# Airbag-Inspired Phone Cases The AD Case Deploys Springs to Ensure Smartphone Safety By Justin Lam | Published 2018-06-29 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ad-case References: [gizmodo](https://gizmodo.com/this-brilliant-case-packs-built-in-springs-to-protect-y-1827202727) & [techcrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2018/06/27/this-clever-case-pops-open-to-protect-your-phone-when-you-drop-it/) Developed and created by Philip Frenzel, a student from Aalen University in Germany, the AD Case functions essentially as an airbag for a smartphone to protect it from possibly destructive drops. The term "airbag" does not quite do the [case justice](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dbrand-tank-case), as the [smartphone saver](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iphone-17-cases) doesn't use an inflatable cushion and instead employs built-in sensors and [eight hook-like springs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spring-phone-case) that deploy when the phone senses it is in free fall. The springs employed in the AD Case allow the phone to bounce harmlessly after they deploy, ensuring that a phone does not take any damage after coming to a rest. From there, the springs can be easily folded back into the case, and are once again prepared for another drop. The design and construction of the AD Case won Frenzel the top award from the German Society for Mechatronics and has been registered as an official patent. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.9/10 - Popularity: 100% | Activity: 100% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Airbag-inspired Phone Cases:** The AD Case uses sensor technology and springs to protect smartphones from drops, presenting an opportunity for innovative phone case designs. - **Built-in Sensor Technology:** The use of built-in sensors in the AD Case opens up possibilities for other industries to develop products with enhanced safety features. - **Foldable Spring Mechanism:** The foldable spring mechanism in the AD Case presents an opportunity for industries to create highly customizable and versatile protective solutions. ### Where This Applies - **Mobile Accessories:** The AD Case innovation paves the way for disruptive phone case solutions in the mobile accessories industry. - **Consumer Electronics:** The use of sensor technology and innovative protective mechanisms in the AD Case can inspire disruptive innovations in the consumer electronics industry. - **Safety Equipment:** The AD Case's unique protective features offer opportunities for disruptive innovation in the safety equipment industry, beyond just phone cases. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Fashionable Inflated Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-case-2.md) - [All-Angle Protection Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rhinoshield-airx.md) - [Super Protective Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bounce-case.md) - [Hyper-Cushioned Smartphone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hypercushionedsmartphone-case.md) - [Impact Protection Smartphone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casetify-bounce-case.md) - [Gorpcore-Inspired Smartphone Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultra-bounce-case.md) - [Chic Skeletal Smartphone Protectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dango-adapt-iphone-case.md) - [Safety-Precaution Wearable Airbags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ydb-airbag.md) - [Scent-Encapsulated Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aroma-scent-phone-case.md)