Contrasted with the first example portable electronic device  101  of  FIGS. 1A-1B , the bumper  206  may rotate (e.g., rotate on the side surface  205 ) approximately 90 degrees without translating when transitioning from the stowed position to the deployed position. 
       FIG. 2C  depicts another view of the portable electronic device  201  of  FIG. 2A  with the bumper  206  stowed and  FIG. 2D  depicts another view of the portable electronic device  201  of  FIG. 2C  with the bumper  206  deployed. Contrasted with the first example portable electronic device  101  of  FIGS. 1A-1B , edges of the bumper  206  may be curved or “dished.” This dished shape may cause more surface area of (and/or additional portions of) the bumper  206  to contact an object upon impact as compared to the bumper  106  of  FIGS. 1A-1B . The greater surface area of the bumper  206  may absorb more impact energy, as compared to other possible discussed configurations. Further, the dished shape of the first and/or additional portions of the bumper  206  may reduce the possibility that the impact will damage the first and/or additional portions of the bumper  206  than the more pointed shape of the first and additional portions of the bumper  106 . 
       FIG. 3A  depicts a partial side view of a third example portable electronic device  301  showing a bumper  306  or protector in a stowed position (e.g., retracted position);  FIG. 3B  depicts the bumper  306  in the deployed position (e.g., extended position). Similar to the second example portable electronic device  201  of  FIGS. 2A-2D , the bumper  306  is flush with the side surfaces  305  when stowed. However, the first and second surfaces  303 ,  304  (e.g., first and second vulnerable surfaces) override bumper edges when the bumper  306  is stowed. A portion of the bumper  306  nonetheless is proud of the first surface  303  when deployed. In this embodiment, the bumper  306  rotates (e.g., rotates on the side surfaces  105 ) more than 90 degrees (shown as approximately 180 degrees) about an axis  326  that is transverse to the first surface  303 , when the bumper  306  transitions from the stowed position to the deployed position. 
       FIG. 4A  depicts a partial view of a fourth example portable electronic device  401  showing a bumper  406  or protector in a stowed position.  FIG. 4B  depicts the portable electronic device  401  with the bumper  406  deployed. In this embodiment, the bumper  406  forms the entirety of the corner of the portable electronic device  401 . Similar to the third example portable electronic device  301  of  FIGS. 3A-3B , the first and second surfaces  403  and  404  (e.g., first and second vulnerable surfaces) are proud of the bumper  406  and the side surfaces  405  are flush with the bumper  406  in the stowed position, whereas a portion of the bumper  406  is proud of the first surface  403  in the deployed position. Contrasted with the third example portable electronic device  301  of  FIGS. 3A-3B , the portion of the bumper  406  proud of the first surface  403  in the deployed position is dish shaped, as opposed to the more pointed shape of the bumper  306 . The recess  410  is correspondingly dished, so that the bumper  406  is flush with the side surfaces  405 . Thus the bumper  406  is contiguous with the side surfaces  405  when stowed. 
       FIG. 5A  depicts a partial view of a fifth example portable electronic device  501 , showing a bumper  506  or protector in a stowed position.  FIG. 5B  depicts the portable electronic device  501  of  FIG. 5A  with the bumper  506  in the deployed position. Similar to the third example portable electronic device  301  of  FIGS. 3A-3B , the first and second surfaces  503  and  504  are proud of the bumper  506  when it is in the stowed position, whereas a portion of the bumper  506  is proud of the first surface  503  when deployed. Here, the bumper  506  is a scallop shaped component that rotates to retract into the portable electronic device  501  when stowed and project out of the portable electronic device  501  when deployed. Deployed, the bumper  506  extends further in the middle, sloping downward on the sides. Thus, the middle is proud of the first surface  503  while the ends are not. The bumper  506  may extend out at an angle, rotate, and so on. Thus, the bumper  506  is an impact surface that forms part of the housing of the portable electronic device  501 . 
     The portable electronic devices  201 - 501  of  FIGS. 2A-5B  may include various activator mechanism assemblies operable to transition the respective bumpers  206 - 506  between the stowed and deployed positions. Such activator mechanism assemblies may include the activator mechanism assemblies of  FIGS. 1E, 1F, 1I, 1J , and so on. 
       FIG. 6A  depicts a partial view of a sixth example portable electronic device  601  showing a bumper  606  or protector in a stowed position. Similar to the portable electronic device  501  of  FIGS. 5A-5B , the bumper  606  is not proud of the first surface  603  or the second surface  604  in the stowed position. As contrasted with the portable electronic device  501  of  FIGS. 5A-5B , the bumper  606  forms a portion of the first surface  603  rather than one or more side surfaces  605 . The bumper  606  may be flush with the first surface  603  in the stowed position, recessed below the first surface  603  in the stowed position, and so on. 
       FIG. 6B  depicts a partial side view of the sixth example portable electronic device  601  with the bumper  606  in the stowed position.  FIG. 6C  depicts a partial side view of the sixth example portable electronic device  601  of  FIG. 6B  with the bumper  606  in the deployed position. Similar to the portable electronic device  501  of  FIGS. 5A-5B , the bumper  606  is proud of the first surface  603  but not the second surface  604  in the stowed position. As contrasted with the portable electronic device  501  of  FIGS. 5A-5B , the bumper  606  may translate without rotating between the stowed and deployed positions. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C , the bumper  606  may form a portion of the first surface  603  and extend around a lip or edge of such a first surface  603 . The first surface  603  may include a component, such as the cover glass or other element of a touch screen display. In this example, the bumper  606  is located in an area of the first surface  603  outside of the cover glass of the touch screen display. 
       FIG. 6D  depicts an example cross-sectional view of the sixth example portable electronic device  601 , taken along line B-B of  FIG. 6B . This figure illustrates an example activator mechanism assembly in accordance with various embodiments. In this example, the activator mechanism assembly includes a moving component  630 , a magnet  632 , and an electrically controllable electromagnetic coil  631 . 
     The moving component  630  may be flexibly coupled to a housing or other structure of the portable electronic device  601  via a flexible coupler  629 . The flexible coupler  629  may allow the moving component  630  to move along a ramp  627  (which may be coupled to the bumper  606  and/or the housing or other structure of the portable electronic device  601  via a coupler  628 ). The moving component  630  may slide along the ramp  627  as a result of magnetic force between the magnet  632  and the electrically controllable electromagnetic coil  631 . Sliding the moving component  630  along the ramp  627  may exert and/or release pressure on the bumper  606 , transitioning the bumper  606  between the stowed position and the deployed position, or vice versa. This moves the bumper  606  upward so that its exterior is proud of the first surface  603  and discontinuous with the side surface  605 . The bumper  606  exterior shields the first surface  603  from impact by hitting first. 
     The electrically controllable electromagnetic coil  631  may be electronically controllable by a controller  616  coupled to the electrically controllable electromagnetic coil  631  by a flex  615  and/or other electrical connection. The controller  616  may electronically control the electrically controllable electromagnetic coil  631  to attract, not attract, and/or repel the magnet  632 . 
     For example, the controller  616  may control the electrically controllable electromagnetic coil  631  to attract the magnet  632  in order to slide the moving component  630  along the ramp  627 . This transitions the bumper  606  from the stowed position to the deployed position. Conversely, the controller  616  may control the electrically controllable electromagnetic coil  631  to not attract and/or repel the magnet  632 , thereby sliding the moving component  630  in a reverse direction along the ramp  627 . This transitions the bumper  606  from the deployed position to the stowed position. In some embodiments, repelling the magnet  632  may deploy the bumper  606  and attracting the magnet  632  may stow the bumper  606 . 
       FIG. 6E  depicts the sixth example portable electronic device  601  of  FIG. 6D , after the example activator mechanism assembly transitions the bumper  606  to the deployed position. Due to magnetic force between the electrically controllable electromagnetic coil  631  and the magnet  632 , the moving component  630  slides along the ramp  627 , exerting pressure on the bumper  606  and transitioning it from the stowed position to the deployed position. 
       FIG. 7A  depicts a partial view of a seventh example portable electronic device  701  showing a bumper  706  or protector in a stowed position.  FIG. 7B  depicts the seventh example portable electronic device  701  of  FIG. 7A  with the bumper  706  deployed. Similar to the portable electronic device  601  of  FIGS. 6A-6E , the bumper  706  may form a portion of the first surface  703  rather than a side surface  705  or the second surface  704 . As contrasted with the portable electronic device  601  of  FIGS. 6A-6E , the bumper  706  is located in an area of the first surface  703  within an area defined by the cover glass of the touch screen display. Compared to the portable electronic device  601  of  FIGS. 6A-6E , this configuration may allow the cover glass to occupy all of the first surface  703  and/or a larger portion of the first surface  703  than the cover glass of the portable electronic device  601  of  FIGS. 6A-6E . 
     As the bumper  706  and the cover glass may both be formed of relatively hard materials, contact between the bumper  706  and a cover glass may possibly damage the bumper  706  and/or the cover glass. To prevent or mitigate such potential damage, a cushioning element  733  may be positioned between the bumper  706  and the cover glass. Such a cushioning element  733  may be formed of plastic, rubber, elastomer, and/or any other material that protects the bumper  706  and/or the cover glass from contact between the two. A cushioning element  733  may be used on any embodiment discussed herein. 
       FIG. 8A  depicts a partial view of an eighth example portable electronic device  801  showing a bumper  806  or protector in a stowed position.  FIG. 8B  depicts the eighth example portable electronic device  801  of  FIG. 8A  with the bumper  806  in the deployed position. Similar to the portable electronic device  501  of  FIGS. 5A-5B , the bumper  806  is not proud of the first surface  803  or the second surface  804  in the stowed position. As contrasted with the portable electronic device  501  of  FIGS. 5A-5B , the bumper  806  translates rather than rotates to be proud of the first surface  803  in the deployed position. 
       FIG. 8C  depicts a partial side view of the eighth example portable electronic device  801  of  FIG. 8A  with the bumper  806  in the stowed position.  FIG. 8D  depicts the eighth example portable electronic device  801  of  FIG. 8C  with the bumper  806  in the deployed position. Similar to the portable electronic device  501  of  FIGS. 5A-5B , the bumper  806  is not proud of the second surface  804  in the deployed position. As contrasted with the portable electronic device  501  of  FIGS. 5A-5B , the bumper  806  may form a contiguous portion of one or more side surfaces  805 , such as a corner, in the stowed position. 
       FIG. 8E  depicts an example cross-sectional view of the portable electronic device  801 , taken along line C-C of  FIG. 8C , depicting an example activator mechanism assembly in accordance with various embodiments. The activator mechanism assembly includes a geared post  835  and a motor carriage  834  that is fixed to the bumper  806  and operable to travel along the gears of the geared post  835 . 
     A controller  816  may be coupled to the motor carriage  834  via a flex  815  or other connection mechanism. The controller  816  may control the motor carriage  834  to travel up or down (with respect to  FIG. 8E ) the geared post  835 . As the bumper  806  is coupled to the motor carriage  834 , travel of the motor carriage  834  up or down the geared post  835  also moves the bumper up (transitioning the bumper  806  to the deployed position) or down (as shown, transitioning the bumper  806  to the stowed position). 
     For example,  FIG. 8E  illustrates the bumper  806  in the stowed position. The controller  816  may control the motor carriage  834  to move up the geared post  835 . As a result, the bumper  806  would also move up, transitioning the bumper  806  from the stowed position to the deployed position. 
       FIG. 9A  depicts a partial view of a ninth example portable electronic device  901  showing a bumper  906  or protector in a stowed position.  FIG. 9B  depicts the portable electronic device  901  of  FIG. 9A  with the bumper  906  in the deployed position. Similar to the portable electronic device  601  of  FIGS. 6A-6E , the bumper  906  may not be proud of the first surface  903 , one or more side surfaces  905 , or the second surface  904  in the stowed position. As contrasted with the portable electronic device  601  of  FIGS. 6A-6E , the bumper  906  may be formed from a number of bristles that project proud of the first surface  903  in the deployed position. 
     In this example, the bristles of the bumper  906  project at an obtuse angle away from the first surface  903 . However, in various implementations, the bristles of the bumper  906  may project at any angle, such as an acute angle, over the first surface  903 . An obtuse angle may result in the bristles of the bumper  906  contacting a wider surface area of an object impacted by the portable electronic device  901  and/or preventing the bristles of the bumper  906  from being positioned directly between the first surface  903  and the object. By contrast, an acute angle may result in the bristles of the bumper  906  being positioned directly between the first surface  903  and the object. 
     The bristles of the bumper  906  may be operable to come between the first surface  903  and an object that the first surface  903  impacts. As such, the bristles of the bumper  906  may be formed of a hard material, such as steel or other metal and so on; a soft material, such as rubber, plastic, elastomer, and so on; and/or any other material. Relatively harder materials may prevent the bristles of the bumper  906  from bending far enough to allow the first surface  903  to impact and may resist damage from impact. By contrast, relatively softer materials may absorb more of the impact energy and may, if configured to project over the first surface  903 , wrap around the first surface  903  on impact to provide additional protection. 
       FIG. 10A  depicts a partial view of a tenth example portable electronic device  1001  showing a bumper  1006  or protector in a stowed position.  FIG. 10B  depicts the portable electronic device  1001  of  FIG. 10A  with the bumper  1006  in the deployed position. Similar to the portable electronic device  901  of  FIGS. 9A-9B , the bumper  1006  may be a bristle that is not proud of the first surface  1003 , one or more side surfaces  1005 , or the second surface  1004  in the stowed position and is proud of the first surface  1003  in the deployed position. As contrasted with the portable electronic device  901  of  FIGS. 9A-9B , the bumper  1006  may be a single large bristle instead of a number of smaller bristles. 
     A single large bristle may resist impact force greater than a number of smaller bristles formed from the same material, though may not cover as large an area. Further, a number of smaller bristles allows for the bristles to be oriented in more than one direction, though with less surface area in any particular direction. Additionally, a single large bristle may also allow for use of a less complex activator mechanism. 
       FIG. 11A  depicts a partial side view of an eleventh example portable electronic device  1101  showing a bumper  1106  or protector in a stowed position.  FIG. 11B  depicts the portable electronic device  1101  of  FIG. 11A  with the bumper  1106  deployed. Similar to the portable electronic device  1001  of  FIGS. 10A-10B , the bumper  1106  may not be proud of the first surface  1103 , one or more side surfaces  1105 , or the second surface  1104  in the stowed position and be proud of the first surface  1103  in the deployed position. As contrasted with the portable electronic device  1001  of  FIGS. 10A-10B , the bumper  1106  may be a thin film that projects over the first surface  1103  in the deployed position. Because the bumper  1106  extends over the first surface  1103 , the bumper  1106  may be directly positioned between the first surface  1103  and an object upon impact. The bumper  1106  thus protects the first surface  1103  in a different way than bumpers previously discussed that do not extend over the first surface  1103 . 
       FIG. 11C  depicts an example cross-sectional view of the portable electronic device  1101  of  FIG. 11B , taken along line D-D of  FIG. 11B , depicting an example activator mechanism assembly in accordance with various embodiments. This activator mechanism assembly may be used with any other embodiment discussed herein. The activator mechanism assembly includes a pump  1144  (such as an air pump, a liquid pump, and so on) and a pneumatic and/or other electrically-operated cylinder  1137  having a piston  1136  that is operable to extend and/or retract when the pump  1144  (controlled by a controller  1116  that is connected to the pump  1144  by a flex  1115  or other connection mechanism) pumps material (such as air, liquid, and so on) into the pneumatic cylinder  1137 . The piston  1136  is coupled to the bumper  1106  such that extension of the piston  1136  by the pneumatic cylinder  1137  caused by the pump  1144  moves the bumper  1106  to transition the bumper  1106  to the deployed position (shown), and retraction of the piston  1136  by the pneumatic cylinder  1137  (such as caused by the pump  1144 , the pneumatic cylinder  1137  releasing pressure, and so on) moves the bumper to transition the bumper to the stowed position. 
     The bumper  1106  may be formed of a soft material in some implementations, such as plastic and so on. To prevent impact from bunching such a soft material bumper  1106 , the bumper  1106  may extend through a brace portion  1138  of the housing or other structure such that the brace portion  1138  surrounds an area of the bumper  1106  to prevent such bunching and/or the bumper  1106  otherwise deforming back on itself due to impact. The bumper  1106  may be straight, curved, and so on. The brace portion  1138  may have a corresponding shape to as to surround the area of the bumper  1106  extending through the brace portion  1138 , thus enhancing bracing of the bumper  1106 . 
     Although the above describes the bumper  1106  as made of a soft material, it is understood that this is an example. In other implementations, the bumper  1106  may be formed of a hard material, such as steel or other metal, a combination of hard and soft materials (such as a portion that extends from the portable electronic device  1101  in the deployed position being formed of a hard material while a portion that remains within the portable electronic device  1101  in the deployed position being formed of a soft material, a bumper  1106  formed of a soft material having a hard material stiffening member running throughout the soft material, and so on), and so on. 
       FIG. 12A  depicts a partial view of a twelfth example portable electronic device  1201  showing a bumper (obscured by a membrane  1239 ) in a stowed position.  FIG. 12B  depicts the portable electronic device  1201  of  FIG. 12A  with the bumper in the deployed position. Similar to the portable electronic device  701  of  FIGS. 7A-7B , a bumper may be positioned in the first surface  1203  rather than the second surface  1204  or a side surface  1205 . As contrasted with the portable electronic device  701  of  FIGS. 7A-7B , a membrane  1239  may cover the bumper. Projection of the bumper proud of the first surface  1203  in the deployed position also projects at least part of the membrane  1239  proud. Such a membrane  1239  may be used with any of the embodiments discussed herein. 
     Thus, the membrane  1239  functions as a flexible protector that forms a part of the first surface  1203 . This flexible protector is operable to transition between a first state and a second state (e.g., the flexible protector transitions between a stowed position and a deployed position). In the first state, the flexible protector is flush with the first surface  1203  or recessed in the first surface  1203 . In the second state, at least part of the flexible protector projects above the first surface  1203 . An activator or activator mechanism assembly is operable to transition the flexible protector between the first and second states by transitioning the bumper, which protects the portion of the flexible protector above the surface. 
     In some implementations, the membrane  1239  may be formed of a variety of materials such as elastomer, rubber, and so on. The membrane  1239  may be coupled to the first surface  1203  or another structure (such as the cushioning element  733  of  FIGS. 7A-7B ), such as using adhesive. The membrane may form a barrier between the bumper and an external environment, such as a liquid proof and/or resistant barrier. 
     In other implementations, the membrane  1239  may be formed of a hard material, such as metal. For example, the membrane  1239  may be formed of a series of metal plates coupled to each other to be able to fold in on each other and/or expand outward to project proud of the first surface  1203  in the deployed position and/or not project proud of the first surface  1203  in the stowed position based on movement of a bumper located underneath the membrane  1239 . 
     Although the membrane  1239  is illustrated and described as used with a bumper configured similar to that of the bumper  706  of  FIGS. 7A-7B , it is understood that this is an example. Such a membrane  1239  may be used to cover any of the bumpers  106 - 1106  of  FIGS. 1A-11C  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Further, although various activator mechanism assemblies are illustrated and described above in the context of  FIGS. 1A-12B  as being used to transition various respective bumpers  106 - 1106  from stowed positions to deployed positions, it is understood that these are examples. In various implementations, any of the disclosed activator mechanism assemblies and/or combinations thereof may be configured to be used with any of the portable electronic devices  101 - 1201  of  FIGS. 1A-12B  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Various activator mechanism assemblies are possible and contemplated. 
     Additionally, although particular configurations of bumpers  106 - 1106  are illustrated and described in the context of  FIGS. 1A-12B  above, it is understood that these are examples and that other configurations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, fewer than or more than four bumpers  106 - 1106  may be used in various implementations. By way of another example, bumpers  106 - 1106  may be configured on various surfaces rather than the first surface  103 - 1203  and/or one or more side surfaces  105 - 1205 . By way of still another example, one or more bumpers  106 - 1106  may be configured in positions other than at corners of a portable electronic device  101 - 1201 . 
       FIG. 13  depicts an isometric view of a thirteenth example portable electronic device  1301  having passive bumpers  1340 . As contrasted with the bumpers  106 - 1106  of  FIGS. 1A-12B  that are actively operable to transition between stowed and deployed positions to protect various surfaces, the passive bumpers  1340  passively protect the first surface  1303 , the second surface  1304 , and/or one or more side surfaces  1305  by projecting proud of such surfaces without transitioning to another state. The passive bumpers  1340  may be formed of a cushioning material, such as rubber, elastomer, and so on. The passive bumpers  1340  may project proud of the first surface  1303 , the second surface  1304 , and the side surfaces  1305  at all times. 
     In various implementations, the passive bumpers  1340  may be coupled to one or more of the first surface  1303 , the second surface  1304 , and/or one or more side surfaces  1305 . For example, one or more adhesives may couple the passive bumpers  1340  to one or more of the first surface  1303 , the second surface  1304 , and/or one or more side surfaces  1305 . 
     The bumpers  106 - 1106  and  1340  illustrated and described above in the context of  FIGS. 1A-13  have a variety of different shapes. Bumpers, such as the bumpers  106 ,  206 , have an elongated shape in order to fit the respective sides  105 ,  205  when stowed and project proud of the respective first and second surfaces  103 ,  203 ,  104 ,  204  when rotated approximately 90 degrees. The bumpers  806  also have an elongated shape so as to have a relatively large surface area proud of the first surface  803  when deployed. By contrast, bumpers, such as the bumpers  306 ,  406 , have a non-elongated shape in order to fit the respective sides  305 ,  405  when stowed and project proud of the respective first surface  303 ,  403  when rotated approximately 180 degrees. The bumper  506  has a scallop shape in order to rotate around a corner of the portable electronic device  501  and have strength despite a relative thinness. By contrast, the bumpers  606 ,  706  have various shaped continuous surface areas as they project from a single surface and do not rotate around another surface when deployed. Bumpers formed of multiple bristles, such as the bumper  906 , allow the bumpers  906  to project in multiple directions. By contrast, bumpers formed of a single bristle, such as the bumper  1006 , have increased strength due to greater thickness despite not projecting in multiple directions. Bumpers formed of films or other thin structures, such as the bumper  1106 , may be thinner than other bumpers, but may be able to cover the first surface  1103  and may be strengthened using portions of the housing through which the bumper  1106  projects. 
     Although the above bumpers  106 - 1106  and  1340  are illustrated and described above in the context of  FIGS. 1A-13  in the context of portable electronic devices  101 - 1301  that are shown as smart phones, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the portable electronic devices  101 - 1301  may be any kind of portable electronic devices  101 - 1301  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, such as tablet computing devices, mobile computing devices, laptop computing devices, digital media players, electronic accessories, wearable electronic devices, and so on. 
       FIG. 14  depicts a block diagram illustrating example components and functional relationships of an example portable electronic device  1401 . The example portable electronic device  1401  may be one or more of the example portable electronic devices of  FIGS. 1A-12B . The portable electronic device  1401  may include one or more processing units  1416 , one or more non-transitory storage media  1441  (which may take the form of, but is not limited to, a magnetic storage medium; optical storage medium; magneto-optical storage medium; read only memory; random access memory; erasable programmable memory; flash memory; and so on), one or more sensors  1442  (such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, inertial sensor, motion sensor, camera, and/or other sensor and/or a combination thereof), one or more protection mechanism activators  1443 , and so on. 
     The processing unit  1416  may execute one or more sets of instructions stored in the storage medium  1441  to analyze sensor data from the sensor(s)  1442  to determine whether or not an event such as a drop event, a free fall event, or an impact event occurs. If the processing unit  1416  determines that such an event occurs, the processing unit  1416  may control the protection mechanism activators  1443  (which may include one or more of the activator mechanism assemblies illustrated and described above) to activate one or more bumpers or other active protection mechanisms (such as transitioning one or more bumpers from a stowed position to a deployed position) to protect one or more surfaces of the portable electronic device  1401 . 
     For example, the sensor(s)  1442  may include one or more cameras that capture image data that is analyzed by the processing unit  1416  (such as utilizing motion capture software) to detect the occurrence of such a drop, free fall, impact, or other related event based on determined proximity of the portable electronic device  1401  to a surface (such as increasing proximity compared to previously captured image data), velocity of the portable electronic device  1401 , altitude of the portable electronic device  1401 , and so on. By way of another example, the sensor(s)  1442  may include one or more accelerometers that capture acceleration data that is analyzed by the processing unit  1416  to detect the occurrence of such an event based on determined acceleration or velocity of the portable electronic device  1401 . By way of still another example, the sensor(s)  1442  may include one or more audio components that emit a chirp or ultrasonic pulse and receive a reflection of such from a surface that is analyzed by the processing unit  1416  to detect the occurrence of such an event based on determined height, speed, and so on of the portable electronic device  1401 . By way of yet another example, the sensor(s)  1442  may include one or more altitude sensors (such as a global positioning system sensor and/or other kind of sensor operable to detect altitude) that detect altitude data that is analyzed by the processing unit  1416  to detect the occurrence of such an event based on determined altitude, velocity, and so on of the portable electronic device  1401 . 
       FIG. 15  depicts a flow chart illustrating an example method  1500  for protecting a surface of a portable electronic device using an active protection mechanism. This example method  1500  may be performed by one or more of the example portable electronic devices  101 - 1201  and  1401  of  FIGS. 1A-12B and 14 . 
     At  1510 , a portable electronic device operates. The flow proceeds to  1520  where the portable electronic device analyzes sensor data. Next, the flow proceeds to  1530  where the electronic device determines whether or not an event such as a drop, free fall, impact, or other related event has occurred based on the analysis of the sensor data. 
     If so, the flow proceeds to  1540 . Otherwise, the flow returns to  1510  where the portable electronic device continues to operate. 
     At  1540 , after the portable electronic device determines that an event such as a drop, free fall, impact, or other related event has occurred, the portable electronic device deploys one or more active protection mechanisms. Such active protection mechanisms may be one or more of the bumpers  106 - 1106  of  FIGS. 1A-12 . The flow then returns to  1510  where the portable electronic device continues to operate. 
     Although the example method  1500  is illustrated and described as including particular operations performed in a particular order, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, various orders of the same, similar, and/or different operations may be performed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     For example, the example method  1500  is illustrated and described as analyzing sensor data and determining whether or not an event, such as a drop, free fall, impact, or other related event, has occurred at  1520 - 1530  as separate, linearly performed operations. However, in various implementations, such operations may be performed as part of a unified operation. Various configurations are possible and contemplated. 
     As described above and illustrated in the accompanying figures, the present disclosure relates to active protection mechanisms for portable electronic devices. A portable electronic device uses an activator mechanism assembly to deploy bumpers upon detection of a drop event, free fall, or impact. The bumpers are proud of one or more surfaces of the electronic device when deployed, but not when stowed. The bumpers may form side corners or portions of other surfaces of the portable electronic device in the stowed position. In moving from the stowed position to the deployed position, the bumpers may rotate and/or translate. In some implementations, the bumpers may be covered by a membrane that blocks passage of contaminants from an external environment. 
     In the present disclosure, the methods disclosed may be implemented as sets of instructions or software readable by a device. Such instructions or software may be provided as a computer program product including a non-transitory machine-readable medium that may be used to program a computer system (or other electronic devices) to perform the method. A non-transitory machine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing information in a form (e.g., software, processing application) readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). The non-transitory machine-readable medium may take the form of, but is not limited to, a magnetic storage medium (e.g., floppy diskette, video cassette, and so on); optical storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM); magneto-optical storage medium; read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM); flash memory; and so on. 
     Further, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed are examples of sample approaches. In other embodiments, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method can be rearranged while remaining within the disclosed subject matter. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not necessarily meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20160614
Publication Date: 20190611
Grant Date: 20190611
Priority Date: 20160614
Inventors: RIVELLINI, TOMMASO P.
KOCH, RICHARD H.
ZHANG, ZHIPENG
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B65D81/054", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02H6/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02H7/20", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F7/064", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/3888", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01F15/08", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/3888", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F7/17", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F7/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F7/122", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/3888", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02H7/20", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02H6/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01F15/08", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F7/17", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F7/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F7/122", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F7/064", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D81/054", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 60572293